Anchored in Time: Exploring the Wonders of Scapa Flow Museum
2024-06-18
The Scapa Flow Museum, located on the island of Hoy in Orkney, Scotland, is a captivating destination. History buffs and those interested in the military past will have a lovely day visiting it. For families, it is also a great day out and an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibits, artefacts, and interactive displays that bring to life the stories of the sailors, ships, and wartime operations that defined this historic site. Read on to learn more about the Scapa Flow Museum and its wonders.
History of Scapa Flow Museum
Named after a body of water north of Scotland, Scapa Flow Museum reflects Orkney’s involvement in the first and second World Wars. During World War I and World War II, Scapa Flow served as the main base for the British Grand Fleet, playing a strategic role in naval warfare.
The museum was opened in 1990 in Lyness on the Island of Hoy and is currently one of the most interesting war museums in the country. Scapa Flow Museum details the role of the two World Wars on the lives of Orkney residents and showcases Orkney Islands’ military involvements in the two wars. Artefacts and exhibits help the story of this involvement come to life and give a chance to get a full view of life in the first half of the 20th century.
The Main Highlights
The Scapa Flow Museum boasts a wide array of highlights that captivate and educate visitors. The museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and an outdoor trail showcasing wartime remnants. Here are some of the museum’s highlights:
The Main Building
The original building of the Scapa Flow Museum was constructed in 1937, and was a pumphouse. In this place, fleets will get their fuel oil from storage tanks. ‘Wilson Lancashire Type Boilers’, one of the many original pieces of equipment in the building, generated the steam used to operate the pumps.
The pumphouse was still used after the war, but it was closed in 1957. The NATO and Royal Navy continued using it, however, as an oil fuel depot until 1976.
This building has been meticulously preserved and renovated to accommodate a wide range of exhibits and displays. Inside, visitors will find a rich collection of artefacts and memorabilia from Scapa Flow's naval past, including detailed models of ships, personal items belonging to sailors, and extensive photographic archives.
The Extension
The extension of the Scapa Flow Museum adds a contemporary dimension to the historical narrative presented in the Main Building. At the extension, which was opened in 2022, visitors will get a chance to see even more fascinating exhibits and artefacts. Here you will learn much more about the wartime history of Lyness, the expansion of salvage industries, and the tragic stories of shipwrecks and sinkings.
German High Seas Fleet Gun
A 15 cm gun is put on display in the Romney Hut of the museum. This large naval artillery piece was salvaged from one of the German warships scuttled in Scapa Flow in 1919.
This gun belonged to SMS Bremse, a vessel of the German High Seas Fleet from World War I. SMS Bremse was one of 73 vessels that were positioned in Scapa Flow at the end of the war. The orders were to sink the remaining ships or break them apart. This gun is a remnant they kept and is now on display after a period of conservation.
Visiting Scapa Flow Museum
A visit to the Scapa Flow Museum offers a unique journey through maritime history set against the stunning backdrop of the Orkney Islands. The museum is open throughout the year, except for January and February.
The entry is free for all, though donations are welcome. The visiting hours are from 9 am to 4 pm all days of the week except for Sundays. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions on certain dates, and it is good to check the schedule before a visit.
Depending on where you come from, there are different ways to get to Lyness. The museum is accessible by ferry from the Orkney mainland to the island of Hoy. If you are in Houton, southeast of Stromness, it is better to catch the Holyhad ferry.
If you are interested in buying a gift or taking a look at the local crafts, check out the museum shop. There is also a cafe on site to help you relax after a long visit. The cafe serves different meals, and cakes and drinks are also available throughout the day.
For your stay, you may opt for The Stromness Hotel and a lovely meal at the Scapa Flow Restaurant. If your visit to the museum is part of a bigger tour of the Orkney Islands, Stromness Hotel is the best place to choose for a relaxing long stay.
Tags:Orkney
