OrkneyIslandsSANDWICKStPeter(descalhounCC-BY-SA2.0)1 DescalHoun

St Peter

A rare survival of a quite exceptional unaltered Scots Parish Kirk of 1836.

Sandwick, Orkney Islands

Opening times

Open April to October 10am to 6pm.
Open November to March by arrangement.

Address

Northdyke Church
Sandwick
Orkney Islands
KW16 3LS

View map

59.0589201, -3.3363102

St Peter’s is situated on a rugged and exposed site, commanding views over the Bay of Skaill with Skara Brae in the distance. A simple lime washed building, the church’s only exterior ornamentation is a low bellcote with a ball finial. The interior is dominated by a towering pulpit reaching to gallery height, flanked by round headed windows. The austere space powerfully evokes the experience of Presbyterian worship in the 19th century when over 500 packed the building, each allowed a mere 18 inches of pew.

In the care of Historic Churches Scotland.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Local Historic/Redundant Churches Trust

Contact information

0131 563 5135

Church website

Gallery

OrkneyIslandsSANDWICKStPeter(descalhounCC-BY-SA2.0)1
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Other nearby churches

St Peter

Brough of Birsay, Orkney Islands

Today, the Brough of Birsay is a small tidal island off the Orkney mainland. Between the 600s and 1200s AD, the area was settled by the Picts and Norse.

St Magnus Cathedral

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

St Magnus Cathedral known as the Light in the North and founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus, dominates Kirkwall on Orkney.