Hackness Martello Tower and Battery

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Overview

Explore mighty coastal defences built to protect merchant shipping interests during the Napoleonic Wars. These rare and well-preserved military remains never saw action.

What to see and do

  • Look out from the Martello Tower towards Crockness Tower, enjoying views across Longhope Sound to Scapa Flow
  • Get up close to the battery – the remarkable and rare survival is full of interesting features
  • Explore the rooms inside Martello Tower and imagine what life was like for those stationed here
  • See evidence of barracks life – including barrack room furniture and other military memorabilia
  • Hackness and surrounding area is a haven for bird spotting? Give our bird bingo a go when visiting
  • Discover nearly 5,000 years of Orkney’s history and prehistory, including Hackness Martello Tower and Battery, with our Orkney Digital Guide. Purchase as an Add-On when booking your ticket, or buy the Orkney Digital Guide from our online shop

Opening times

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Mon to Thur, Guided tours at 10.15am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. 

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Closed

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