Top Things to Do in Mainland, Shetland Islands - Mainland Attractions
Things to Do in Mainland
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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.
What travellers are saying
- Dippysheep10 contributionsThe history associated with this site is mind blowing. The short video beforehand is a must see as it shows you an impression of how the settlement looked. We'll worth a visit.Written 13 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- wales65Liverpool, UK180 contributionsWe have been to many museums around the World ,from major cities to quirky out of the way places and this has to rank as one of the best we’ve been to.
It covers every aspect of Shetland and is thoughtfully presented. We actually went twice to make sure we covered everything.Written 26 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Elizabeth SNewcastle upon Tyne, UK59 contributionsMy husband and I found the Crofthouse Museum absolutely fascinating. We got a good feel for how people actually lived in Shetland not really that long ago. The curator was very knowledgeable and helpful. We can thoroughly recommend.Written 11 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Debbie T1 contributionWhat a fun experience in beautiful Lerwick. Easy, comfortable environment with a great tour. Beer was awesome! We were on a cruise so it was easy to catch a cab at the pier and they called one for us to return to pier.Written 5 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Debbie GGuiseley, UK164 contributionsOur main reason for visiting was to see the information relating to the Shetland Bus and the WWII activity between Shetland and Norway - and we weren't disappointed. The place is packed with interesting local information along with the specific Shetland Bus details. It has quite limited opening hours, so do check out the website before planning a visit. The local volunteers who run the museum were lovely and very happy to chat when they weren't over run with unexpected coach loads from a cruise ship!Written 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Debbie GGuiseley, UK164 contributionsThe drive to Sumburgh and subsequent walk up to the lighthouse are well worth the effort. There's a small entrance charge so that you can see the displays in the lighthouse buildings, but it is well worth it. Sadly the cafe was closed on the day that we visited, so cannot comment on that. But we did have an ice cream from the shop which we enjoyed sitting on a bench overlooking the sea. On a fine weather day this is a great place to visit and watch out over the water for seabirds and possible finsWritten 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- maryan5456Sydney, Australia153 contributionsStaff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We were in Lerwick for a few days and it was suggested that we visit St Ninian’s isle on the day the weather was sunny knowing that the next day should be reserved for the museums due to expected rain. We were assisted by the lovely young woman who knew the best buses to catch to our destinations and gave us information about self guided walking tours. A must visit before you embark on your sightseeing of Lerwick!Written 22 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TamsinCedar Rapids, IA3 contributionsThis is a great place to explore, there are markers to read and you can go mostly anywhere in the Broch. Its easy to find and get to if you are in Lerwick.Written 14 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Debbie GGuiseley, UK164 contributionsOh my word, this place is just stunning! We swam from the tombolo, wet suits recommended, but it really is an amazing place to swim and walkWritten 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CdnGoldyKitchener, Canada936 contributionsThe Eshaness cliffs are one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen in my 65 years. Situated on Northmavine, Shetland, Scotland; the surrounding landscape is beautiful green landscape, rolling hills and is typically treeless.
The base of the cliffs feature roiling water, large boulders and turbulent surf. Some days you can make out the oil rigs 20 miles off the horizon. The fields close to the cliffs feature 3-4" rocks which have been pitched up onto the cliffs from the sea below during high winds and turbulent seas.
There is a lighthouse here that was built in the 1920s and automated in 1974. The lighthouse keepers residence can be rented.Written 17 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Elizabeth SNewcastle upon Tyne, UK59 contributionsWe visited Tangwick twice during our holiday in Shetland. The first time we spent an hour or so looking at the interesting displays and artefacts. The second time we popped in for a cup of tea as we did a circular walk from Eshaness Lighthouse. On both occasions, the volunteers on duty gave us a warm welcome, and we had a good chat. We can thoroughly recommend a visit.Written 11 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingBillGlendale, AZ601 contributionsThe stained glass in this building is well worth the walk up the hill to see it. Not much else to see, but the stained glass is spectacularWritten 24 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- margaret hLeeds, UK292 contributionsWhat a lovely surprise to find this mill today. We only arrived today too and we’re driving round just noseying. This mill is run by a committee and volunteers. The 2 who were there were very informative and spoke with great enthusiasm about the old mill. We thought it was really interesting, as well as being dog friendly and having decent coffee too. There is a lot of old equipment and tools too on display. This place is well worth a visit as is their lovely shop on site.Written 15 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- itchyfeet2014Glasgow, UK2,295 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. - leonard mEdinburgh, UK348 contributionsThis is a small museum located about 2.7 km from Lerwick town centre. It is easy to find and has free parking. Entry is £3 and it is open from late April to early October. Wheelchair access is limited to the ground floor. There is not a huge amount to see but if you are interested in the whole wool thing that goes on in Shetland you will see why they are justly proud of the wool heritage. There are some interesting and some beautiful exhibits. The most interesting thing on our visit was chatting with the lady who was in charge that day and who continuously knitted a garment that looked fearsomely complicated while we talked! She provided some interesting insights to life in Shetland in the 60s and 70s. They also feature an item called the "muckle gravit" which loosely translated means the big scarf. Said scarf is currently about 160 feet long and you are invited to add a few rows to the scarf if you feel so inclined. I am not entirely sure what the end objective might be but it is a fun way of connecting visitors to the project and the place.Written 16 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mainland
- The top attractions to visit in Mainland are:
- Shetland Museum and Archives
- Croft House Museum
- Clickimin Broch
- Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
- The best outdoor activities in Mainland according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
- Clickimin Broch
- St Ninian's Isle
- Eshaness Cliffs
- Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary
- The most popular things to do in Mainland with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
- Shetland Museum and Archives
- Croft House Museum
- Scalloway Museum
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Mainland Attractions Information
Attractions | 87 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 6,673 |
Attraction Photos | 5,441 |
Local Time | Tuesday 12:29 |