Lamb Holm
Island Orkney island noted for the ornate WWII Italian Chapel
Off Orkney’s Mainland, Lamb Holm is chiefly known for the Italian Chapel built by WWII POWs; visitors combine the tiny island’s wartime architecture with coastal walks along the Churchill Barriers.
Lamb Holm is a small island in Orkney, Scotland, located among the Churchill Barriers and connected to neighboring islands by causeways. It is primarily known for the Italian Chapel, a well-preserved wartime chapel built on the island.
The island’s main point of interest is the Italian Chapel, constructed and decorated by Italian prisoners of war in 1943-44 using two Nissen huts and donated materials; it attracts visitors for its architecture and wartime history. The rest of the island is rural and low-lying, with limited facilities.
During World War II Italian POWs who were billeted on islands in the area built and decorated the chapel while working on the Churchill Barriers. The chapel was later restored and is maintained as a historic monument.
Lamb Holm sits between the islands of Burray and Mainland Orkney and is reached via the Churchill Barriers from Mainland Orkney; it lies within the parish and island group administered from Kirkwall.
- Italian Chapel: Constructed by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War, the chapel is the island's main tourist attraction and is open to visitors year-round.
What to See #
- Italian Chapel: A small corrugated-iron chapel interior built from two Nissen huts and richly decorated by Italian prisoner-artist Domenico Chiocchetti during 1943-44; the chapel remains the island's principal historic attraction and is maintained as a heritage site.
How to Get to Lamb Holm #
Lamb Holm is one of the Orkney islands linked to Mainland Orkney by the Churchill Barriers causeways. From Kirkwall (the main town) it is a short drive across the barriers - typically around 15-20 minutes by car; Stagecoach Orkney runs bus services from Kirkwall toward Burray/Lamb Holm that stop near the Italian Chapel. The chapel/attractions are a short walk from the roadside parking or bus stop.
Tips for Visiting Lamb Holm #
- Arrive early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the short‑tour groups and cruise visitors who tend to visit mid‑day; the chapel is small and can feel crowded otherwise.
- Drive or walk onto Lamb Holm via the Churchill Barriers and use the small roadside parking near the Italian Chapel rather than trying to park on the narrow island roads; the approach gives good photo opportunities of the Barriers.
- Don't rush past the exterior: spend a few minutes inside the Italian Chapel to appreciate the detailed tin‑work and painted decoration, and look for the site's wartime memorials and interpretive panels around the chapel.
Best Time to Visit Lamb Holm #
Best visited in summer for easier access, long daylight and the highest chance of calm weather; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Lamb Holm #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1032 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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