Churchill Barriers - Orkney

Churchill Barriers

Located at Address: A961, Orkney KW17 2RZ, United Kingdom, the Churchill Barriers are a series of four causeways that span across Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. This historical landmark, a Specialty: Historical landmark, was constructed during World War II to protect the Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow from enemy submarines.

History

The barriers were built between 1940 and 1944, using the wreckage of ships sunk by the British Navy to create a continuous barrier across the flow. The construction was led by Sir Winston Churchill, hence the name 'Churchill Barriers'. They played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the Royal Navy fleet stationed at Scapa Flow during the war.

Architecture and Design

The Churchill Barriers are a remarkable feat of engineering, combining both practicality and aesthetics. The causeways are designed to be wide enough to accommodate vehicles, with carefully placed gaps to allow boats to pass through. The barriers are made of concrete and steel, with the materials sourced from the sunken ships used in their construction. The result is a unique and enduring structure that has become a symbol of resilience and ingenuity.

Tourism and Visitor Experience

The Churchill Barriers have become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at the engineering and history behind them. The barriers provide a unique vantage point to appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Orkney Islands, with views of the rugged coastlines, turquoise waters, and distant cliffs. There are also information signs and viewpoints along the barriers, offering insights into the history and significance of these structures.

Access and Facilities

Access to the Churchill Barriers is straightforward, with well-maintained roads and pathways leading to various viewpoints and vantage points. While there are no specific facilities or visitor centers at the site, the nearby towns and villages offer a range of amenities, including accommodations, restaurants, and shops. The barriers are easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot, making them a versatile destination for tourists and locals alike.

Opinions and Reviews

The Churchill Barriers have garnered a strong reputation among visitors, with a 4.7/5 Average opinion rating based on 57 reviews on Google My Business. Many visitors appreciate the unique blend of history, engineering, and natural beauty that the barriers offer. One reviewer noted, 'The third barrier is the most interesting in terms of sunken ships,' while another praised their 'super effective' ability to protect the Royal Navy base during World War II. Overall, the Churchill Barriers are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply admiring the breathtaking scenery of the Orkney Islands.

👍 Reviews of Churchill Barriers

James N.

3/5

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.

Rory

5/5

Tried to sail through. Barriers stopped me. Barriers are super effective...

Andrew W.

5/5

Absolutely beautiful drive across the causeways. Crystal clear water! Sugar like sand. I'm lucky to have a nice sunny day while we were there. At high and low tide, you can still see the sunken ships between the islands. Also, there are a few viking things to find close by, totem poles, and a few other things. I highly recommend visiting the Italian chapel along the way

Katie P.

5/5

Beautiful shipwrecks and a nice beach you can walk along

Dr R.

5/5

Greetings Space Cadets, The Churchill Barriers are a series of four causeways in the Orkney Islands, United Kingdom, with a total length of 1.5 miles (2.3 km). They link the Orkney Mainland in the north to the island of South Ronaldsay via Burray and the two smaller islands of Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.

In 14 October 1939, the Royal Navy battleship HMS Royal Oak was sunk at her moorings within the natural harbour of Scapa Flow in a night-time attack by the German U-boat U-47 under the command of Günther Prien.

The barriers were built in the 1940s primarily as naval defences to protect the anchorage at Scapa Flow, but now serve as road links, carrying the A961 road from Kirkwall to Burwick.

The barriers are numbered from north to south. In 2016, Historic Environment Scotland designated barriers 3 and 4 as Category A listed buildings.

Jayven P. J. W.

5/5

Really interesting bridge connecting the small Orkney Islands! There is a nearby airbase so you get to see planes take off occasionally 🙂

Marc D.

5/5

What an experience to visit the deep anchorage for the allied fleet of world war 2, remarkable what they had to do to keep out the Nazi Uboats, ships are still visible today, a truly remarkable place

Orkney H.

5/5

Epic examples of WWII architecture