Visiting Shetland on a budget

Getting to Shetland can be an expensive undertaking that can often leave you with little wiggle room within your budget. Luckily, in many ways, Shetland is the perfect place to come on a budget as the outdoors is free.

Finding somewhere cheap to stay is not always easy, but the Islesburgh House Hostel is an excellent choice for those who want a bed for the night. Islesburgh is a five-star hostel located in a beautiful Edwardian townhouse in the centre of Lerwick.

In Unst, Gardiesfauld Hostel offers excellent budget accommodation, and several caravan sites have tent pitches and showering facilities.

Another stunning place to stay is the Littlelure Fisherman’s Bothy. Located in a remote and picturesque corner of the West Mainland, this is a glamping experience like no other. The bothy is insulated and lined and sleeps up to four people. At £25 a night, this won’t break the budget.

Many places in Shetland have free admission, meaning that you can enjoy them without breaking the bank. Some of these places are run by volunteers, so if you can leave a donation or a review, it will help them endlessly.

Shetland Museum & Archives, Lerwick

Lerwick Town Hall

Scalloway Castle

Tangwick Haa, Eshaness

Old Haa, Yell

Muness Castle, Unst

Hoswick Visitor Centre

There are so many sites that can be visited for free; the beaches are free, the hills are free and, some ancient monuments are also free, including:

St Ninian’s Isle Chapel Site – and that stunning beach is free too.

Stanydale Temple

Culswick Broch

Clickimin Broch

Skidbladnir reconstructed longship and longhouse, Haroldswick, Unst

Underhoull Broch and longhouses, Unst

Some of the best hikes are free, and all you’ll need is a sense of adventure and a picnic:

Ronas Hill and the Lang Ayre

Hams of Roe, Muckle Roe

Uyea, Northmavine

Fethaland, Northmavine

Deepdale, West Mainland

Several gardens and growing schemes open up their gates and allow visitors to enjoy the environment. Most of these places accept donations, and these are gratefully received. Gardens to enjoy that are free admission:

Michaelswood, Aith

Sand Gairdins

Kergord Woods, Weisdale

There’s no shortage of things to do in Shetland if you are on a budget, and your holiday does not have to cost the world. Even if you are looking to visit a museum or site that charges admission fees, you will find that these are very nominal and are much cheaper than mainland UK prices – you won’t need to remortgage your house to visit places like Jarlshof, Old Scatness and the many heritage centres and museums dotted throughout the isles.

By being money savvy, you could save for a trip or a tour. If you are going to pay for an experience, go to the island of Mousa and visit the Broch with the Mousa Boat, or visit Noss with a boat trip and witness the spectacular gannet colonies.