Shetland Fly-drive

Day One

After collecting your hire car by the airport, you will head north to your first base in the village Bigton in the south of the Mainland.

Your accommodation in Bigton

Your charming guest house is perfectly placed for exploring the South Mainland of Shetland, and is just a five minute walk away from St. Ninian’s sands. The owner offers the warmest of welcomes to her guests, and offers a heaty breakfast made using local, organic ingredients. This tranquil spot is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Days Two & Three

Today you will head north to the small village of Brae where you will spend two nights.

Your hotel in the West Mainland

Set on the edge of a village overlooking a peaceful bay, the original, historic building dates from the 1500’s and has benefited from many tasteful additions throughout the centuries. Low ceilings, winding corridors, steep steps and sloping floors all add to the characterful ambiance of the place which, rumour has it, includes its very own ghost.  Guests comment on the friendly welcome and traditional service they have received here, and the hotel even has royal connections.  Guests can enjoy meals in the hotel bar or restaurant, both of which offer high quality, locally-sourced produce. All the bedrooms are individually decorated and named after the surrounding isles, and have views of the bay or the gardens, complete with trees – a rare and welcome occurrence on Shetland.

Things to See & Do on Shetland 

You could perhaps take a short trip on the passenger ferry to visit impressive Mousa Broch, an Iron Age round tower and one of the best-preserved prehistoric buildings in the world. For something rather different, you could follow a craft trail, popping in to galleries and wee shops, where you will find traditional items, such as fair isle knits, or more contemporary textiles. Or you could take the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ann Cleeves’ Shetland crime dramas, recently filmed on location by the BBC.

If you are interested in recent history and stories of great bravery and heroism, head into Scalloway, with its Scandinavian-style painted houses and fascinating museum about the “Shetland Bus” – the secret wartime operation supporting the Norwegian resistance.

The dramatic cliffs of Eshaness are within a short drive, and this is an ideal location to head north by ferry to Yell and Unst, perhaps to look out to Britain’s most northerly point – the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. There’s plenty to explore on Unst – from a reconstructed Viking longhouse to the Shetland Ales craft brewery and Foords’ Chocolates, where you can sample the delights made on the premises. Don’t forget to stop and admire/photograph the famous Unst Bus Shelter – complete with carpet, comfy seats, TV and themed decorations – one of Britain’s most quirky attractions – it even has its own website and visitors’ book!

We are also able to arrange private or small group tours with an expert guide, who will be able to give you the insight only a local can offer – ask us for more details.

Day Four – Return home

Location

We can arrange flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness or Aberdeen, and connecting services from Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast and Gatwick.

Pricing

£675 per person in March, £695 per person in April & October and £745 per person in May to September.

Prices based on 2 adults sharing a room for 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, 4 days hire of a small manual car and return flights from Edinburgh or Glasgow. We can also arrange private or small group day tours with a local guide – please ask us for more details.

*For dates in January including the Up Helly Aa festival (31st January 2023), we will be offering a special package, from £995 per person, for three nights accommodation on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis in an ensuite double room, return flights from Edinburgh or Glasgow, car hire (small manual) and a half day orientation tour with a local guide, during which you can learn more about the background of the events you will be witnessing.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

Please note that the above pricing does not include stays over Christmas or New Year. If you are interested in taking this holiday across those dates, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.