Hackness Martello Tower and Battery Hoy
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Hackness Martello Tower and Battery Hoy

4.8
·46 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime tours

Best for guided history

CrowdMedium
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Hackness Martello Tower and Battery Hoy

Hackness Martello Tower and Battery Hoy

Best Time

Daytime tours

Best for guided history

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(46 reviews)

"THIS IS A MUST SEE. Glen, the guide, tells you some amazing stories and facts about the past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Martello Tower Tour

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Tour Times in Advance

Tours are the best way to experience Hackness Martello Tower and Battery. Glen, a passionate guide, shares enthralling stories about its social history and inhabitants. Always check the website for current tour schedules before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the Coastal Walk

Beyond the tower and battery, a scenic walk leads to the rocky seafront and an old jetty. Explore the remnants of past industry and enjoy the stunning views. Wear comfortable shoes for this picturesque exploration.

Best Times

When
Daytime tours
Why
Best for guided history
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
For scenic coastal views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended! Guides like Glen are passionate and share amazing stories. Check website for times. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for exploring the tower's steep steps and the rocky seafront walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The tower and surrounding coastline offer amazing photo opportunities. Reddit

🚗 Short Drive from Ferry

Easily accessible via a picturesque drive from the ferry terminal. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Highly recommended! Guides like Glen are passionate and share amazing stories. Check website for times. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for exploring the tower's steep steps and the rocky seafront walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The tower and surrounding coastline offer amazing photo opportunities. Reddit

🚗 Short Drive from Ferry

Easily accessible via a picturesque drive from the ferry terminal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(46 reviews)

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

Passionate and knowledgeable guides
Enthralling social history stories
Well-preserved tower and battery

What People Dislike

Museum/info center closure

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit+1

Yes, guided tours are a highlight! Guides like Glen are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing enthralling stories about the site's social history. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hackness Martello Tower and Battery offers an engaging experience for families. Kids often love the interactive elements, such as the memorable moment of opening the tower door with a large key. Reddit The passionate guides make history come alive with captivating stories, which can hold the attention of younger visitors. The site's unique structure and the walk to the seafront provide opportunities for exploration and adventure. Remember to wear sturdy shoes for navigating the tower's steps and the rocky coastal path. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Enthusiasts & Story Seekers

This is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by social history and compelling narratives. The guides, particularly Glen, are celebrated for their deep knowledge and storytelling prowess, transforming the site into a living history lesson. Reddit+1 You'll hear enthralling tales of the tower's inhabitants and its past, which are so captivating they've been suggested for broader media. The well-preserved structure provides a tangible link to the past, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stories shared. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers

The dramatic coastal setting of Hackness Martello Tower and Battery provides stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the unique architecture of the tower against the rugged Orkney landscape, the atmospheric ruins of the battery, and the picturesque old jetty by the sea. Reddit The panoramic views from the top of the tower are particularly breathtaking and offer a fantastic vantage point for landscape photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Hackness Martello Tower

Hackness Martello Tower and Battery on Hoy is more than just a historical structure; it's a portal into the social history of the area. Unlike a traditional museum, the experience here is deeply rooted in the stories of the people who lived and worked within its walls. Guides like Glen are lauded for their passion and ability to bring these narratives to life, making the history feel personal and enthralling. The tales of individuals like 'Joe' (John) are so compelling they're suggested for books or movies, highlighting the rich human element of this site. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Navigating the Tower: Accessibility and Experience

Visiting Hackness Martello Tower involves a unique physical experience, particularly concerning access. The initial entry to the tower requires ascending steep, ladder-type steps, which can be challenging for some visitors. Once inside, a series of staircases leads down to the basement and up to the roof section, offering different perspectives and areas to explore. This verticality is a key characteristic of Martello towers, designed for defense and observation. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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