South of Kirkwall
Italian Chapel & Churchill Barriers
A wartime Orkney story within reach of many cruise calls — compact enough for shorter days, memorable enough to anchor a half-day south of town.
Churchill Barriers
The Churchill Barriers are causeways built during the Second World War to block eastern approaches to Scapa Flow after the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. Today they carry the road south from Mainland Orkney toward Burray and South Ronaldsay. On a clear day the drive itself is part of the experience — wreckage and block ships remain visible in places depending on tide and light.
The Italian Chapel
On Lamb Holm, Italian prisoners of war transformed two Nissen huts into a chapel with remarkable painted detail. It is one of Orkney’s most visited wartime sites and pairs naturally with a Barriers drive. Check access and any donation / entry arrangements for your date; facilities are modest compared with major Historic Environment Scotland hubs.
Fitting it into a cruise call
From Kirkwall the Barriers route is shorter than a full west Mainland Neolithic circuit, which makes it a strong option when hours are limited — still leave time for the return to Hatston or your tender point. Combined with Skara Brae in a single rushed day is possible only with generous published times and disciplined pacing.
See also things to do from a cruise ship and our guided highlights tour, which can include the Chapel when the day’s plan allows.
Need help planning your Kirkwall call?
Tell us your ship date and how long you expect ashore — we will reply with an honest fit for the Orkney Charm & Highlights tour or suggest a simpler port-day option.