Ness Battery Stromness
Explore WWII coastal defenses and a poignant soldier's mural on a guided tour of Ness Battery, Orkney.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Essential for access & info
Ness Battery Stromness
Best Time
Essential for access & info
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII coastal defenses and a poignant soldier's mural on a guided tour of Ness Battery, Orkney.
"A fascinating and important site, brought to life all the more by the brilliant tour."
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are the only way to access most of Ness Battery. Book online in advance! :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain is uneven and can be muddy. Good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Battery's Coastal Defenses
Coastal area
Explore the remnants of World War II coastal defenses, including gun emplacements and searchlight stations. A glimpse into Orkney's strategic wartime past.
The Mess Hall Mural
Inside the accessible hut
Marvel at the stunning and poignant artwork within the mess hall, a testament to the soldiers' lives and creativity during the war.
Guided Tour Insights
Throughout the battery
Gain deep knowledge from passionate guides like Andy, who bring the history of Ness Battery and Orkney's war effort to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are the only way to access most of Ness Battery. Book online in advance! :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain is uneven and can be muddy. Good walking shoes are a must.
🧥 Dress for Orkney Weather
Layers are key! Be prepared for wind and potential rain, even in summer.
💰 Incredible Value Tour
At £6 per person for over an hour, the guided tour is a fantastic bargain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours are the only way to access most of Ness Battery. Book online in advance! :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain is uneven and can be muddy. Good walking shoes are a must.
🧥 Dress for Orkney Weather
Layers are key! Be prepared for wind and potential rain, even in summer.
💰 Incredible Value Tour
At £6 per person for over an hour, the guided tour is a fantastic bargain.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal views are dramatic, especially with moody skies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ness Battery for its fascinating historical significance and the exceptional quality of the guided tours. The knowledgeable guides, particularly Andy, are frequently highlighted for bringing the site's past to life. The mess hall mural is a standout feature, offering a poignant human element. The tours are considered excellent value for money, though access is limited to specific days and times.
"Love anything to do with WW1/2, this place is so interesting and our guide Andy was so knowledgeable. By guided tours only and only on certain days, but it's so worth it. Be sure to check out the artwork in the only hut you can get into, it's stunning."
Anne Mcleod
"Andy does this walking tour only certain days, best for normal fitness. Not much accessible at any other time.
Tour was excellent, learnt lots about the way defences were designed and built and the technologies used including the remote control of searchlights, communication networks etc.
went into the mess hall and view fabulous mural as Andy filled in details of the artist and his family.
Well worth doing this tour."
Colin MacKillop
"A really fascinating and important site, brought to life all the more by the brilliant tour Andy gave a group of us. The weather wasn’t kind, but that almost made the experience even more realistic! Highly recommend booking a tour with Andy at nessbattery.co.uk - £6 per person for more than an hour of really interesting information about Ness Battery and the war effort in Orkney is a complete bargain!"
Brian L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ness Battery is located on the outskirts of Stromness. While you can see it from the golf course, access is primarily via guided tours which often meet at a designated point. Check the official website for exact meeting locations and directions.
Public transport options directly to Ness Battery are limited. It's best to check local bus routes in Stromness and be prepared for a walk, or consider a taxi. The guided tours are the most reliable way to experience the site.
While you can drive towards the general area, access to the historical battery structures is restricted and managed by guided tours. Parking availability may vary, so confirm with your tour operator.
From Stromness town, Ness Battery is a walk along the coast. Many visitors enjoy the scenic coastal walk, which offers views towards the battery.
Parking is not typically available directly at the historical battery site itself, as access is controlled by guided tours. It's advisable to park in Stromness and walk or arrange transport with your tour provider.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, access to Ness Battery is exclusively through guided tours, and you must book tickets in advance online via nessbattery.co.uk.
Ness Battery operates on specific tour days and times, not general opening hours. You must book a tour to visit. Check the official website for the current schedule.
Tours are very reasonably priced, typically around £6 per person for a tour lasting over an hour, offering excellent value.
No, access to the historical structures and the full experience of Ness Battery is only available via a guided tour.
It's highly recommended to book your tour as far in advance as possible, especially during peak season, as tours have limited capacity and sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore World War II coastal defenses, including gun emplacements, searchlight stations, and the mess hall with its remarkable mural. The guided tour provides context for all these features.
Guided tours usually last for over an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the site's history and significance.
The terrain can be uneven and is not fully accessible. The guided tour involves walking. It's best to contact the tour operators directly to discuss specific accessibility concerns.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers. Be prepared for wind and potential rain, as Orkney weather is changeable.
Restroom facilities may be limited or unavailable at the battery site itself. It's advisable to use facilities in Stromness before your tour. Confirm with your tour provider.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic coastal landscapes, the imposing gun emplacements, and the unique mess hall mural offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The moody Orkney skies add to the atmosphere.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Ness Battery. However, always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light, especially with the dramatic Orkney skies. However, the historical significance is present throughout the day.
Drone usage may be restricted due to proximity to potential flight paths or for preservation reasons. It's best to check with local authorities or the tour operators before flying a drone.
The viewpoints overlooking the sea from the gun emplacements offer stunning vistas. The area around the mess hall also provides unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the terrain can be uneven, making it challenging for very young children or strollers, older kids will likely enjoy the sense of discovery. The mess hall mural is a fascinating visual element that can spark conversations about the lives of soldiers. Remember to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes for everyone.
🚶 History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
Pay special attention to the mess hall mural, a rare piece of personal expression from soldiers stationed here. The detailed explanations of communication networks and searchlight operations by guides will be particularly appreciated. This is an opportunity to connect with a significant period of history in a tangible way.
📸 Photographers
Key photographic subjects include the gun emplacements against the sea, the unique mess hall mural, and the overall landscape. Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light, though the site is photogenic in various conditions. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for exploring the terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strategic Importance of Ness Battery
The construction and operation of Ness Battery involved a considerable number of personnel, and the site includes various structures that supported these efforts. Exploring the gun emplacements, searchlight stations, and command posts offers a tangible connection to the wartime activities that took place here. The remote control of searchlights and communication networks were advanced technologies for their time, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the defenses.
Understanding the historical context of Ness Battery enriches the visitor experience. It's not just a collection of old structures, but a place that witnessed significant historical events and contributed to the broader war effort. The guided tours are instrumental in conveying this importance, bringing the site's past to life with detailed explanations and anecdotes.
A Glimpse into Soldiers' Lives: The Mess Hall Mural
The mural is described as stunning and is a highlight for many visitors. It provides a human element to the historical site, showcasing the creativity and resilience of the men stationed there. The details of the artist and his family, often shared by guides, add another layer of poignancy to the artwork.
This artistic expression serves as a powerful reminder that behind the military operations were individuals with lives, families, and emotions. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the importance of art even in the most challenging circumstances. The artwork in the only hut you can get into is a must-see for its historical and emotional significance.
The Value of Guided Tours at Ness Battery
Guides like Andy are praised for their knowledge and ability to convey complex information about defense designs, technologies, and the daily lives of soldiers. They fill in the gaps, explaining the purpose of each structure and the broader context of Orkney's role in the war effort. The tours are considered a bargain at around £6, offering over an hour of engaging content.
For anyone interested in military history, local heritage, or simply gaining a deeper understanding of World War II in Orkney, booking a guided tour is highly recommended. It transforms a visit from a passive observation into an immersive and educational journey through time.
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