Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars mainly due to Scapa Flow, one of the world’s great naval bases.
This Orkney tour focuses on the wartime heritage of the south isles and Scapa Flow before heading west to visit other key wartime sites.
Your tour includes:
- Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers: historic naval base and defensive barriers
- Italian Chapel and Camp 60: created by Italian prisoners of war captured in North Africa and brought to Orkney to build the Churchill Barriers.
- Battle of Orkney: overview of the Luftwaffe's bombing raids on Orkney in 1940
- Royal Oak Memorial Garden: moving display dedicated to those who tragically lost their lives when the battleship was torpedoed by a German U-boat in October 1939.
- HMS Sparrowhawk –history of Royal Naval Air Station Hatston
- Panoramic views of Scapa Flow and the location of the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet
At a glance:
- Duration: all day tour; ( for cruise liner guests tour duration is typically 5 hours)
- Group size: Private- up to 7 people: you will have your local guide and our vehicle all to yourself
- Vehicle: travel in style in our comfortable, spacious and fully licensed vehicle
- Pick up/drop off: your accommodation or cruise liner
- STGA credited: Scottish Tourist Guides Association Approved Guide
Why choose Graham:
- Local history teacher offering in-depth knowledge, unique personal insights and captivating stories to bring your wartime tour to life
- Mystery detours to local military sites off the beaten track;
- New for 2026: 100% REFUND ( less entry fees already paid for) if your cruise ship cancels due to bad weather
