Churchill Barriers Orkney
Historic WWII causeways connecting Orkney islands, offering scenic drives, sunken ship views, and the unique Italian Chapel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, better views
Churchill Barriers Orkney
Best Time
Clear skies, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic WWII causeways connecting Orkney islands, offering scenic drives, sunken ship views, and the unique Italian Chapel.
"A must-drive for history buffs and scenic lovers, with the stunning Italian Chapel and WWII shipwrecks."
🚗 Drive the Causeways
Experience the historic Churchill Barriers by driving across them, connecting islands with stunning views.
🇮🇹 Visit the Italian Chapel
Don't miss this unique chapel built by Italian POWs; it's a must-see on Lamb Holm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Italian Chapel
Lamb Holm
A stunning chapel built by Italian POWs from scrap materials, a symbol of resilience and faith.
Sunken Blocking Ships
Southern Barriers
See the remnants of ships sunk in WWII to prevent U-boat entry, visible at low tide.
Scenic Drives & Views
Across all Barriers
Enjoy breathtaking coastal views and the unique experience of driving over these historic causeways.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Connecting Islands & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Causeways
Experience the historic Churchill Barriers by driving across them, connecting islands with stunning views. 
🇮🇹 Visit the Italian Chapel
Don't miss this unique chapel built by Italian POWs; it's a must-see on Lamb Holm.
🚢 Spot Sunken Ships
At low tide, you can see the WWII blocking ships between the islands. +1
🐬 Dolphin Sightings
Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the barriers, especially on calm days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Causeways
Experience the historic Churchill Barriers by driving across them, connecting islands with stunning views.
🇮🇹 Visit the Italian Chapel
Don't miss this unique chapel built by Italian POWs; it's a must-see on Lamb Holm.
🚢 Spot Sunken Ships
At low tide, you can see the WWII blocking ships between the islands. +1
🐬 Dolphin Sightings
Keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the barriers, especially on calm days.
📸 Hyperlapse Views
Capture stunning time-lapses of the barriers, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the historical significance and scenic beauty of the Churchill Barriers. The Italian Chapel is a standout attraction, and the opportunity to see WWII shipwrecks adds a unique dimension. Some find the weather can impact the experience, but overall, it's considered a must-visit for its blend of history and natural charm.
"What an awesome site these Churchill barriers are combined with the shipwrecks they are eye dropping. Built under the orders of Churchill to protect British Naval warships from German UBoat attacks after the Ark Royal was hit by UBoat torpedos and sunk with the loss of life."
Alex Watson
"The Barriers are 4 causeways that link the Orkney mainland to Sth Ronaldsay via Burray , Lambs holm and Glimps Holm .This was a late answer to the U Boat problem after the sinking of the Royal Oak by the sub U47 which slinked in between Mainland and Lamb Holm and resulted in 835 of the 1234 crew being killed. after the war the barriers were converted to road links , much of the labour was provided by over 1300 italien pows who also built the nearby Italien chapel on Lambs Holm"
Tork Mackenzie
"There are three of these. You can see the sunken blocking ships on the southern two, but not that I noticed on the first. The third is the most interesting in terms of sunken ships. The barriers now function as causeways for traffic, we cycled over. The third one has viewpoint and an explanatory sign. They were installed during ww2 to prevent further u-boat entry, after HMS Royal Oak was sunk."
James Naismith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Churchill Barriers are located south of Kirkwall. You can drive your own vehicle or take a local bus service. The barriers connect the Orkney mainland to South Ronaldsay, so driving across them is part of the experience.
Yes, there are parking areas available, particularly near viewpoints and the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. These spots can fill up during peak season.
Absolutely! Cycling and walking are popular ways to experience the barriers, offering great views and photo opportunities.
Yes, local bus services operate routes that cross the Churchill Barriers, providing access to the islands they connect. Check local timetables for specific routes.
Driving allows you to easily hop between the different barriers and islands. For a more immersive experience, consider cycling or walking sections of the causeways.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Churchill Barriers are public causeways and are free to access. There are no admission fees.
The Churchill Barriers are always accessible as they are public roads. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
While entry to the chapel itself is free, donations are greatly appreciated to help with its upkeep.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always drive with care as they are active roads. Be mindful of weather conditions, especially when the sea is rough.
Yes, the shipwrecks are visible from the barriers, especially at low tide. Access to walk along the shore near them is usually possible. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can drive or cycle across the causeways, visit the historic Italian Chapel, spot WWII blocking ships, and enjoy scenic coastal views. Some visitors have even seen dolphins. +1
The sunken blocking ships are most visible during low tide. Check local tide times before your visit to maximize your chances of seeing them. +1
Yes, there are viewpoints and explanatory signs, particularly on the third barrier, detailing the history and construction of the Churchill Barriers.
Besides the possibility of seeing dolphins, the coastal environment offers opportunities for birdwatching.
You can drive across them in about 15-20 minutes without stopping. However, to visit the Italian Chapel, explore viewpoints, and look for shipwrecks, allocate at least 1-2 hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scale of the causeways, the historic Italian Chapel, the sunken blocking ships at low tide, and the dramatic coastal scenery. Hyper-lapses at sunset are also popular.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide beautiful light. Misty mornings can create a dramatic, atmospheric effect.
The viewpoints along the barriers offer great perspectives. Driving or cycling allows you to find unique angles of the causeways stretching across the water.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or tourism boards before flying a drone in the area.
Photographing the sunken ships is best done at low tide. Wide-angle lenses can help capture their scale against the surrounding landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy on one of the beaches near the barriers, making it a full day of exploration. Remember to check tide times if you want to see the shipwrecks clearly. The Italian Chapel is a peaceful spot, and its unique construction can spark curiosity. Ensure children are supervised closely near the water and on the roads. The accessibility of the barriers makes them easy to navigate with strollers or for those with mobility challenges.
🚗 Road Trippers & Cyclists
The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels. Plan your route to include stops at the Italian Chapel and the viewpoints overlooking the sunken blocking ships. The barriers are a perfect way to link different attractions on the southern islands of Orkney. Consider combining a trip along the barriers with visits to nearby villages or coastal walks for a comprehensive exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs
Seek out the explanatory signs along the barriers for detailed information about the engineering and military context. The sunken blocking ships are a powerful visual reminder of the threats faced during the war. Consider visiting the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre on Hoy for broader context on Orkney's wartime significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Construction of the Churchill Barriers
These POWs, despite their circumstances, left an indelible mark on Orkney. They not only contributed to the construction of the barriers but also famously transformed an old Nissan hut into the beautiful Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, using scrap materials and their ingenuity. This chapel stands today as a poignant reminder of their presence and resilience. After the war, the barriers were converted into road links, transforming them from defensive structures into essential infrastructure that connects the Orkney mainland to the islands of Burray, Lamb Holm, and South Ronaldsay.
The construction involved the use of an estimated 66,000 cubic meters of concrete and the sinking of old warships to create a foundation. The sheer scale of the project and the historical context make the Churchill Barriers a compelling site for visitors interested in military history and engineering.
Experiencing the Churchill Barriers Today
Beyond the historical significance, the barriers also offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. On calm days, dolphins are frequently seen swimming in the waters around the causeways, adding a magical element to the visit.
The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm remains a major draw, offering a moment of quiet reflection and admiration for its intricate design and the story behind its creation. The surrounding areas also boast beautiful beaches and coastal paths, making the Churchill Barriers a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and heritage of South Ronaldsay and Burray. For photographers, the barriers present a variety of subjects, from the sweeping lines of the causeways to the atmospheric conditions of Orkney's weather. Hyper-lapses capturing the changing light over the sea are particularly popular.
The experience is a blend of historical discovery, natural beauty, and the simple pleasure of traversing these iconic structures that have shaped Orkney's identity. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit