Location
The properties are situated at the South End of Stromness, a quiet area a short distance away from the town centre. The waterfront piers are its unique character and the Orkney Escapes owns a pier and quay with access to the sea
Stromness is a place shaped by the sea. Old stone houses are huddled along its sheltered harbour, with a tumbling network of flagstone streets, lanes, piers, and slipways lending a timeless feel to this unique town.
How to find Orkney Escapes Merchants House and Cottage
From the Ferry Terminal by Car
Turn right at the exit on to Ferry Road. At the roundabout turn left past J & A Allen furnishing store and the Fire Station on the right. Take the next turning right on to Back Road and follow the road above Stromness Town to a mini-Roundabout. Turn left and left again on to Hellihole proceed down the hill to a junction. Turn right on to Alfred Street. The road passes the Pole Star Pier on the left and opens out into a square. Best to park in available space there avoiding Private No Parking spaces and any entrances of houses facing the square with no pavement. You may bring the car closer to unload. On exiting you will see a white lime-washed house on the left-hand side. This is the Merchant’s House; you will find the Fisherman’s Cottage at the side of the house down a short alley which takes you to a courtyard.
Arriving from Kirkwall direction by Car
At the roundabout turn right and follow directions above past the fire station.
From the Ferry Terminal / Bus terminus by Foot
It is a 10-minute walk from the Ferry terminal. Take a left turn at the Ferry Road towards the town. You will find a junction with the Stromness Hotel in front of you. Please turn left and follow the road past Argo’s the bakery, the Royal Hotel, Chinese takeaway, Bank Café, Bay Leaf Delicatessen, Stromness Books and prints. The Parish Church, Northlight Gallery at Graham Place at the exit to Graham Place exit up a short incline and follow the road past the Red Shed Scapa Scuba and towards Alfred Street. The street opens out into a square and on exiting you will see a white lime-washed house on the left-hand side. This is the Merchant’s House; you will find the Fisherman’s Cottage at the side of the house down a short alley which takes you to a courtyard.
About Stromness
The maritime heritage of Stromness is the thread that runs right through the town’s story. A haven in Viking times and a final stop for ships of the Hudson’s Bay Company, it’s now the home of Orkney’s dive industry, jewellery making, Stockans Oatcakes and Orkney Fish, Crab and Lobster. It is a ferry gateway to Scotland, and the centre of the pioneering renewable energy industry in the islands.
The harbour is the heart of the town, but elsewhere you’ll discover independent shops, studios, and galleries, as well as the world- renowned Pier Arts Centre with its permanent collection of Mid-Century Art gifted to the Gallery. The best way to see Stromness is to simply take a stroll through the street as it runs from north to south, exploring all the nooks and crannies you can find. Don’t forget to walk up the alleys from the main street like Kyber Pass for different views and paths well worn by inhabitants and seafarers over the years.
The place comes alive in April for the Blues Festival, early May for the Nature Festival and late May for the long-established credited Orkney Folk Festival, with pubs and venues full of live music over four days. Stromness Shopping Week in July celebrates everything the town has to offer.