There is an old Scottish saying that perfectly summarizes how one should approach his/her time spent in the old town of Lerwick, Shetland Islands: “Noo jist haud on.” In translation, “Now just hold it, slow down, take your time.” Lerwick is the main town of Shetland, a humble archipelago in the northern isles of Scotland. It is a town filled with scenic attractions and rich fisheries that offer tourists a relaxing visit. If you’re about to travel to this part of Scotland, then check out the top things to do in Lerwick, UK to make your stay as memorable as can be.
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1. Engage in the archipelago's history at Shetland Museum and Archives
The best way to appreciate a place is to learn about its past. Luckily, this award-winning museum and archives gives guests a fun experience as they discover Shetland’s rich history free of charge (of course, donations are always welcome). It features artifacts and exhibition spaces. They also host a variety of exciting events throughout the year, so be sure to check their calendar during your stay.
Shetland Museum and Archives
Address: Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0WP, United Kingdom
Website: Shetland Museum and Archives
Opening hours: Tue, Thu - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm (closed on Mon & Wed)
Price: Free
2. Explore the majestic Broch of Clickmin
There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Lerwick, but if you’re looking for an understated yet unique adventure, then Broch of Clickmin is a perfect attraction. Brochs are defensive structures, and they were used as places for refuge by the Scots during the Iron Age. They are tall, round structures that can only be found in Scotland. Broch of Clickmin is situated in Clickmin Loch, which can be accessed via an entrance across a petrol station.
Broch of Clickmin
Address: The Willows, 38 South Rd, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0RD, United Kingdom
Website: Broch of Clickmin
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Take a sip of Shetland-brewed beer at Lerwick Brewery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The latest to join the psychedelic pony clan ... The Lloyds Bar - The Playfair. IPA as featured in Beer52.com
Posted by Lerwick Brewery on Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Scotland is famous for its world-class whiskey, but who doesn’t love a good bottle of beer? A fairly new establishment in Lerwick, Lerwick Brewery is a local brewery that takes pride in its premium craft beer. The brewery regularly welcomes guests for a tour, where visitors can meet the people behind the craft ales and have a delightful tasting session. Advanced booking, however, is a must.
Lerwick Brewery
Address: Ladies Dr, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0NA, United Kingdom
Website: Lerwick Brewery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
4. Feast your eyes on the stained-glass windows of Lerwick Town Hall
Lerwick Town Hall is Shetland’s main civic building. It is an architectural masterpiece that represents the Scottish Baronial style. The committee in charge of the facility wanted to express the island’s rich history through the building’s design, which is why there are depictions of various coats of arms and other decorations. Nowadays, the town hall is used as a prime venue for events such as weddings and concerts, but what’s most notable about this attraction is its display of stained-glass windows.
Lerwick Town Hall
Address: Hillhead, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0HB, United Kingdom
Website: Lerwick Town Hall
5. Take an Instagram-worthy picture at The Lodberrie
This attraction is probably the most photographed location in Lerwick as it has been used in a widely known TV show named after the archipelago itself, ‘Shetland’. Lodberries were used as private wharves for merchants. They are commonly placed near the sea to help merchants efficiently unload supplies and goods. The famous Lodberrie attraction remains unchanged since its construction in the 1700s. Despite being one of the oldest structures in Lerwick, it remains an integral part of the town that fascinates many tourists to this day.
The Lodberrie
Address: 20 Commercial St, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0AN, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Enjoy some whiskey at Da Wheel Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
HENDRICK’S GIN is now available in our downstairs bar! Come and try it with one of our Fever-Tree premium tonics.
Posted by Da Wheel on Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Who’s up for some good, old-fashioned whiskey with Scottish folks? Da Wheel Bar is a pub in Lerwick with an exterior that perfectly depicts the town’s outstanding fishing. The real highlight of this quaint pub is the premium liquor partnered with the friendly company of the locals.
Da Wheel Bar
Address: 13 Commercial Rd, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LX, United
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 3am
7. Explore the mighty Fort Charlotte
If you’re looking for more historic sites, then, head right down to Fort Charlotte, an artillery fort that was built to defend Lerwick against the Dutch. Despite being built for combat, it is said that the fort never saw any hostile action except when it was burned by the Dutch in 1673. Eventually, all the guns were removed and the facility was used for various purposes, including a town jail, a custom house, a coastguard station, a Royal Naval Reserve, and a drill hall for the Territorial Army. Today, tourists can hop back in time as the fort was renovated to replicate its original state in the 1780s.
Fort Charlotte
Address: 179 Commercial St, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0HX, United Kingdom
Website: Fort Charlotte
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
8. Shop for hand-knit items at Shetland Textile Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
No. 8 More goodies from last year.
Posted by Shetland Textile Museum on Monday, May 18, 2020
Shetland Textile Museum features a wide array of textiles made by some of Shetland’s best knitters, spinners, weavers, button-makers, jewelers, woodworkers, and designers. Its collection contains over 600 items. Shetland knitwear or hosiery are known around the world for their quality and design, which is why you should never miss a chance to bring one home from the museum’s shop. They offer gloves, hats, scarves, shawls, wraps, cowls, and gauntlets.
Shetland Textile Museum
Address: Bod of Gremista, Gremista Industrial Estate, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0PX, United Kingdom
Website: Shetland Textile Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 3 GBP (4 USD)
9. Experience Nepalese and Indian Cuisine like no other at The Gurkha Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Gurkha Kitchen on Saturday, December 14, 2019
Who would expect an Indian/Nepalese restaurant in such a remote part of Scotland? The Gurkha Kitchen is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Some of their beloved dishes are chicken biryani, chicken chili, and Kathmandu chicken. They also have a children’s menu and a variety of drinks to complement your meal.
The Gurkha Kitchen
Address: 33 North Rd, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0NQ, United Kingdom
Website: The Gurkha Kitchen
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 4:30pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)
10. Go sightseeing at The Knab
Out of all the amazing places you can go to in Lerwick, the view at The Knab is unlike any other. This scenic memorial park along the coast is the perfect place to take a long walk as you enjoy Lerwick’s splendid natural surroundings. At eye level is a spectacular view of Bressay, but down below is a torpedo tube platform that was used during World War II.
The Knab
Address: Knab Rd, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0YB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Savor the historic architecture and vibrant waterfront of Lerwick
Each building in Lerwick holds a piece of the town’s story, but the true heart of Lerwick will always be its waterfront. As a place known for its rich fishing grounds, its waterfront not only represents the town’s history and trade but also how it has evolved through the years. Despite being located in the northern isles, Lerwick is quite an accessible travel destination, and once you arrive, there are many means to tour the town (bus, taxis, rented cars), but the best way is to walk as most of the tourist spots are close to each other. Add these things to do in Lerwick to your itinerary and plan your vacation today!
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