About The Area
Things to see and do on Bressay and the Shetland Isles
Shetland offers visitors a unique and unforgettable holiday experience with its stunning coastal walks and picturesque fishing villages, to ancient ruins and wildlife, Shetland has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the rugged countryside, or simply relax in a peaceful and beautiful setting, a holiday in Shetland is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. With friendly locals, fresh seafood, and a relaxed pace of life, it’s no wonder that Shetland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers looking for an authentic Scottish experience.
Discover the Natural Beauty of the Shetland Isles on These Scenic Walks
The Shetland Isles are a nature lover's paradise, with rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills that offer stunning views at every turn. If you're planning a visit to these remote Scottish islands, make sure to pack your walking boots, as there are plenty of beautiful walks to explore. Here are some of the best walks in the area:
Hermaness Nature Reserve:
Hermaness is a remote nature reserve located on the northernmost tip of Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the British Isles. The reserve is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and skuas. The highlight of the reserve is the towering cliffs of Hermaness Hill, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.
Eshaness Cliffs:
The Eshaness Cliffs are a series of dramatic sea cliffs on the west coast of Shetland's mainland. The cliffs are formed from layers of volcanic rock and offer incredible views of the crashing waves below. There are several walking routes that take you along the cliff tops and down to the secluded beaches below.
St. Ninian's Isle:
St. Ninian's Isle is a small island connected to Shetland's mainland by a narrow strip of sand. The island is home to the ruins of a medieval chapel and a beautiful sandy beach that's perfect for a picnic. The walk across the sand bar to the island is a highlight in itself, as the views of the coastline are stunning.
Sumburgh Head:
Sumburgh Head is a rocky promontory on the southern tip of Shetland's mainland. The area is home to a lighthouse, a seabird colony, and several historical sites, including a Viking longhouse and a World War II radar station. There are several walking routes that take you along the cliff tops, where you can spot puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds.
Ronas Hill:
Ronas Hill is the highest peak in Shetland, standing at 1,565 feet. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the rugged coastline. There are several walking routes to the summit, including a challenging climb from the hamlet of Heylor.
The Shetland Isles are a paradise for walkers, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there's something for everyone on these beautiful islands. So, pack your boots and discover the natural beauty of the Shetland Isles on foot.
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Great places to eat and drink
If you're visiting the Shetland Isles, you're in for a treat when it comes to food and drink. This beautiful region is home to some fantastic restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving up delicious local produce and fresh seafood. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal, a gourmet dining experience, or a pint of locally brewed beer, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds in Shetland.
Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in the area, complete with addresses, website links, and phone numbers so you can plan your culinary adventures with ease:
Fjara Café Bar - This trendy café bar is located in the seaside town of Sandwick and has a stunning location overlooking the bay. Fjara serves up a range of light bites, sandwiches, cakes and coffee, as well as a selection of beers, wines and spirits. The bar also hosts live music events throughout the year. Fjara Café Bar, Sandwick, Shetland, ZE2 9HP. Website: www.fjaracafebar.com. Phone: +44 (0)1595 890298.
The Scalloway Hotel - This historic hotel in the village of Scalloway is well-known for its warm hospitality and excellent food. The hotel's restaurant serves up a range of dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including Shetland lamb, beef and seafood. The Scalloway Hotel, Main Street, Scalloway, Shetland, ZE1 0TR. Phone: +44 (0)1595 880444.
Frankie's Fish & Chips - This award-winning fish and chip shop in Brae is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Frankie's serves up delicious fish and chips made from sustainably sourced local fish, as well as a range of other seafood dishes, including Shetland scallops, langoustines and smoked salmon. Frankie's Fish & Chips, Shore Road, Brae, Shetland, ZE2 9QJ. Website: www.frankiesfishandchips.com. Phone: +44 (0)1806 522000.
Mareel Café Bar - This popular café bar is located in the Mareel arts centre in Lerwick and is a great place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the town. Mareel serves up a range of light bites, sandwiches and cakes, as well as a selection of beers, wines and spirits. The café also hosts regular live music events and screenings of the latest films. Mareel Café Bar, North Ness, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WQ. Website: www.shetlandarts.org/mareel. Phone: +44 (0)1595 745500.
Things to see & do whilst visiting Shetland Isles
The Shetland Isles is a stunningly beautiful archipelago located off the north coast of Scotland. It's a place of rugged natural beauty, with dramatic coastlines, sweeping beaches, and rolling hills dotted with sheep. But there's much more to Shetland than just its natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to see and do on the Isle of Shetland:
Visit Jarlshof
Jarlshof is an archaeological site located on the southern tip of the Shetland mainland. It's home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient structures in the British Isles, including a Bronze Age village, a Viking settlement, and a medieval farmstead. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the fascinating history of the people who lived here over the centuries.
See the Shetland Ponies
The Shetland Pony is one of the most iconic and beloved animals in Scotland, and nowhere are they more abundant than on their namesake island. Visitors can see these cute and cuddly creatures up close at a number of locations across the island, including at the Shetland Pony Stud Farm and the Shetland Pony Heritage Centre.
Explore the Shetland Museum and Archives
The Shetland Museum and Archives is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Lerwick, the island's largest town. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands, with exhibits on everything from Viking history to local crafts and traditions. Visitors can also delve into the island's genealogy at the museum's archives, which contain over 60,000 documents and photographs.
Take a Boat Tour
One of the best ways to see the stunning coastline and wildlife of the Shetland Islands is by boat. Visitors can take a tour around the islands, spotting seabirds, seals, and even whales and dolphins if they're lucky. There are plenty of operators offering boat tours, including Shetland Seabird Tours and Seabirds and Seals.
Visit Mousa Broch
Mousa Broch is a 2,000-year-old Iron Age tower located on the uninhabited island of Mousa. It's one of the best-preserved brochs (stone towers) in Scotland, and visitors can climb to the top for stunning views over the surrounding sea and landscape. The island is also home to a large population of storm petrels, which can be seen and heard at night.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do on the Isle of Shetland. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery, there's something for everyone on this beautiful and fascinating island.