Things to do & places to visit in Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

Shetland Islands #85 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.61 based on 4.525 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 2:06.

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Shetland Museum and Archives (988 reviews)
- Number one thing to do in lerwick
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Shetland Museum and Archives is located on Hay's Dock, which was restored during the building of this award winning visitor attraction. Discover the islands' many secrets through the exhibits and displays. Also be sure to visit Da Gadderie, the museum's temporary exhibition area which hosts a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year. Shetland Museum and Archives is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is currently no café facilities. See more..
5.0 Croft House Museum (185 reviews)
- Your trip to Shetland wouldn't be complete without visiting the Croft House Museum.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We will be open for the 2022 summer season from Sunday 1st May, closing for the winter on Sunday 2nd October 2022. To book your ticket, please visit: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/smaa/event/view/158259 See more..
5.0 Mousa Iron Age Broch (72 reviews)
- Best Visitor Attraction in Scotland
Ancient Ruins

This is undoubtedly the best visitor attraction in Scotland- as listed as the Number 1 vistor attraction in Scotland by THE ROUGH GUIDE See more..
5.0 Eshaness Cliffs (69 reviews)
- Stunning coastline
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

What a stunning coastline, quite windy but that is why the cliffs are so dramatic I guess. If in the area, take an hour or two to stroll the cliffs & experience the thrill of the waves crashing against the coastline. Also saw amazing wildlife & had to help a sheep up who had got stuck on her side. Fabulous place See more..
5.0 Mousa (69 reviews)
- Great day trip, fascinating island
Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

I first saw Mousa from the Shetland Mainland 49 years ago, but despite several return visits to the Islands, I had never been there - weather or other trips always got in the way. But this year the weather was good, the boat was running and I finally made it across to the island and the broch. There is in fact much more to the island than the broch - that is the highlight, and it is very special, but the birdlife and seals add to the trip and make the stay on the island of 3 hours or so just about right. The boat skipper is knowledgeable and had many stories to tell which added to the trip. Highly recommended if the weather is favourable (but no shelter on the island if not). See more..
5.0 Noss National Nature Reserve (46 reviews)
- Excellent Day out- for birders or walkers
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Excellent experience. You need to book the ferry over to the reserve. It only takes a few minutes. Then you walk round the island, about 4 miles with a reasonable path. Thousands of sea birds to see. Puffins and gannets very impressive. Sit in the right place and you have puffins wandering in and out of their burrows around you - surreal See more..
5.0 The Lerwick Brewery (36 reviews)
- Brewery Experience Tour.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Friendly, quirky and reliable with a little bit of spike – the Shetland pony, the spirit of Lerwick brewery.. The brewery began in 2013 on the back of 3 brothers (John, Jimmy and Graham) who in their search for an alternative lager, having been bored with the usual offers, brewed our first ever batch of 60° North. But what is it that makes us different? Being from the most Northerly isles we are as much Scottish as we are Nordic and it’s this that gives our beer its own taste, individual and unique. Our one of a kind blend of mild winters and cool summers, clear water and crisp fresh air has allowed us to develop stand out beers and create a brew family – Lerwick IPA, Shetland Pale Ale, Azure and Tushkar Oatmeal Stout, and it just keeps going. Want to join in the experience? We'd like to invite you to visit our newly refurbished bar and visitors centre. We offer tours and tastings within the brewery, please call, e-mail or book via our site to arrange. See more..
5.0 The Shetland Pony Experience (35 reviews)
- Lovely experience with a difference
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

“FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE WORLD FAMOUS SHETLAND PONIES IN THE SHETLAND ISLES!” No visit to Shetland is complete without getting up close and personal with our friendly Shetland ponies in The Shetland Pony Experience! We are based at Papil in Burra, just a 20 minute scenic drive from Lerwick. The experience is suitable for adults and families with children. It is very hands on and includes plenty of picture perfect photo opportunities while you lead the ponies through the idyllic, picturesque, rugged coastal fields to a secluded beach. Also… you will pet, brush and handle the ponies indoors before learning how to lead the ponies through a simple obstacle course and children can have a short supervised pony ride. Not forgetting… a close encounter with our adorable cheeky little foals. A positively authentic Shetland experience! BOOKING ESSENTIAL Duration: 1 hour. Cost: £30 per person. See more..
5.0 GarthsCroftBressay (32 reviews)
- Fun and fascinating day learning about crofting and archaeology
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

Garths Croft, Bressay, Shetland, is a smallholding specialising in native and heritage breeds together with visits to and interpretation of natural and cultural heritage sites on the island on Bressay. Open all year. See more..
5.0 Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary (17 reviews)
- Seal visit
Nature & Wildlife Areas

My wife and I visited the sanctuary today and met the three baby seal pups who have recently been rescued. Compliments to all the volunteers and helpers for being so informative and knowledgeable. Please if visiting leave a donation to aid the sanctuary. The pups can't help but make you smile. Will definitely visit again. See more..
5.0 The Viking Longhouse (16 reviews)
- House and a boat.
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

You can't miss this, it's on the main road, the only main road. Free to enter, but there is a donation box. This replica Viking dwelling gives you a great idea of how people lived and survived as a community. Having the replica boat nearby is a bonus. See more..
5.0 Shetland Museum and Archives (988 reviews)
- Number one thing to do in lerwick
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Shetland Museum and Archives is located on Hay's Dock, which was restored during the building of this award winning visitor attraction. Discover the islands' many secrets through the exhibits and displays. Also be sure to visit Da Gadderie, the museum's temporary exhibition area which hosts a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year. Shetland Museum and Archives is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is currently no café facilities. See more..
5.0 Croft House Museum (185 reviews)
- Your trip to Shetland wouldn't be complete without visiting the Croft House Museum.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We will be open for the 2022 summer season from Sunday 1st May, closing for the winter on Sunday 2nd October 2022. To book your ticket, please visit: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/smaa/event/view/158259 See more..
5.0 Mousa Iron Age Broch (72 reviews)
- Best Visitor Attraction in Scotland
Ancient Ruins

This is undoubtedly the best visitor attraction in Scotland- as listed as the Number 1 vistor attraction in Scotland by THE ROUGH GUIDE See more..
5.0 Eshaness Cliffs (69 reviews)
- Stunning coastline
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

What a stunning coastline, quite windy but that is why the cliffs are so dramatic I guess. If in the area, take an hour or two to stroll the cliffs & experience the thrill of the waves crashing against the coastline. Also saw amazing wildlife & had to help a sheep up who had got stuck on her side. Fabulous place See more..
5.0 Mousa (69 reviews)
- Great day trip, fascinating island
Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

I first saw Mousa from the Shetland Mainland 49 years ago, but despite several return visits to the Islands, I had never been there - weather or other trips always got in the way. But this year the weather was good, the boat was running and I finally made it across to the island and the broch. There is in fact much more to the island than the broch - that is the highlight, and it is very special, but the birdlife and seals add to the trip and make the stay on the island of 3 hours or so just about right. The boat skipper is knowledgeable and had many stories to tell which added to the trip. Highly recommended if the weather is favourable (but no shelter on the island if not). See more..
4.5 Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement (475 reviews)
- Amazing site
Monday: Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

Visitors can explore the grounds of Jarlshof, but our visitor centre and facilities are currently closed. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements in Shetland are one of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. Jarlsholf is located at Sumburgh Head near the southern tip of Mainland Shetland. This extraordinary site has a complex of ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. You will be amazed to find such a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird’s house. The fascinating interpretation centre houses a hands-on display of local materials traditionally used on site including wool, stone, slate and bone. Visitors can also learn all about prehistoric life and history of the site. See more..
4.5 Sumburgh Head Lighthouse (374 reviews)
- Birds, Views, History, Great Cafe
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lighthouses

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve opened in June 2014 following restoration of the Grade A listed Lighthouse buildings at the southermost tip of mainland Shetland. The area is an RSPB nature reserve, with the indoor spaces providing an interactive and stimulating way to learn about the social, military and maritime history, and the bird and marine life at Sumburgh Head. Rated a Five Star Visitor Attraction by Visit Scotland. See more..
4.5 Clickimin Broch (315 reviews)
- Fantastic - well worth a visit.
Bodies of Water

A great historic broch in an easy accessible location on the outskirts of Lerwick. Free to visit and parking is available nearby with a short walk. In amazing condition - we’ll preserved. Interesting history. Well worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Scalloway Museum (230 reviews)
- Leave enough time to explore this museum
Speciality Museums

Visited the museum as part of a tour of Shetland. Wasn't too bothered about visiting a museum but it was really interesting - full of local information, history and artefacts. We stopped for only half an hour but give it at least one hour. See more..
4.5 Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre (217 reviews)
- Extremely helpful
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers

The Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre will be closed December 25th, 26th & 27th and also January 1st, 2nd & 3rd for Christmas & New Year public holidays. The Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre is located in the heart of Lerwick at the Market Cross. We have a wide range of information available and our knowledgeable Visitor Services Advisors are ready to help you plan your Shetland experience. At the Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre we can assist you with planning your itinerary, assisting with accommodation bookings, planning using public transport and booking ferries and assisting you with booking any trips and tours you would like to join. In our shop we offer a range of gifts, books, maps & souvenirs as well as stocking a range of items from some of Shetland's best craft producers. See more..
4.5 Hermaness National Nature Reserve (200 reviews)
- Unmissable part of a visit to Unst
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Great walk from the parking area to the cliff-top and onwards to see Muckle Flugga. Terrific views on the right day, but if it's wet and windy expect the rain to come sideways. The boarded walkway is good, but once you get to the cliff edge you will need good footwear. Apparently a new visitors' centre and toilets are due to open by March 2022. See more..
4.5 St Ninian's Isle (115 reviews)
- AMAZING
Islands

Absolutely gorgeous situation with the beautiful sand tombolo causeway across to St. Ninians Isle. The sand and the island is beautifully clean and so lovely. Just a shame really that camper vans and caravans park in the car park and are a blot on the whole landscape, but that unfortunately is what the Scottish powers that be encourage on these islands and in the whole of Scotland. I wonder where their waste effluent is dumped !!! See more..
4.5 Town Hall (98 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Government Buildings

We had a couple of hours to kill on a damp day in Lerwick and decided to have a look at the stained glass in the Town Hall. I'm so glad we did. We had few expectations of a visit to the local council chambers be we are so glad we went. The windows are stunning with great concept boards explaining the history behind the amazing works of art in glass. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Mareel (98 reviews)
- Fabulous Cinema with a great Bar/Cafe!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mareel is the UK's most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre, operated by Shetland Arts Development Agency. two cinema screens, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, education and training spaces, a digital media production suite, broadcast facilities and a cafe bar with free high speed wi-fi internet access. Mareel provides a year round programme of film, live music, education and other performance events. It is a hub and a focus for the creative communities not just in Shetland but beyond, and a catalyst for the creative industry sector in Shetland. See more..
4.5 Unst Boat Haven (91 reviews)
- A brilliant little museum!
Speciality Museums

We travelled to Unst as my husband has an avid interest in boats and we were not disappointed. The gentleman who showed us round had so much knowledge so as well as seeing the boats being exhibited and reading the information displayed we really got an insight into life living on Unst passed snd present. We found the museum to be a little Unst treasure and certainly very interesting. See more..
4.5 Shetland Textile Museum (82 reviews)
- Local treasure
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

I'm not a knitter, but this place was really interesting and helped me to better appreciate the enormous skill and art that is involved. It's based in an old fishing house - itself worth seeing - and is crammed with history and examples of the Islands' crafts. Even better still were the helpful volunteers (all knitters!) who patiently answered my questions as I sought to appreciate their skill. The gift shop sells excellent items, all made locally and of very high quality. See more..
4.5 Tangwick Haa Museum (80 reviews)
- Totally unexpected
Speciality Museums

We got there by chance: a sign post was pointing out at a "lost" museum in the middle of local countryside, we had nothing planned on that day...so why not. My partner was enthusiastic with all the gadgets for sale and the old photos exposed; I liked the upper floor very much, it looked like plunging into another time. Very nice at the entrance too, with beautiful flowers all around. The madame at the desk was kind and pleasant and contributed to give us such a good memory of this place. It had really been worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Bonhoga Gallery (59 reviews)
- Lovely Gallery and Super Cafe
Points of Interest & Landmarks

On holiday in Shetland we visited Bonhoga Gallery on a wet and windy Sunday. The gallery had an interesting range of arts and crafts on sale with most being by local artists. The highlight of our visit was lunch in the cafe. All made in the gallery kitchen and as fresh as can be both the quiche and mackerel pate were delicious with Bakewell tart to follow (half portions served to my husband and I on separate plates with cream unlike many venues who plant one plate down and you have to ask for a second fork). Top marks! N.B. We had not booked a table and were lucky as it was quite busy. See more..
4.5 Hoswick Visitor Centre (59 reviews)
- Super cafe
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

Hoswick Visitor Centre caters for both locals and visitors. We have a wealth of local information about the surrounding area and its history and heritage. We love to share this knowledge with all our visitors. Our hope is for you, your family and friends to not just enjoy our cafe, light meals and refreshments but to explore our local area with its nature walks, geopark and lovely scenery. Find out more about our history and heritage. Purchase art, gifts, crafts and keepsakes from our shop within the visitor centre and bring back a bit of Shetland with you when you go home. Be sure to visit the other local shops selling handmade jewellery and designer woollen garments and accessories in our creative quiet village. See more..