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.