Things to do in Shetland Islands, Scotland: The Best Ancient Ruins

April 29, 2022 Kelli Reichel

Discover the best top things to do in Shetland Islands, United Kingdom including Mousa Iron Age Broch, Mousa, Ness of Burgi, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Muness Castle, Stanydale Temple, The Broch of Burraland, Standing Stones of Yoxie, Burra Ness, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village.
Restaurants in Shetland Islands

1. Mousa Iron Age Broch

ZE2 9HP Scotland +44 1595 693434 http://www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/mousa
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 69 reviews

Mousa Iron Age Broch

2. Mousa

si Det du, Lerwick Scotland +44 7901 872339 http://www.mousa.co.uk/boat
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 59 reviews

Mousa

Reviewed By robindL7089BJ

What a treat to walk this small, but not too small, island and take in the flora, fauna, and water views. Approaching the huge broch was amazing and the view from the top not to be missed! Imagine life 2200 years ago! How peaceful to sit and enjoy your lunch while absorbing the unspoiled beauty of the island. The father and son running the boat ride to Mousa are extremely knowledgeable so if you get a chance to chat, (perhaps when gathering for the departure to the mainland), don't hesitate. The planned time on the island of close to 2 1/2 hours was just right.

3. Ness of Burgi

Ness of Burgi, IV3 8AU Scotland +44 131 668 8600 https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/ness-of-burgi/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Ness of Burgi

4. 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/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

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.

5. Muness Castle

Scotland
Excellent
43%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Muness Castle

Reviewed By 712lizw - Norfolk, United Kingdom

This dark forbidding place clearly shows the builders intent to defend and impose in the area. Although torches are provided outside, your phone light will suffice. The ground floor has little light and low doors so beware! You can’ feel the spirits and history- stand still and listen quietly tothe the wind buffeting the fortress.

6. Stanydale Temple

3m South West of Bixter on West mainland off the A971, Bixter Scotland http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_272
Excellent
56%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

Stanydale Temple

Reviewed By D38lawn - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

This really is an amazing site to visit. Yes, I am a nerd! You can park in the passing place, it's been widened for this purpose. The walk is short, way marked and a bit boggy. So proper boots to be worn. Walking through you can see signs of buildings, field system and a stone circle. The actual 'temple's isn't one, but maybe a meeting place or burial chamber. It's one of the best sites I've been to.

7. The Broch of Burraland

Hoswick Scotland http://www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/mousa
Excellent
25%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

The Broch of Burraland

8. Standing Stones of Yoxie

Scotland

9. Burra Ness

Scotland

10. Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

Sandwick KW16 3LR Scotland +44 1856 841815 https://www.historicenvironment.scot/

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.