Scapa Beach is a gorgeous sandy stretch, sitting under the watchful eye of Scapa Distillery.
There is a car park and toilets.
The HMS Royal Oak Memorial, next to the car park, remembers Scapa Flow’s role during the war.
The Royal Oak battleship was the first WW2 to be sunk on October 13–14, 1939, when 835 men and boys lost their lives to the attack made by a German U-boat.
Initially, the number was thought to be 834; however, Orkney wartime historian Brian Budge’s research states that 835 lost their lives.
Getting There and Location
Scapa Flow is the great sheltered basin ringed by the southern isles, easily reached from Kirkwall – Scapa Beach is a five-minute drive from the town. The Scapa Flow Museum sits across the water at Lyness on Hoy, reached by the Houton car ferry.
What You Will See
This enormous natural harbour was Britains main naval base in both world wars. In 1919 the interned German High Seas Fleet was scuttled here by its own crews, and in 1939 HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed with the loss of 833 men, now a protected war grave. Scapa Beach offers a gentle sandy contrast, with a memorial nearby.
What to See Nearby
The excellent Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy tells the full wartime story with restored buildings and artefacts. The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel lie along the eastern edge, and the anchorage remains a world-class site for wreck diving among the sunken German fleet.
Practical Tips
Walk Scapa Beach for an easy stop near Kirkwall,Take the Houton ferry to the Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy,Pay respects at the HMS Royal Oak memorial,Combine with the Churchill Barriers drive,Divers should book charters well in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the German fleet at Scapa Flow?
After the First World War the German High Seas Fleet was interned at Scapa Flow. In June 1919, fearing the ships would be seized, their crews scuttled them – sinking 52 vessels. Several wrecks remain on the seabed and are now among the worlds most famous dive sites.
Can you visit the HMS Royal Oak memorial?
Yes, there is a memorial to the 833 men lost when HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed in 1939. The wreck itself is a designated war grave and off-limits to divers, but the memorial and the Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy tell the story respectfully.
