Lerwick and surrounding areas
You will be overwhelmed by the captivating landscape of Shetland.
Dramatic scenery, wonderful walks and a spectacular coastline are combined with fascinating wildlife – including the area’s appealing puffins, seals, otters, porpoises, whales and, of course, Shetland ponies.
Here you can try biking, trout fishing, scuba diving and more. Events throughout the year include the famous Up Helly Aa fire festival in January, Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival in October and the Shetland Blues Festival in September.
Glen Orchy House is close to Lerwick’s Clickimin Leisure Complex, which includes a 25-metre pool with flumes, river ride and giant bubble pool; a sauna; steam room; sports hall; bowls hall; squash courts; fitness centre and more.
Shetland has a fascinating and rich history to discover, and visitors can see this through its many historical sites and museums.
Things to do on the Shetland Island
Bus Tours
There is a selection of Shetland bus tours available from Lerwick, taking in many areas of special interest and allowing passengers to hop on and off as they wish.
Sightseeing
There is certainly something for everyone here in Shetland and staff at Glen Orchy House are always more than happy to help guests with their sightseeing plans.
A 2000-year-old pictish broch, on the island of Mousa, is a popular attraction along with the multi-period settlement remains of Jarlshof, in Sumburgh.
The Bremen Böd is a restored salt fish warehouse in Symbister, Whalsay, where visitors can learn about the history of this trade in the region. Other museums of interest in Shetland include the Croft House Museum, housed in a mid-nineteenth century Shetland croft in Boddam; the Bressay Heritage Centre; Hoswick Visitor Centre and The Cabin Museum, in Vidlin.
The Böd of Gremista and Shetland Textile Working Museum was built in 1780 and has been renovated to its original state. This attraction includes hands-on exhibits.
Fort Charlotte, originally built in 1665 and rebuilt in 1781, displays the artillery that would have been used to protect the Sound of Bressay, as well as offering fabulous views from its bastions.
Jamieson’s spinning and weaving factory, in Sandness, gives visitors the chance to see where traditional Shetland knitwear is made and includes a small shop.
The Bonhoga Gallery, at Weisdale Mill, displays local, national and international art and crafts as well as a changing programme of short films.
St Ninian’s Isle is a sight of natural wonder and beauty and consists of a small island attached to the main land by a strip of sand known as a tombolo. This is the UK’s largest active tombolo and here visitors can enjoy the beach and sea in their full glory.
The Fair Isle Bird Observatory allows tourists to get a bit closer to some of the amazing wildlife of Shetland and can be reached by plane or ferry.