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St Magnus Church

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Moorland, Farmland

Walking, Photography

Summer to Autumn

Photo: Bob Jones via Geograph.org.uk

St Magnus Church is a roofless twelfth-century church on the small island of Egilsay in Orkney, the last surviving round-towered church in the Northern Isles. A tall, tapering round tower stands at the west end of the plain rectangular nave and chancel, all built with the rounded arches of the Roman...

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FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is St Magnus Church?
Egilsay, a low-lying island within the Orkney archipelago, hosts these historic stone ruins. Catching an inter-island ferry from the mainland provides the easiest way to reach the island pier.

What type of place is St Magnus Church?
St Magnus Church is a ruined medieval Norse round-tower church on the island of Egilsay in Orkney.

When is the best time to visit St Magnus Church?
Summer through to autumn offers the most reliable weather conditions for crossing the water and walking the coastal trails. Brighter seasonal days also ensure excellent visibility across the surrounding waters.

What can you do at St Magnus Church?
Stepping inside the roofless nave allows you to appreciate the surviving masonry and the distinctive round tower. People also enjoy exploring the peaceful grounds while reflecting on the dramatic Viking legends from the Orkneyinga Saga.

How long should I spend at St Magnus Church?
Allocating roughly an hour provides ample time to view the architecture and take photographs. Waking back to the ferry terminal at a leisurely pace easily extends the trip into a half-day outing.

Where do I park at St Magnus Church?
Parking options near St Magnus Church are limited, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest available spots.

Where can I eat near St Magnus Church?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near St Magnus Church, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near St Magnus Church?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near St Magnus Church, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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