Shetland Isles Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in Shetland Isles to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in Shetland Isles helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Hermaness National Nature Reserve - Unst, Shetland Isles, ZE2 9EQ - Tel No: 01595 711278
Located five miles from Baltasound on Britain's most northerly point lies Hermaness National Nature Reserve. This National Nature Reserve Park is home to more than 100,000 seabirds which include the Puffin, Red-Throated Diver, Dunlin, Bonxie, and of course, the Hermaness. Visitors will experience a one-of-a-kind seascape that combines the constant swirling clouds made up of these rare and magnificent birds with the crashing waves as the meet the beautiful shorelines of the park. It is an experience that will not soon be forgotten.
2. Shetland Museum - Lerwick, Shetland Isles, ZE1 0WP - Tel No: 01595 695057
Nowhere else can you hear the story of Shetland Islands more clearly than you do at the Shetland Museum. This building houses a collection of artifacts that date back to the geographical start of the area to modern day amenities still in use by people that live there. Full of modern archives including court records, local newspapers, oral and musical collections, visitors will have a first hand look and feel of life both in the past and present day, for residents who call the isles home.
3. Yell Museum - Yell, Shetland Isles, ZE2 9AY - Tel No: 01957 722339
The Old Haa at Burravoe, often referred to as the Yell Museum, was constructed in 1672 and opened as a museum in 1984. This museum houses a vast display of materials and artifacts that depict the distinct history of Yell. Visitors can enjoy the tearoom, craft shop and gallery, picnic area and walled garden that is featured throughout the Old Haa at Burravoe. Outside is a monument that is dedicated to four airmen who lost their lives in 1942 in a crash that occurred on the moors of the South Yell.
4. Noss National Nature Reserve - Bressay, Shetland Isles, ZE1 - Tel No: 01595 693345
Located on an island that is only accessible during summer months by ferry, the Noss National Nature Reserve is home to many different species of birds. Established view points are constructed and set up around the Reserve for viewers to experience these exotic and rare creatures in their natural habitat without disrupting them. The only known inhabitants to the area were 24 people who left by 1939.
5. Tangwick Haa Museum - Eshaness, Shetland Isles, ZE2 9RS - Tel No: 01806 503389
Located 40 miles north of Lerwick in Eshaness is the Tangwick Haa Museum. This is the most northerly parish located on the mainland of Scotland. Built in the late 17th century for the Cheyne family, the building was opened as a museum in 1988. Artifacts and photographs depict the life as it was recorded for the early Cheyne family as well as earlier settlers to the area. Area land markings throughout the area can be brought back to life at this museum. Research is greatly encouraged with custodians who are available for assistance with the microfilm viewer that is located at the museum.
6. Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village - Lerwick, Shetland Isles, ZE1 0NY - Tel No: 01595 694688
Known as the oldest building still standing, Old Scatness Broch lies in within an Iron Age Village that was built between 400-200 B.C. This Iron Age Village was discovered in the 1970s when road and air traffic ways were being constructed for transporting of oil to the area. Once thought by the construction crews to be a natural rise in the area, it was soon apparent that this was not like any other village of past times. Buildings and ruins were still intact with the tools and materials of the long ago residents to this area. Visitors who visit the Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village will be amazed at the reality of it all.
7. Quendale Water Mill - Dunrossness, Shetland Isles, ZE2 9JD - Tel No: 01950 460969
The Quendale Water Mill is located in the heart of the South Mainland of Scotland. Visitors can take in thousands of years of history when visiting this historic site. Still in operation today, the Quendale Water Mill is full of untouched beaches, magical and mythical stories and many undiscovered treasures that have been preserved for many generations. The history, culture and heritage of the many Shetland Islands can be recounted at this old water mill and dam.
8. Jarlshof - Prehistoric and Norse Settlement - Sumburgh, Shetland Isles, ZE3 9JN - Tel No: 01950 460112
This unique attraction site is a visual display of Scotland's history. Everything that visitors will see, touch and experience when visiting this exhibit will draw them back into the days of the Norse warriors, Bronze Age, Middle Ages and the Iron Ages. This location is believed to have been considered to be home by many inhabitants as far back as 4,200 years ago. Visitors will find the amount of huts, wheelhouses and settlements to be overwhelming as well as breathtaking. Discovery of the daily lives of the people that constructed the ruins so many centuries ago can be discovered by all that visit this location.
The Burland Croft Trail is a free range habitat built and operated by Tommy and Mary Isbister. Opened in 1979 this habitat is home to sheep-, Shetland cows, Shetland ponies, ducks and some of the most sociable pigs you will ever encounter. Funded solely by donations, which are used to help feed and care for the animals, this habitat is opened year round and is a popular attraction for school trips as well as curious guests. Located 9 miles from Lerwick, this is a definitely must see for visitors of all ages.
Located in the southeast corner of Unst lies Muness Castle. This castle is unique in both its historical background as well as its architectural design for its time. The towers of this castle are circular instead of traditionally square. When first constructed this historical landmark housed a walled courtyard, outhouses with additional accommodation, brewery, a bake house, chapel and stables. Only the first floor of this castle is still standing as well as a spiral staircase that now gives the appearance of going no where. Visitors will be please with their time spending viewing this beautiful site.
