Hackness Martello Tower and Battery

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.

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.

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.

Just had a wonderful guided tour. The two guys were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Highly recommend the tour.

A very knowledgeable and friendly guide who interacted with members of the tour. Well worth a visit,just for the whole history of the area.

So much history. Pirates WW1 and WW2 intrigue told through the story of one amazing man.Not just a tower.....visit and find out .

June 2022. Excellent guided tour of the tower and barracks. The guide had an in depth knowledge of the background to the building of the site and it's use over the centuries, all presented in a friendly and understandable way. Thank you. You need to be able to climb high steel steps to access the tower itself, but it has good flat treads and handrails. The view from the top was fabulous. Well worth a visit when on Hoy.

A superb tour and experience. The tour guide, Glenn, delivered the tour with remarkable knowledge, humour and insight, and all off the top of his head. The display and stories around John Cload do deserve a movie to be made, sone truly extraordinary experiences. Covering the Napoleonic, WW1 and WW2 periods, this will take up a good chunk of a morning or afternoon, but is an entertaining and educational experience that brings the times to life. Well done Glenn.