THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Mainland (2025) - Must-See Attractions
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.


Things to Do in Mainland
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Shetland Museum and Archives, Ports of Call Tours, Scenic Walking Areas. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Shetland Museum and Archives, Ports of Call Tours, Scenic Walking Areas. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Historic Sites
Speciality Museums
Indoor museum showcasing Shetland's rich history and geology through engaging exhibits and voice-narrated boat displays, complete with a charming café.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Breweries
Brewery tour providing an engaging look into beer crafting with an array of tastings included. Features trivia nights and a cosy environment for beer aficionados.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historical lighthouse set on dramatic cliffs with seabird viewing and interactive exhibits. Panoramic cafe and unique wildlife encounters complement the serene ambiance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Speciality Museums
Bodies of Water
Iron Age broch surrounded by urban life, presenting a complex structure and rich history dating back to 600BC, set against a scenic loch backdrop.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Islands
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Speciality Museums
Historical museum with a focus on WWII "Shetland Bus" operations, displaying local bravery and resistance. Features detailed exhibits and personal narratives within a warm atmosphere.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
What travellers are saying
- Deborah KStrathalbyn, Australia15 contributionsEasy to access and just fascinating, so many layers of history in one place.. The historical site is very well kept, good signage and information.. Audio is available and fact sheets from the visitors centreWritten 23 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Deborah KStrathalbyn, Australia15 contributionsA great place to visit full of information regarding the island, its community and its history. Well worth a visit would recommend while staying in ShetlandsWritten 23 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shaun BStalybridge, England, United Kingdom49 contributionsA fantastic trip out. I would highly recommend it. We did the brewery tour and Ryan was awesome. Really detailed and interesting few hours with some fantastic beer to drink as well.Written 13 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Resort464954749453 contributionsThe accommodation at the lighthouse is well equipped and maintained. We have stopped in two other lighthouses in the UK but this was certainly the best.Written 3 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Resort464954749453 contributionsThe Shetland Islands has many things to offer and this is one of the very best, I have visited museums all over the world but few allow you to step back in time like this one. If you wish to truly understand the life of a crofter, the guide her has an unparalleled first hand knowledge that gives an insight into the challenges faced by the crofting community over the centuries. The peat fire and tactile nature of the exhibits make this one of the most authentic experiences you will have on the Islands.Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DorsetgirlLondonLondon375 contributionsLocated 20 minutes outside the town centre near a main road and a supermarket, this is a good way to explore some of the island’s history easily for no cost.
For either a walk, a glimpse into how Iron Age people lived or an opportunity to take photos of the Shetland’s beautiful scenery, I can recommend this to all visitors who are good on their feet.Written 21 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mark17 contributionsVisited fairly early in the morning and enjoyed an almost solitary time walking across the tombolo and around the island. The walk is great, and the views are excellent. Well worth the drive to get here. Easy to park. One of my favourite parts of my trip to Shetland.Written 2 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ruth54705Scarborough, UK135 contributionsThis place is well worth a trip to. The roads are narrow and with passing places for a long way. The scenery is amazing and there are lots of coastal paths to take to appreciate the views. It can be very windy so warm clothing is recommended and sturdy footwear. . There is also a disused lighthouse at the end of the road with a small car park.
On the way to the cliffs there is an excellent café & camp site..Eshaness Tea Rooms.Written 13 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TravelingMomGrandmaHouston, TX1,094 contributionsThis is a small museum but filled with tons of history of the area. We enjoyed the history of Iceland and their part in WWII.
There is a small gift shop and drinksWritten 30 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Linda FBrisbane, Australia19 contributionsDelightful little museum with fascinating displays of local Shetland textiles, craft and knitting. The very fine knitted lace is especially commendable. Lots of information. Well worth a visitWritten 11 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- itchyfeet2014Glasgow, UK2,290 contributionsWhat an excellent trip this was. We were lucky to get on the tour as the weather had not been suitable for the boat to go out for a couple of days. We travelled on the day we were leaving Shetland. The journey over to the island isn’t too far, then a self tour, following the path which orbits the island. The broch is incredible with double skinned walls and fantastic views. It is a great piece of engineering. Don’t miss it.
We enjoyed the walk around the island, fantastic rock formations and great bird life. Our trip was made complete by the amazing father and son who steered us to the island and charmed us with their great local stories. Thank you.
A wonderful and unmissable tour.Written 25 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TravelingMomGrandmaHouston, TX1,094 contributionsFree to view
1-2 hours to read it all
Beautiful stained glass windows depicting the history of Shetland.
Clean bathrooms
Elevator
Nice ArchitectureWritten 30 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.