Top Things to do in Mainland
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What to do and see in Mainland, Scotland: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Mainland, United Kingdom including Shetland Museum and Archives, Croft House Museum, Mousa, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, Clickimin Broch, Scalloway Museum, Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, St Ninian's Isle, The Orkney Brewery.
Restaurants in Mainland
1. Shetland Museum and Archives
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 913 reviews
Shetland Museum and Archives is located on Hay's Dock, which was restored during the building of this award winning visitor attraction.Discover the islands' many secrets through the exhibits and displays, and take a look in the boat shed where you can see demonstrations of traditional boat building skills. Also be sure to visit Da Gadderie, the museum's temporary exhibition area which hosts a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year.Shetland Museum and Archives is open daily and admission is free.
Reviewed By nickw593 - London, United Kingdom
This is a great place to visit on one of the rainier days in Lerwick. Really interesting museum that covers the geology, biodiversity, history and culture of these islands...from the dawn of time to the present day. Good, modern and well presented displays that inform but do not overwhelm. It is also free to enter and has a decent little shop.
2. Croft House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Lesrae_1969 - Uzes, France
Worth a look, it really makes you understand how the crofters used to live. Even better if you can persuade the curator Trevor to sing a traditional song :)
3. Mousa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
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.
4. Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
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. Clickimin Broch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By mariebT4960JV - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Easy access, well maintained & great location. Well worth a visit.Combine this with a walk along the shore of Lerwick.
6. Scalloway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By 417juliep
Excellent local museum, packed with lots of information and items about the history of Scalloway from geology, prehistory through fishing to the Shetland Bus during the war. Lots to read. Very good for a rainy day. Your very cheap admission also gives you a season ticket for return trips. Small car park attached. Friendly staff and a small shop and tourist info leaflets. Next door is the castle which is open when the museum is.
7. Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
The Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre is located in the heart of Lerwick at the Market Cross. We have a wide range of information available and our knowledgeable Visitor Services Advisors are ready to help you plan your Shetland experience. At the Lerwick VisitScotland iCentre we can assist you with planning your itinerary, assisting with accommodation bookings, planning using public transport and booking ferries and assisting you with booking any trips and tours you would like to join. In our shop we offer a range of gifts, books, maps & souvenirs as well as stocking a range of items from some of Shetland's best craft producers.
Reviewed By Izy60 - Northampton, United Kingdom
We wanted some information on how to make the most of our visit to Shetland. We were given some great advice and help together with maps and guides. Really useful. Also learnt a bit if history and geography of the area.
8. Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve opened in June 2014 following restoration of the Grade A listed Lighthouse buildings at the southermost tip of mainland Shetland. The area is an RSPB nature reserve, with the indoor spaces providing an interactive and stimulating way to learn about the social, military and maritime history, and the bird and marine life at Sumburgh Head. Rated a Five Star Visitor Attraction by Visit Scotland.
Reviewed By Engelsksetter - Stjordal, Norway
A very interesting place that made a difference during the start of WW II, lots of sea birds and a wonderful view. Very good information and a little museum. We hiked along the coastline from the hotel, and this is a wonderful hike, enjoy ????
9. St Ninian's Isle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
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.
10. The Orkney Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
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