Name: Kirbuster Museum
Rating: 5.0

Kirbuster Museum

Birsay, The Orkney Isles, The Highlands, KW17 2LR, Scotland

1-99 Years

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Description

Kirbuster Museum is a rare and atmospheric survival of Orcadian history, offering a genuine step back in time. Located in the parish of Birsay, it is the last un-restored example of a traditional Northern European "firehoose," featuring a central hearth and a peat fire. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Birsay if you are looking for a unique farm museum that lets children see exactly how islanders lived and worked over four centuries ago.

Admission to the museum is free, although donations are welcomed to support the upkeep of this historic site. Because it is run by the local council, there are no hidden spectator fees or mandatory extras, making it a highly cost-effective day out.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines rustic charm, authentic heritage, and outdoor space, Kirbuster Museum is a top-tier choice. Children can explore the Trowie Trail in the garden, play a round of putting on the green, or marvel at a whalebone arch, making it a surprisingly interactive destination for all ages.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Educational Day Out: Discover four centuries of family life through a site that remained inhabited from 1595 until the 1960s.
Interactive History: Kids can experience the unique "firehoose" layout where smoke exits through a hole in the roof rather than a chimney.
Outdoor Fun: The site features Victorian gardens and a wooded area, along with family-friendly games like putting.
Traditional Crafts: The museum environment preserves locally used tools and items, keeping Orkney’s rural heritage alive.

Top 5 Highlights

The Central Hearth: Unlike modern homes, the firehoose features a fire in the middle of the room. It's a sensory experience for children, who can smell the peat smoke and see the "lum" (hole) in the roof where it escapes.
The Neuk Bed: This is a stone bed built directly into the thick walls of the house. Children find it fascinating to see how stone was used to create furniture and how small sleeping quarters used to be in the 16th century.
The Whalebone Arch: Located in the garden, this iconic entrance is made from the massive jawbones of a whale. It provides a great scale of nature for kids to walk under and explore.
The Trowie Trail: A magical trail in the back garden designed specifically to keep younger visitors engaged as they search for the "Trowies" (mythical Orkney creatures) hidden amongst the trees.
The Implement Shed: This large byre houses a collection of vintage farming tools and machinery. It’s a great place for kids to see the mechanical history of farming before modern tractors.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets are located next to the entrance of the building.
Museum Shop: Sells a range of books, local crafts, and small gifts.
Accessibility: An induction loop is available at the reception desk for those with hearing impairments.
Pet Policy: Only assistance dogs are permitted within the museum buildings.
Food: There is no café on-site, but picnic areas are available in the gardens for families who bring their own snacks.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Layer Up: The museum consists of unheated stone buildings and a garden. Even in summer, the Orkney breeze can be chilly, so bring extra layers for the kids.
Combining Trips: Since a visit usually takes about an hour, plan your day to include the nearby Birsay coastline to make the most of your travel.
Check the Weather: As many of the activities (putting and the Trowie Trail) are outdoors, this is best enjoyed on a fair-weather day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kirbuster Museum worth it for toddlers? Yes, Kirbuster Museum is excellent for toddlers because it offers plenty of outdoor space and the sensory experience of the central peat fire. While the historical details are for older kids, toddlers enjoy searching for Trowies on the garden trail and playing on the putting green.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 1 and 2 hours exploring the farm buildings and the garden. Because the site is compact, it is a great "half-day" activity that can be easily paired with a visit to the nearby Birsay beaches.
Where is the best place to park for Kirbuster Museum? The best place to park is the official on-site car park, which provides free parking for all visitors. It is located right at the entrance, making it very convenient for families with buggies or young children.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Birsay for kids? Kirbuster Museum is one of the best free indoor activities in Birsay, providing shelter inside the historic farm buildings. While the site has outdoor elements, the main "firehoose" and the implement sheds offer a dry place to explore the history of Orkney on a rainy day.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The Peat Fire: The smell and warmth of the central fire are frequently cited as the highlight of the trip.
Authenticity: Many families appreciate that it isn't "over-restored," giving a true sense of how people lived in the past.
Putting Green: Having a simple game like putting available makes it feel like more of a day out for energetic children.

What Visitors Don't Like

No On-site Café: Parents need to plan ahead and bring a picnic or travel to a nearby village for lunch.
Seasonal Opening: Like many Orkney attractions, it is closed during the winter months.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction: The museum is located in the beautiful West Mainland of Orkney. A popular pairing is a visit to the Corrigall Farm Museum, which offers a Victorian-era comparison to Kirbuster’s older style. You can also head to the nearby Brough of Birsay, a tidal island with Viking ruins, though you must check the tide times before crossing the causeway.
New for 2026: For the 2026 season, the museum continues to offer its updated Trowie Trail with fresh seasonal activities for children. Visitors should check the official council website for any specific temporary exhibitions or community events that often take place during the summer months.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

For venue hire or event inquiries, please contact the museum team at museum@orkney.gov.uk to discuss potential private gatherings.

Museum & Grounds: Mar – Oct 2025

Mon to Sat: 10:30am to 5:00pm (closed between 1:00pm and 2:00pm)
Sun: 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Address: Birsay, The Orkney Isles, The Highlands, KW17 2LR, Scotland

Post Code: KW17 2LR

Council: The Orkney Isles

County: The Highlands

By Car: Follow the A967 or A966 toward Birsay. The museum is located on a minor road approximately one mile north-east of the village of Twatt.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site in the museum's dedicated car park.