
Hackness Martello Tower and Battery Hoy
Explore a historic Martello Tower and battery on Hoy, brought to life by passionate guides sharing captivating social history stories.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for guided history

Hackness Martello Tower and Battery Hoy
Best Time
Best for guided history

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic Martello Tower and battery on Hoy, brought to life by passionate guides sharing captivating social history stories.
"THIS IS A MUST SEE. Glen, the guide, tells you some amazing stories and facts about the past."

🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended! Guides like Glen are passionate and share amazing stories. Check website for times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the tower's steep steps and the rocky seafront walk.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Martello Tower Tour
Hackness Martello Tower
Step back in time with an enthralling guided tour of the well-preserved tower, complete with tales of its past inhabitants.

Battery Complex Exploration
Hackness Battery
Discover the history of the battery and its social significance through engaging stories from knowledgeable guides.

Seaside Walk and Old Jetty
Seafront near Hackness
Enjoy a picturesque walk to the rocky shore, complete with an old jetty and remnants of industrial history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Tour Times in Advance
Embrace the Coastal Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended! Guides like Glen are passionate and share amazing stories. Check website for times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the tower's steep steps and the rocky seafront walk.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower and surrounding coastline offer amazing photo opportunities.
🚗 Short Drive from Ferry
Easily accessible via a picturesque drive from the ferry terminal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended! Guides like Glen are passionate and share amazing stories. Check website for times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for exploring the tower's steep steps and the rocky seafront walk.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower and surrounding coastline offer amazing photo opportunities.
🚗 Short Drive from Ferry
Easily accessible via a picturesque drive from the ferry terminal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hackness Martello Tower and Battery, particularly praising the passionate and knowledgeable guides who bring the site's social history to life with enthralling stories. The well-preserved tower and battery complex, along with the scenic coastal walk, are significant highlights. While the museum might be closed, the guided tours offer an unforgettable experience.
"Regrettably the museum and info centre were closed when we visited but outside access was available to both the Tower and the Battery complex. Also has a lovely walk down to the rocky seafront and old jetty with rusting winding gear from many years ago."
Michael F
"THIS IS A MUST SEE.
This is a great place to visit. Glen, the guide, tells you some amazing stories and facts about the past. His information about the history of the battery and its inhabitants are enthralling. It's not a museum, but it's all about the social history of the place. The tales of Joe (John) should be a book, movie, or both. A documentary about the place should also be produced. The building and tower are in excellent condition, and the views are amazing. It's just a short picturesque drive from the ferry, too.
Check the website for tour times."
Travelling With Crowsfeet
"Glen who showed us around was very informative and very passionate about his job. Me and the family thoroughly enjoy the tower tour especially the kids getting to open the door with the massive key. The tower itself is well preserved and well kept inside and out, there are steep ladder type steps up to the door then staircases inside to enter the basement and the roof section."
Fraser McCarthy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hackness Martello Tower and Battery is a short, picturesque drive from the ferry terminal on Hoy. The journey itself offers lovely views, making it an easy addition to your Orkney itinerary.
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, visitors typically find parking available near the site, especially during tour times. It's advisable to arrive a little early.
Public transport options on Hoy are limited. Having a car is the most convenient way to reach Hackness Martello Tower and Battery. Consider local taxi services if a car isn't an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the exterior of the Tower and Battery complex is often available even when the visitor center is closed. However, for the full experience and guided tours, it's essential to check the website for tour times and booking information.
The museum and info center may have limited hours or be closed seasonally. However, outside access to the Tower and Battery is generally available. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and access.
While specific pricing for general access isn't always detailed, guided tours are highly recommended and may have a fee. It's best to consult the official website for current ticket prices and tour costs.
Outside access to the Tower and Battery complex is usually possible. However, the guided tours offer invaluable insights into the social history and are highly praised by visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the well-preserved Martello Tower, learn about its history through engaging guided tours, and discover the adjacent battery complex. The site also offers a lovely walk down to the rocky seafront and an old jetty.
Yes, guided tours are a highlight! Guides like Glen are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing enthralling stories about the site's social history.
The tower itself has steep, ladder-type steps to the door and staircases inside. The walk to the seafront is along a rocky path, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Children often enjoy the experience, especially getting to open the tower door with a large key. The interactive nature of the tours can be engaging for younger visitors.
The tower offers amazing views of the surrounding coastline and sea. It's a fantastic spot for photography and appreciating the natural beauty of Hoy.
📸 📸 Photography
The Martello Tower itself, the battery ruins, and the dramatic rocky seafront with the old jetty are prime photography locations. The panoramic views from the tower's roof are also spectacular.
Photography is generally permitted inside the tower during tours, allowing you to capture the unique interior and historical features. Always be mindful of other visitors and the guide's instructions.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the coastal scenery and the texture of the stone structures. However, any time during daylight hours offers good opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts & Story Seekers
📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Hackness Martello Tower
Originally built as a defensive structure, the Martello Tower is a distinctive circular fort, a design common in coastal defenses. The adjacent battery would have housed artillery. However, the true magic of Hackness lies in its transformation into a hub of community and personal stories. Visitors consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, noting how they interact with the tour groups and make the history accessible and engaging for all ages. The tower itself is remarkably well-preserved, both inside and out, offering a tangible connection to the past.
The experience extends beyond the tower itself. A walk down to the rocky seafront reveals an old jetty, a poignant reminder of the area's maritime past and industrial heritage, complete with rusting winding gear. This combination of military history, social narratives, and coastal scenery makes Hackness Martello Tower and Battery a truly unique and memorable destination. It’s a place where history isn't just observed, but felt and understood through the voices of those who experienced it.
Navigating the Tower: Accessibility and Experience
While the climb is part of the adventure, it's important for visitors to be aware of their physical capabilities. The guides are known for their engaging approach, and the experience of opening the tower door with a massive key is often highlighted as a fun moment, especially for children. The well-preserved interior allows visitors to appreciate the structure's design and imagine life within its confines centuries ago.
For those who can manage the ascent, the reward is significant. The views from the roof are described as amazing, providing a panoramic outlook over the surrounding landscape and sea. Even if direct access to all levels is difficult, the exterior exploration and the stories shared by the guides offer a rich and fulfilling visit.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit