Lerwick Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Shetland Adventures

So, you’re checking out Lerwick, the main town in Shetland, and you want some ideas to see the real gems of this group of islands, alright? Very understandable! What you get with Shetland is that, similarly to other Scottish islands, the landscapes and history are fascinating. The great news is you do not have to travel far to have some pretty unforgettable days out from Lerwick. I would love to guide you through my absolute top 5.

1. The Haunting Beauty of Jarlshof

Jarlshof is something else; it’s almost like a time capsule where, for example, you can walk through thousands of years of history, alright? You have got remains of prehistoric settlements, Norse longhouses, and a laird’s house, all, seemingly, in one spot! You may feel how folks have been living on this pretty remote spot for millennia, yet the fierce seas, a little, are close. In a way, seeing it at sunset? Pretty much magic. Jarlshof is located just south of Lerwick, so getting there is just an easy drive. Give yourself, very roughly, at least two to three hours to explore, yet to really soak in the ambiance, maybe a bit more!

Read our full review: Jarlshof Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Tour Packages)

What You Will See There

Arguably, what makes Jarlshof special is this continuous occupation thing spanning something like 4,000 years, is that right? You get how folks lived from the Neolithic period, right the way through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Norse, and Medieval times. Basically, as you wander round, you may spot the remnants of:

Oval-shaped Bronze Age houses.
An Iron Age broch (a kind of round tower).
Norse longhouses.
A medieval farmstead.
The Laird’s House.

Keep a close look, right, alright? You are, like your grandma told you when visiting Rome, going to see layers, alright? Each bit tells some tales regarding those who called Jarlshof home. A bit breathtaking, alright?

Tips for Visiting

Check the weather: Shetland’s weather tends to be, typically, unpredictable. What is more, expose yourself appropriately!
Wear sturdy shoes: Very useful, I would suggest. The site just a little has uneven ground.
Take your time: There is a lot to see, seemingly, rushing detracts the full experience, alright?
Bring a camera: You could grab amazing shots!
Read up beforehand: To, like, provide the visit with further context, it may be beneficial, alright?

2. The Dramatic Cliffs of Eshaness

Right up in the north of Shetland, Eshaness is an absolutely dramatic location. You might find yourself seeing super-high cliffs battling the North Atlantic, a little? Pretty memorable. There is a lighthouse there; very bleak and kind of beautiful. Pack some windproof clothing! I tend to spend at least half a day here so as to have the time to explore. If you are, very possibly, keen on seeing nature at its finest? Don’t miss Eshaness.

Read our full review: Eshaness Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Tour Packages)

Hiking at Eshaness

Actually, Eshaness offers many coastal trails. These very roughly wind along the cliff tops, too it’s almost revealing stunning views and just a little opportunities for birdwatching, right? The path to be highlighted is, pretty much, the Eshaness Circular Walk; it’s actually about 6 miles and loops around the coastline, alright? A slightly invigorating, just a little bit stunning hike, alright? But that being said, and maybe I am stating the obvious: you, similar to your mother constantly pointed out, need to keep away from the cliff edges, and watch the weather so as to remain safe.

Wildlife Spotting

It might be claimed that Eshaness tends to be, clearly, like, bird central, right? Because I mean, for example, the cliffs give homes for tons of seabirds. What do you have?, anyway: fulmars, kittiwakes, puffins (depending, of course, of the season). Just a bit keen to see some cool geology as well? Perfect too! A little of the volcanic rocks will show you about Shetland’s past.

Tips for Visiting

Check the weather forecast: Seems very, almost silly as, for example, the weather tends to be wildly variable! Don’t, as your dad would moan, go if it seems terrible, as the winds could be nasty!
Wear layers: It, as a matter of fact, gives you flexibility given it’s Shetland.
Sturdy footwear: In that case, useful so as to handle any paths that may, virtually, seem slippery.
Bring binoculars: This gives you the opportunity, if that would work, to see any birds, in fact.
Camera ready: What? For Instagram, I mean; for, like your mate Sheila can share them. The landscapes just a bit rock, if you are happy with the street slang.

3. Mousa Broch: A Glimpse into Iron Age Life

Speaking of the Iron Age? The Mousa Broch, what it provides you, arguably, is seeing an amazingly kept broch (the kind of Iron Age round tower) placed on the very small island of Mousa. You probably didn’t realise there were lots of brochs? Arguably. anyway, this one? The finest. You might hop on a short ferry trip from the Shetland mainland. Spend some time walking and having a look. The broch could tell you heaps of things, usually, on life, just a little bit back then, for example over 2,000 years ago.

Read our full review: Mousa Broch Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Tour Packages)

Exploring Mousa Island

Now then, the thing concerning Mousa? It may seem uninhabited today; the island possesses nature vibes. Besides seeing the broch (important so as to book your trip in advance, or otherwise they will hate you). Just a bit exciting seeing the wildlife, arguably?

Seabirds might just make themselves visible.
Seals often could be lounging on the shores.
Storm Petrels, yet mostly, might fly around after dark.

The Broch Itself

Right now, Mousa Broch really could just be the most very highly conserved broch anywhere. You may find yourself actually climbing to the top, anyway, that would bring you incredible vistas across the island and also the sea; alright! Get ready to feel what the people there, probably, experienced millennia ago!

Tips for Visiting

Book the ferry in advance: Like I just said, right? Vital, similar to ensuring, as an illustration, you put fuel in your Yugo, should it actually ever leave the driveway.
Check the Mousa Boat times: Do not take the Yugo! Keep up. Ensure this fits your tour.
Dress warmly: Similar, in effect, to visiting Eshaness!
Bring a torch: Useful if exploring this tower in low light, too.
Respect the wildlife: Give those animals lots of space.

4. Clickimin Broch: Lerwick’s Ancient Neighbor

Oh, right now; if you tend to be exploring Lerwick, but you are limited for travel? And do you, possibly, tend to enjoy history? See, for instance, Clickimin Broch! You just a little see this one because this archaeological site sits actually on the edge of Lerwick. Pretty close to the Clickimin Loch, just a bit pretty.

Read our full review: Clickimin Broch Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Tour Packages)

History at a Glance

This very roughly dates to, as a matter of fact, the Bronze Age. Also Iron Age! It shows remains with the broch and wheelhouses and all kinds of neat old constructions; you actually could spend several hours walking and checking things out!

What to See

The Broch: Stands, just a little grandly, given how worn this is!
Wheelhouses: This suggests Iron Age architecture.
The Loch Setting: Contributes for the, maybe, a bit more of a pretty picturesque, alright, vibe.

Tips for Visiting

Easy Access: Now then, unlike going all over Shetland, to actually get there requires pretty, virtually, little to nothing!
Free Entry: Alright.
Combine With Lerwick Visit: As it, seemingly, takes that long!

5. Exploring St. Ninian’s Isle and Tombolo

Ok, alright! You want, honestly, an even more, a bit breathtaking beach and island combination, am I right? Pretty nice views on a walk? I got the medicine: check St. Ninian’s Isle. It joins mainland Shetland together using, virtually, one of the greatest tombolos (just a bit of a sand causeway) actually anywhere. Is that amazing? It could depend. To walk over actually feels really extraordinary when the sea seems a bit on both sides. Once there? What I tend to love, arguably, is simply wandering the island’s trails, as it just takes only about one or two hours to check pretty much everything out.

Read our full review: St. Ninian’s Isle Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Tour Packages)

The Tombolo Walk

Going to St. Ninian’s, clearly, it’s a part for actually getting there! Walking using the sand tombolo delivers you sensational scenery for photos or just simply the ‘gram and just a little peaceful moments too!

Island History

Over the time St. Ninian’s Church became really the center on the isle through the Middle Ages! 1950’s explorations there just a little led to finding what is possibly a horde involving silver. All kinds of cool, if, of course, these explorations would excite you.

Tips for Visiting

Time your visit: Ensure you arrive using, really, good weather as its magic just then amps that extra 10%.
Check tide times: While the tombolo could almost feel ever accessible; ensure any walk might not get hindered.
Footwear Choice: I prefer, myself, hiking boots; sneakers, just a bit suitable.