Holiday rentals in Shetland Islands
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Top-rated holiday rentals in Shetland Islands
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
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
Home in Dunrossness
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviewsDriftwood Cottage
This traditional cottage has been recently renovated to provide a modern, quirky and cosy home away from home. A scenic, relaxing setting to get away from it all and a great base for exploring Shetland. With magnificent sea views, Driftwood provides beautiful coastal walks from your doorstep. During the summer months, your nearest neighbours are Shetland ponies who may peer over the fence to say hello. There's plenty of outdoor space to enjoy watching local wildlife along the shoreline.
31 Jan – 7 Feb
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Other great holiday rentals in Shetland Islands
Apartment in Weisdale
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviewsShoormal, Weisdale
1–8 Mar
Shepherd’s hut in Unst
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviewsGorgeous tiny house with wood burning stove.
21–28 Nov
Flat in Weisdale
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 64 reviewsSound Lodge a Quiet Getaway with a Stunning View
29 Apr – 6 May
Cottage in Mid Yell
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviewsScarpoe's Kitchen, Herra, Yell, Shetland
23–30 Nov
Guest suite in Lerwick
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 65 reviews1 bedroom apartment
21–28 Apr
Cottage in Shetland
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviewsNewly Renovated Cosy 2 Bedroom Ark Cottage
14–21 Sept
Guest suite in Sandwick
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 86 reviewsCosy Home with a view
6–13 Feb
Apartment in Whiteness
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviewsCalm, tranquil, spacious haven
6–13 Nov
Home in Quarff
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviewsWell presented peaceful home in Shetland
30 Aug – 6 Sept
Home in Skellister
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviewsBeach view with outdoor sauna and hot tub
25 Nov – 2 Dec
Flat in Lerwick
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviewsAuld lifeboat station
29 Nov – 6 Dec
Home in Reawick
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviewsYour own space in an historic stone built home.
17–24 Aug
Your guide to Shetland Islands
Welcome to the Shetland Islands
Around 560 square miles in size, the Shetland Islands sit slightly closer to Scotland than to Norway, though you’ll spot traces of both Scottish and Scandinavian influences on the region and its people. The Shetlands are truly unique, perfect for adventure seekers and imperative for nature lovers. There are around 100 islands in this archipelago, with about 20 of them inhabited (by humans—there’s outstanding wildlife everywhere). The Shetlands feature some of the finest landscapes in the United Kingdom, with rugged coastlines, sweeping lush hills, and wonderful beaches. The main island of Mainland is home to the capital Lerwick, a grand 17th-century town that’s teeming with history, including the Shetland Museum. Across the bay from Lerwick are the isles of Bressay and Noss, a nature reserve where you’ll find puffins and guillemots. If you travel north from the capital you’ll reach Ronas Hill, the highest point on the islands, which features awe-inspiring views.
The best time to stay in a holiday rental in Shetland Islands
It says something about the personality of Shetlanders that their big annual festival is held in January each year. But with the winters particularly long, dark, and stormy here, the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival is designed to provide some much-needed cheer and heat. The winter months also provide your best time to see the Northern Lights. This far north, the summer months are never quite dark, and the perpetual overnight twilight is something to be experienced. The archipelago-wide folk festival takes place in April and May, followed by the Folk Frenzy festival in July. From a wildlife perspective, seals have their pups in November, while orcas and porpoises have been known to swim by during the summer.
Top things to do in Shetland Islands
Noss National Nature Reserve
As it’s a relatively short hop from Lerwick, Noss is the perfect spot to start your nature-loving Shetlands visit. This island is considered one of the finest wildlife sites in Europe. The cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes. There are several walking trails and a visitor centre with history and information about the island.
Unst Heritage Centre
Unst is one of the most northerly spots in these most northerly of islands, and it really does feel like the end of the earth. It’s a spectacular place, one of the richest Viking heritage sites in Europe. The Unst Heritage Centre provides a fascinating insight into life in the area and a great place to start your exploration of this fascinating location. Plus the quirkily furnished and decorated Unst Bus Shelter is considered the finest in the United Kingdom!
Sands of Meal
There are so many wonderful beaches around Shetland, it’s difficult to just pick one. But Meal Beach, on the island of West Burra, is one that the locals favour. Beautiful white sands meet turquoise waters with dunes providing some protection from the wind. It’s the perfect place to just stroll on the sand and relax or enjoy a barbecue on the beach followed by a quick brisk paddle.
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