War History Tours

1. The Old Man of Hoy
   3h
   The Old Man of Hoy is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Scotland—a dramatic sea stack rising from the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of the island of Hoy.
   A towering vertical pillar of red sandstone, standing about 137 meters (449 feet) tall
   Sheer, almost perfectly straight sides, giving it a striking, isolated appearance
   Often surrounded by crashing waves and seabirds, adding to its wild, rugged atmosphere.
   The stack was created through coastal erosion:
   Originally part of the mainland cliffs of Hoy
   Over thousands of years, wind and powerful Atlantic waves carved out caves and arches
   Eventually, the arch collapsed, leaving behind this freestanding column
   Interestingly, it’s relatively young in geological terms—first recorded as a stack in the 18th century.
2. Scapa Flow Museum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The Scapa Flow Museum is one of Orkney’s most important historical attractions, telling the story of the islands’ central role in both World Wars.
   A war museum located at Lyness on the island of Hoy
   Built inside a former Royal Navy oil pumphouse from the 1930s
   Focuses on the history of Scapa Flow, once Britain’s main naval base. The site itself is historic—the whole area was a major naval hub during wartime.
   Over 250 artefacts and objects from World War I and II
   Stories of major events like:
   The Battle of Jutland
   The sinking of HMS Royal Oak
   The scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet
   Exhibits showing daily life for thousands of servicemen stationed in Orkney. Modern features like interactive displays, VR, and digital exhibits
   It’s not just about battles—it also shows how the war transformed life in Orkney.
   Originally a fuel pumping station supplying ships in the harbour, Part of the naval base known as HMS Proserpine
   Recently restored and expanded, reopening in 2022.
3. Scapa Flow
   1h
   Scapa Flow is a one of the largest sheltered natural harbour in the Orkney Islands, just south of Kirkwall. It’s one of the most historically important naval anchorages in the world.
   A large, enclosed body of water surrounded by islands like Mainland, Orkney, Hoy, and South Ronaldsay
   Covers about 312 square kilometres (120 sq. mi)
   Naturally protected from the Atlantic by surrounding land, making it ideal for ships. World War I. Base of the British Grand Fleet
   In 1919, it was the site of the Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet
   German crews deliberately sank 57 warships to stop them being seized by the Allies
   Many wrecks still lie on the seabed today. World War II
   Again used as a key Royal Navy base
   In 1939, a German U-boat sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, killing over 800 sailors
   This led to the construction of the Churchill Barriers—causeways linking islands to block submarine access
   One of the top wreck-diving sites in the world.
4. Churchill Barriers
   30m
   The Churchill Barriers are a series of four stone causeways that link the Orkney mainland to several smaller islands, stretching across the eastern side of Scapa Flow.
   Four connected road causeways built between 1940 and 1944
   Link Mainland, Orkney to: Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay
   Carry the modern A961 road, making them both historic and practical. They were constructed during World War II after a major security failure: In 1939, a German submarine slipped into Scapa Flow and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak
   Over 800 sailors were killed
   Winston Churchill ordered permanent barriers to block eastern entrances to the harbour. Built using concrete blocks, rock, and rubble. Much of the labour was carried out by Italian prisoners of war
   Conditions were harsh, especially in winter.
   One remarkable legacy of the workers is the nearby Italian Chapel, a beautifully decorated place of worship they constructed from two Nissen huts.
5. The Italian Chapel
   30m · Admission ticket included
   The Italian Chapel is one of Orkney’s most moving and beautiful landmarks—a small but richly decorated chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
   A tiny Roman Catholic chapel on the island of Lamb Holm
   Constructed between 1943 and 1945
   Built from two Nissen huts joined together
   Located right beside the Churchill Barriers
   Built by Italian POWs captured in North Africa and brought to Orkney. The men were working on the Churchill Barriers
   They wanted a place of worship and were given permission to build one. The chapel was designed and decorated by Domenico Chiocchetti, a talented artist and craftsman.
   Despite its humble materials, the interior is stunning:
   Painted to resemble stone, brick, and marble
   A beautifully detailed altar and sanctuary.
   An ornate metalwork screen made from scrap
   Everything was created using limited wartime materials, yet it looks like a traditional Italian church.
   A symbol of hope, faith, and creativity in difficult conditions.

Pickup details

We can Pick up from Travel Centre Bus station Stand 5
We can also pick up from Cruise Terminal - Northlink Terminal

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness