Orkney and Shetland Islands
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Orkney and Shetland Islands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Shetland Crofthouse Museum
Nine miles south of Sandwick, this 19th-century thatched house reveals the way of life of rural Shetlanders, which the traditionally attired attendant will be delighted to discuss with you. The peat fire casts a glow on the box bed, the resting chair, and the wealth of domestic implements, including a hand mill for preparing meal and a straw "keshie" for carrying peat. One building made from an upturned boat was used for storing and drying fish and mutton; huts like this inspired the design of the new Scottish Parliament.
East of A970, Dunrossness, Shetland Islands, ZE2 9JG, Scotland01590-460557Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free (donations welcome), Closed Oct.–Apr -
2. Shetland Museum
On the last remaining stretch of the old waterfront at the restored Hay's Dock, the striking Shetland Museum, with its sail-like tower, is the area's cultural hub and a stimulating introduction to local history. The two-story space is filled with displays about archaeology, textiles, and contemporary arts. Standout exhibits include depictions of the minutiae of everyday Shetland life across the centuries, the last remaining sixareen (a kind of fishing boat), and the collection of lace shawls donated by Shetland families. Its informal spaces make this a wonderful place to hang out; look for vintage vessels moored in the dock and seals that pop up to observe everyone at the glass-fronted café-restaurant terrace. The museum shop is a must-visit, with a beautiful selection of nicely priced postcards and useful things inspired by the museum's collection.
Commercial Rd., Lerwick, Shetland Islands, ZE1 0WP, Scotland01595-695057Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
3. Stromness Museum
The enchanting Stromness Museum has the feel of some grand Victorian's private collection but has, in fact, been community owned since it opened in 1837. Its crammed but utterly fascinating exhibits on fishing, shipping, and whaling are full of interesting trinkets from all over the world that found their way to this small Orcadian town because of its connections with the Hudson's Bay Shipping Company. The company recruited workers in Stromness between the late 18th and 19th century as they were considered more sober and therefore more reliable than other Scots. Also here are model ships and displays on the German fleet that was scuttled on Scapa Flow in 1919. Upstairs don't miss the beguiling, traditionally presented collection of birds and butterflies native to the British Isles.
52 Alfred St., Stromness, Orkney Islands, KW16 3DF, Scotland01856-850025Sight Details
Rate Includes: £5 (allows as many visits as you like within a week), Closed Sun. Nov.–Mar -
4. Tangwick Haa Museum
After viewing the cliffs at Eshaness, call in at Tangwick Haa Museum, the 17th-century home of the Cheynes, now packed full with photographs, household items, and knitting, farming, and fishing equipment from the 18th to early 20th century. Upstairs is the Laird's Room---a traditional sitting room of the 19th century and a room of curiosities, including whale eardrums. Downstairs—next to the help-yourself café—there are rows of folders; ask one of the staff to let you hear what's in them and you will be rewarded with the soft, gentle voices of local elders telling you of life lived in Shetland.
Off B9078, Tangwick, Shetland Islands, ZE2 9RS, Scotland01806-503389Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed. Oct.–Mar -
5. Orkney Museum
With artifacts from the Picts, the Vikings, and other ancient peoples, this museum—the former townhouse of the prosperous Bakie family of Tankerness—has the entire history of Orkney crammed into a rabbit warren of rooms. It's not easily accessible for those with disabilities, but with the help of staff, can be done. The setup may be old-fashioned, but some artifacts—especially those from everyday Orcadian life in the 19th century—are riveting. Lovely gardens around the back provide a spot to recoup after a history lesson.
Broad St., Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, KW15 1DH, Scotland01856-873191Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Scalloway Museum
This modern museum tells some fascinating stories about Scalloway and its well-traveled locals. There is a section dedicated to the exploits of the Shetland Bus, the WWII resistance movement that operated between Norway and Shetland, and cabinet upon cabinet of maritime artifacts and proil (sailors' booty) donated by locals.
Castle St., Scalloway, Shetland Islands, ZE1 0TP, Scotland01595-880734Sight Details
Rate Includes: £3, Closed Oct.–mid-Apr. -
7. Unst Heritage Centre
The unique and colorful history of the people of Unst is told in this fascinating assemblage of artifacts, tools, photographs, and reconstructions, including a classroom and a ben or "good" end (sitting room) of a croft house. It will leave you with an enduring visual memory of the ways in which the locals learned, crofted, knitted, fished, and worshipped through the last two centuries.
Haroldswick, Shetland Islands, ZE2 9EQ, Scotland01957-711528Sight Details
Rate Includes: £3, includes Unst Boat Haven, Closed Oct.–Apr
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