8 Hidden Gems Things to do in Mainland That You Shouldn't Miss

March 21, 2022 Janean Rudisill

Discover the best top things to do in Mainland, United Kingdom including Shetland Wildlife, The Mousa Boat, Sea Kayak Shetland, Discover Shetland, Shetland Seabird Tours, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, St Ninian's Isle, Shetland Textile Museum.
Restaurants in Mainland

1. Shetland Wildlife

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5.0 based on 237 reviews

Shetland Wildlife

With over 20 years of experience we are the No.1 choice for birding, mammal-watching, botanical, photographic & walking holidays in Shetland. We are also the only award-winning eco-tourism holiday business resident in Shetland. Visit us online - our site is packed with wild ideas and a choice of 40 wildlife-filled holidays. Day tours plus tailor-made & bespoke packages also arranged for individuals / groups plus boat trips, exclusive hide photography and wildlife sound recording. We also operate a portfolio of wildlife-watching and photography holidays overseas to Finland, Norway, France, Spain, Poland and Hungary. Fully Bonded by the CAA: ATOL 9151.

2. The Mousa Boat

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5.0 based on 84 reviews

The Mousa Boat

We regret to inform all our guests and clients that Mousa Boat will not be open for 2020 season We can promise you a warm welcome aboard the Mousa Boat on your journey to explore the enchanting island of Mousa. With its magnificent Iron Age Broch and wonderful wildlife this really is the perfect place for visitors to experience the essential nature of Shetland. We operate regular sailings and tours; a Daytime Island Trip and a Late Evening Storm Petrel Trip, or if you prefer something more leisurely we also run fascinating Short Cruises around the local waters, trips to Noss for the spectacular bird watching and Whale watching charters, Whichever sailing you choose, and many do both trips, please don’t leave it to the last day of your visit to Shetland as all sailings are weather dependent, and we know you wouldn’t want to miss the experience of visiting Mousa.

3. Sea Kayak Shetland

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5.0 based on 43 reviews

Sea Kayak Shetland

Guided kayaking trips round Mainland Shetland. No previous experience necessary. All equipment and training provided. Taster sessions, half day or full day trips. No programme of trips. Trips available all year round, weather-permitting, and arranged round weather forecast and sea-state. Mostly single kayaks; one double kayak.

4. Discover Shetland

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5.0 based on 27 reviews

Discover Shetland

The Shetland Islands are a naturalists dream and a photographers paradise. Shetland has as rich an archaeological, historical and cultural heritage as you will find anywhere. Discover Shetland aims to offer you a personal, informal and intimate experience of our beautiful islands. There are prescribed tours but there is flexibility and every effort will be made to accommodate your interests.

5. Shetland Seabird Tours

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5.0 based on 171 reviews

Shetland Seabird Tours

The ultimate Shetland wildlife experience on the Noss Boat – unrivalled spectacle & photographic opportunities with the awesome, towering Noss cliffs backdrop. Shetland's only naturalist led boat tour company. Very comfortable, safe, bespoke wildlife watching boat, room to stand, photograph & enjoy. Maximum of 12 passengers per trip, toilet available. Upholstered seats with backrests for every passenger as well as large decking area for panoramic viewing and photography. The Noss Boat tour includes cruise around Bressay & Noss to enjoy Shetland's rich natural marine environment, thousands of breeding seabirds, close seals encounters, scenic views & striking local geology. Our famous trips are a must do for all major film crews including 'BBC Springwatch' and 'Wild Shetland' and we are the boat of choice for tour groups, families, and photographers. We are always on the lookout for whales too with increasing sightings in Shetland waters! Our unique Gannet feeding frenzy a highlight!

6. Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Sumburgh ZE3 9JN Scotland +44 1856 841815 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jarlshof-prehistoric-and-norse-settlement/
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4.5 based on 435 reviews

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Visitors can explore the grounds of Jarlshof, but our visitor centre and facilities are currently closed. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements in Shetland are one of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. Jarlsholf is located at Sumburgh Head near the southern tip of Mainland Shetland. This extraordinary site has a complex of ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. You will be amazed to find such a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird’s house. The fascinating interpretation centre houses a hands-on display of local materials traditionally used on site including wool, stone, slate and bone. Visitors can also learn all about prehistoric life and history of the site.

Reviewed By AlisP574 - Toronto, Canada

It has on the sea coast foundations of buildings of farms from the Neolithic Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Norsemen period and Middle Ages and the remains of a 17th century fort. Explanations at each of them have pictures and explanations. It was not a village but single homes which for security were within sight of other farms. Worth visiting for its uniqueness.

7. St Ninian's Isle

Bigton Scotland http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/st-ninians-isle-p315891
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4.5 based on 104 reviews

St Ninian's Isle

Reviewed By Erik_and_Cheryl - Philadelphia, United States

We hiked here on September 3, 2019. It is simply an amazing place with breathtaking views of cliffs, the North Sea and birds. There are pathways around the island for you to walk on so you have a bit of guidence. There are no services of any kind, so a day trip backpack with water, snacks, clothing layers and the like should be brought. We would also recommend study footwear as it was be soggy in places and the ground can be uneven. The cliffs are magnificent to look at with thousands of sea birds flaying about. At one point we had fulmars that would buzz by us playfully. Take care around the edges as the wind gusts can hit you and make you a bit unsteady. We had a great time here and highly recommend it.

8. Shetland Textile Museum

Bod of Gremista Gremista Industrial Estate, Lerwick ZW1 0PX Scotland +44 1595 694386 http://www.shetlandtextilemuseum.com/
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4.5 based on 72 reviews

Shetland Textile Museum

Reviewed By annilita - Connecticut, United States

There is so much going on at this little museum. All the regional fiber crafts are represented with informative volunteers and the occasional competition. Well worth the visit for the gift shop alone, which is stocked entirely with locally produced items of high quality.

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