Background

HMS Tern (RNAS Twatt): Orkney’s WWII Naval Air Station

Explore HMS Tern, Orkney’s preserved WWII naval air station, where history and rugged landscapes meet in a unique wartime heritage site.

4.6

HMS Tern, also known as Royal Naval Air Station Twatt, is a historic WWII naval airfield near Twatt, Orkney. Established in 1941, it served as a key training and operational base for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, supporting squadrons from the Home Fleet. Many original buildings remain, including a distinctive bomb-defended control tower, offering a poignant glimpse into wartime aviation history amid Orkney’s rugged landscape.

A brief summary to HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the site covers uneven terrain with remnants of old buildings and runways.
  • Visit the control tower exterior for iconic views of the airfield’s defensive architecture.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper historical context and access detailed stories.
  • Bring weather-appropriate clothing; Orkney’s coastal climate can be windy and changeable.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Kirkwall to the West Mainland area near Twatt, with travel times around 30 to 45 minutes. Services are infrequent, so check schedules in advance. Tickets cost approximately £5–£8 one way.

  • Car

    Driving from Kirkwall to HMS Tern takes about 20 to 25 minutes via the A965 and minor roads. Parking is limited near the site, so plan accordingly. No parking fees apply.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from Kirkwall to HMS Tern typically take 20 minutes and cost around £25–£35. Availability varies, so booking in advance is recommended.

HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt) location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)

Origins and Strategic Role in WWII

Royal Naval Air Station Twatt, commissioned as HMS Tern in April 1941, was constructed to bolster the Royal Navy’s air capabilities in Orkney during World War II. Situated near Twatt on Mainland Orkney, it was part of a network of airfields supporting the Home Fleet anchored in Scapa Flow, a crucial naval base. HMS Tern primarily functioned as a training airfield and a staging ground for squadrons disembarking from aircraft carriers, providing vital support to naval aviation operations in the North Atlantic.

Architectural Features and Surviving Structures

The airfield’s layout included runways, hangars, barracks, and operational buildings, many of which survive today. The most iconic structure is the control tower, uniquely designed with an exposed upper floor serving as the control room, protected by earth banks to deflect bomb blasts. Though the control tower is only accessible externally, its preservation offers a tangible connection to the wartime environment. Other remnants include the camp cinema’s front facade and memorials that enrich the site’s historical atmosphere.

Military Units and Aircraft

HMS Tern hosted several Fleet Air Arm squadrons, including the 771 Naval Air Squadron, which relocated here in 1942. The base was equipped to accommodate amphibious aircraft such as the Supermarine Walrus, used for reconnaissance and fleet support. The station played a pivotal role in training and preparing aircrew for operations, supporting the Royal Navy’s strategic objectives in the region until its closure in 1945, with maintenance continuing until the late 1950s.

Postwar Legacy and Preservation

After WWII, HMS Tern was placed on care and maintenance before closing fully in the mid-20th century. Proposals to expand the site into a NATO base were ultimately abandoned. Today, the airfield is a historical landmark, with many original buildings standing as silent witnesses to Orkney’s wartime past. Guided tours and self-guided visits enable visitors to explore the site’s layout and reflect on its role in naval aviation history.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Nestled in Orkney’s scenic West Mainland, HMS Tern offers a tranquil yet evocative environment. The site lies near the Loch of Isbister and is surrounded by rugged landscapes typical of Orkney. Visitors can appreciate the juxtaposition of natural beauty with remnants of military infrastructure, gaining insight into the challenges faced by service personnel stationed here during the war.

Commemorative Elements and Cultural Importance

Memorials on site honor those who served and sacrificed during the air station’s operational years. The preserved structures and interpretive materials contribute to the cultural heritage of Orkney, highlighting the strategic significance of the islands in WWII. HMS Tern stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and remains a key historical attraction for military history enthusiasts and visitors to Orkney alike.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)

Popular Hotels near HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)

Select Currency