A weekend in Shetland

Puffins, Viking heritage and a wild, treeless coast far to the north

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Shetland is Britain's most northerly island group, a landscape of rolling moorland, sea cliffs and sheltered voes, closer to Norway than to London. It has an enormous amount of history, from Iron Age brochs to Viking settlements, and some of the best wildlife in the country.

It is a long journey, so it is best for an extended trip, but those who make it find a warm welcome and a distinct, unspoilt culture.

Best forWildlife lovers, History lovers, Walkers, Couples

Best time to goMay to August for puffins, long days and the best weather. January brings the famous Up Helly Aa fire festival.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereAberdeen: An overnight ferry takes about 12 to 14 hours, or fly in about 1 hour.

Check prices for a weekend in Shetland

Plan your weekend in Shetland

Top attractions in Shetland

Sumburgh Head

A lighthouse and RSPB reserve where puffins, whales and seabirds can be seen.

Jarlshof

A remarkable prehistoric and Viking site with layers of settlement.

Mousa Broch

A beautifully preserved Iron Age tower on a small island, reached by a short boat trip.

Lerwick

The main town, with a harbour, museum and shops.

Up Helly Aa

A midwinter festival with fire processions and a burning Viking galley, held in Lerwick in January.

Best things to do in Shetland

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Edinburgh Castle visit

Edinburgh Castle stands on an extinct volcanic rock above the city and is Scotland's most visited paid attraction. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Jacobite steam train

The Jacobite is a steam train that runs between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. Allow about 2 hours each way.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre near Aviemore looks after the only free-ranging reindeer herd in the British Isles. Allow about 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Shetland

Lerwick

The main town, with the most choice of food and stays.

The south mainland

Near Sumburgh Head, Jarlshof and the airport.

Unst or Yell

Remote northern islands with dramatic cliffs.

Best hotels in Shetland

Prices for a double room in Shetland typically fall around £130–£220 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Shetland

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Shetland

May to August for puffins, long days and the best weather. January brings the famous Up Helly Aa fire festival.

Seasons that suit Shetland well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Shetland

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Shetland

From Aberdeen: An overnight ferry takes about 12 to 14 hours, or fly in about 1 hour.
From Edinburgh: Flights take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
From Glasgow: Flights take about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Shetland

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Lerwick.
Saturday: Start with Sumburgh Head, then Jarlshof. In the afternoon, head to Mousa Broch.
Sunday: Visit Lerwick or Up Helly Aa, then head home.

Packing list for Shetland

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

It is a long journey, so plan at least four nights.
The weather is changeable and windy, even in summer.
Ferries and flights should be booked well ahead.

Shetland weekend FAQs

Is Shetland worth the journey?

Yes, if you enjoy wildlife, history and dramatic scenery, and are happy to travel. It is not suitable for a very short break.

When can I see puffins?

From roughly May to early August, with Sumburgh Head one of the best places.

More weekend ideas

OrkneyOrkney

5,000-year-old villages, standing stones and sea cliffs off the north coast of Scotland

Isle of SkyeHighland

Jagged mountains, fairy pools and wild Atlantic coast

CairngormsHighland

The UK's largest national park, with arctic mountains and ancient pine forests

EdinburghScotland

A dramatic castle city of cobbled lanes, festivals and whisky

Explore more: Best weekend breaks in Scotland · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks for wet weather

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.