Inside ‘UK’s most welcoming town’ where locals leave their keys inside their cars and their front doors unlocked
THE UK’s most welcoming town is so safe locals leave their keys inside their cars and the front door to their homes unlocked.
Kirkwall in Orkney, Scotland, has recently been dubbed the friendliest place in the country, according to a new study.
One taxi driver living in the area said he left his phone, wallet and car keys on the seat of his unlocked car.
For four days, nothing was touched or stolen.
The same cabbie then dropped his wallet filled with £850 in cash on the floor at Kirkwall Airport – which a stranger handed in for him.
The easy-going locals welcome visitors and are more than happy to chat away.
Tour guide and resident Brian Alexander told the MailOnline: “We like to think we’re reasonably hospitable [in Kirkwall].”
Voted the number one most welcoming destination by Booking.com, Kirkwall climbed from its previous second position.
As the largest town in the Orkney archipelago, it has something for evreyone.
You can soak up the Viking heritage, wallow in the stunning natural beauty and local wildlife on one of the island’s many nature or beach walks or indulge in fine seafood, whisky and entertainment.
Steeped in rich history, Kirkwall was only founded 1,000 years ago before coming under Scottish rule in the 15th century.
The town’s cathedral, St Magnus, is Britain’s most northerly one.
Its dungeons also used to hold women who were on trial for being witches.
During the summer months each year, the town greets tourists with open arms as they step of cruise ships.
Skara Brae, just an hours train journey from Kirkwall, is a Neolithic settlement older than Stonehenge and attracts tourists every year.
Surrounded by natural beauty and stunning scenery, the seafront is also right on your doorstep.
One hotel, the Highland Park House, is an impressive Victorian mansion located in the countryside.
It’s a short drive from Kirkwall town centre, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Ring of Brodgar.
Panoramic coastal views, hills to climb and beaches to stroll along surround the property.
