Holiday rentals in Shetland
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Top-rated holiday rentals in Shetland
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.
Cottage in Walls
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviewsWaddle Self Catering
The Waddle is a traditional Shetland croft house, refurbished to offer a homely and comfortable stay for guests. Situated in a peaceful, quiet, remote location just over a mile from the nearby village of Walls, tucked in under the hill overlooking a sea-loch, it's a perfect place to enjoy Shetlands wildlife, scenery, peace and freedom. The Waddle is situated on an active croft. We have approximately 120 sheep with lambing in the spring, silage baling in the summer and feeding in the winter.
11–18 Dec
Flat in Lerwick
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews1 bedroom central apartment, Lerwick
1 bedroom apartment. Good sized double bedroom, good sized shower room and a kitchen / living / dining room. Hypoallergenic bedding. Located in central Lerwick within a listed building built in the early 1800s. Just a short walk to restaurants, bars, the local cinema & music venue Mareel is just around the corner. The bus station is just a couple minutes walk away. Smart TV. We do contactless arrival with the use of a key box. There is some essentials to get you started tea, coffee & sugar.
16–23 Feb
Tiny home in Hamnavoe
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews‘Braelea’ cozy country out building with mezzanine
Seen in ‘The Guardian’ as 10 of Scotland’s best island retreats. Reclaimed ‘oot hoose’ located in Burra- a small fishing village on the west side, only 15 min drive from Lerwick. Burra is a lovely part of Shetland, & home to some of its most beautiful beaches and coastal views. The shop is a 2 minute walk away, where you can book a tour with ‘Shetland Sea Adventures’ fishing trips & tours of the outer islands. Air b&b is next to a bus stop with connecting services to Lerwick & other parts.
9–16 Dec
Holiday rentals for every style
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Popular amenities for Shetland holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Shetland
Guest suite in Lerwick
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 65 reviews1 bedroom apartment
24–31 Oct
Flat in Lerwick
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviewsAuld lifeboat station
29 Nov – 6 Dec
Cottage in Sullom
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviewsTraditional cottage with modern amenities
14–21 Jan
Shepherd’s hut in Bigton
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 60 reviewsCozy Seaside Shepherd's Hut - St Ninians Isle
17–24 Dec
Apartment in Whiteness
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviewsCalm, tranquil, spacious haven
23–30 Nov
Cottage in Tresta
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 87 reviewsOld Moorens
21–28 Aug
Home in Skellister
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviewsBeach view with outdoor sauna and hot tub
21–28 Jan
Home in Dunrossness
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviewsDriftwood Cottage
5–12 Feb
Cottage in Walls
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 24 reviewsTraditional Cottage-Da Aald Hoose, Walls, Shetland
9–16 Nov
Chalet in Tresta
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 34 reviewsHillview chalet
20–27 Oct
Cottage in Mid Yell
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviewsScarpoe's Kitchen, Herra, Yell, Shetland
3–10 Aug
Home in Quarff
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviewsWell presented peaceful home in Shetland
31 Aug – 7 Sept
Your guide to Shetland
All About Shetland
Shetland, also known as the Shetland Islands, is a collection of about 100 islands around 200 kilometres north of the Scottish mainland. Here, rolling green hills run into white-sand beaches along the turquoise coast, home to seals, otters, and porpoises. You may even be lucky enough to spot an orca amongst the waves. The archipelago is rich with wildlife, though it is best known for being the home of Shetland ponies, which have roamed the area’s exposed moors and plains for more than 4,000 years.
Just 16 of the Shetland Islands are inhabited, though many are accessible by boat. There’s an enormous amount to see and do in and around these remote and diverse islands. In addition to the opportunity for fantastic wildlife viewing, you’ll find historical sites that hark back to the Bronze Age, as well as a thriving wool and textile industry. You can cycle the quiet roads or hike to some of the highest points on the islands. After a busy day exploring, take the time to enjoy some of Shetland’s famed produce, as well as freshly caught mussels and deliciously tender lamb.
The best time to stay in a holiday rental in Shetland
The most pleasant and popular time to visit Shetland is over the summer months. Due to its proximity to the North Pole, the days in summer are very long, and in June, there’s virtually no darkness at all, which can be a unique experience in itself. The temperature is still cold here, even in summer — it’s not exactly swimming weather — but this is a great time to explore the outdoors. You’re most likely to have days without rainfall from April until August. This is also when you have the best chance of spotting migrating orcas.
Being so far north, you might expect winters to be absolutely frigid, but due to the Gulf Stream warming the seas around the islands, the temperature rarely dips below freezing. Up Helly Aa takes place in Lerwick each January, offering an excellent reason to visit in winter — experiencing the breathtaking Viking festival and its fire displays is unforgettable.
Top things to do in Shetland
Diving and kayaking
Shetland is home to an incredible array of marine life. Take a kayak around the islands, past deserted beaches and rocky coves, and you may see seals, porpoises, otters, and lots of birdlife. Sumburgh Head is a great place to spot seals frolicking in the water or lazing on the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs. There are also plenty of opportunities to dive around Shetland — visibility is generally of a high quality, and there are several recreational dive sites, including the wrecks of SS Gwladmena, MV Samba, and MV Pionersk.
Aurora Borealis
Being closer to the north pole than any other part of the United Kingdom, Shetland is one of the best places to see the green, pink, blue, and orange tones of the Northern Lights dance through the sky. While there are no guarantees as to their appearance, the lights are usually best seen from October to March, and the lights are far brighter and more spectacular on some nights than others.
Clickimin Broch
Shetland is home to many archaeological and historical sites, and the ancient stone house of Clickimin Broch, located on Clickimin Loch, is a fantastic example. Believed to be over a thousand years old, the house is surrounded by buildings dating all the way back to the Bronze Age.
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