Things to Do in Shetland Isles
24 attractions and days out
Museums and Art Galleries
Bod of Gremista and Textile Museum
Step into Shetland's maritime past at this historic waterfront building, where families can explore traditional fishing life and local textile crafts from two centuries ago.
Museums and Art Galleries
Bressays Heritage Centre
Discover the island story of Bressay at this accessible museum in Maryfield, where families can explore local heritage with full facilities including baby changing and picnic-friendly grounds.
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
Clickimin Leisure Complex Pools
This modern leisure facility in Lerwick features swimming pools and an onsite restaurant, with wheelchair-accessible amenities for families visiting Shetland's largest town.
Museums and Art Galleries
Croft House Museum
Step back in time at this beautifully maintained traditional Shetland crofting home in scenic Boddam, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into island life from generations past.
Parks and Playgrounds
Fair Isle Bird Observatory
Perched on remote Fair Isle in Shetland, this observatory offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and vibrant seabird colonies amid stunning wildflower displays perfect for nature-loving families.
Museums and Art Galleries
Fetlar Interpretive Museum
Discover Fetlar's heritage at this accessible island museum located at Beach of Houbie, with wheelchair-friendly facilities and toilets available for families exploring Shetland's history.
Landmarks
Fort Charlotte
Step inside Lerwick's impressive five-sided fortress, originally constructed in 1781 to defend Shetland's harbours. Marvel at the towering defensive walls of this historic artillery stronghold.
Museums and Art Galleries
George Waterston Memorial Museum
Step into Fair Isle's fascinating past at this compact museum housed in the Auld Skoll, where exhibits span thousands of years of island life. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking and facilities available.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Britain's most northerly nature reserve offers spectacular clifftop walks where you can spot puffins, gannets and seals in their wild habitat at the edge of the Shetland Islands.
Museums and Art Galleries
Hoswick Visitor Centre
Discover local heritage at this welcoming museum in Sandwick, offering accessible facilities for all visitors including families with babies. Convenient onsite parking and wheelchair access throughout.
Tourist Attractions
Jarlshof
Journey through 4,000 years of history at this remarkable Shetland archaeological site, where ancient settlements span from prehistoric times to Viking era and beyond.
Railway and Transport Attractions
Mousa Boat Trips
Set sail from Shetland to spot seals and porpoises swimming in coastal waters around this historic island destination. A maritime excursion perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking island exploration.
Castles and Palaces
Muness Castle
Explore Scotland's northernmost castle on the island of Unst, where captivating tales from Shetland's past await families seeking an enriching cultural adventure together.
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
North Mainland Leisure Centre
This Brae-based leisure facility offers swimming and fitness activities for families, though visitors should note limited accessibility features and baby-changing amenities before planning their trip.
Museums and Art Galleries
Quendale Water Mill
Step back in time at this historic working mill in Dunrossness, where fascinating exhibits bring over a century of Shetland island heritage vividly to life.
Museums and Art Galleries
Scalloway Museum
Explore Scalloway's wartime heritage at this local museum showcasing the Shetland Islands' fascinating World War II connections and maritime history in an intimate setting.
Water Parks
Scalloway Pool
Make a splash in Shetland at this lively pool featuring interactive water cannons and jets that promise giggles and thrills for children of all ages seeking aquatic adventure.
Museums and Art Galleries
Shetland Museum and Archives
Discover Shetland's rich heritage at this waterfront museum in Lerwick, where fascinating exhibits bring island history to life. Onsite parking available, though accessibility is limited.
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
South Mainland Leisure Centre
Make a splash in Sandwick with interactive aquatic features including playful water jets and a relaxing bubble pool, plus family-friendly facilities and an onsite restaurant.
Beaches
St Ninians Beach
This stunning sandy tombolo links mainland Shetland to a tiny isle, offering families an unforgettable coastal adventure with wheelchair access and space for picnics in a wild Scottish setting.
Museums and Art Galleries
The Old Haa
Explore Yell's maritime heritage through fascinating exhibits on whaling and shipwrecks at this charming museum, complete with beautiful gardens, onsite dining and parking.
Museums and Art Galleries
Unst Boat Haven
Step into Britain's northernmost island's maritime heritage at this charming collection of traditional Shetland boats and fishing equipment in Haroldswick village.
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
West Mainland Leisure Centre
Splash around in interactive water features at this Shetland leisure centre, where families can enjoy aquatic fun with wheelchair access and snacks available on-site.
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
Yell Leisure Centre
Stay active with your family at this Mid Yell sports facility offering a swimming pool, courts for ball games and trampolining fun in Shetland's stunning island setting.
Know a great attraction in Shetland Isles that's missing?
Suggest a museum, landmark, day out or activity for us to add.
Add an attraction here