Visiting Shetland in 2025

Among the most notable developments is the new Fair Isle Bird Observatory, which opens its doors to the public for the first time on 26 May, offering birdwatchers and nature lovers the chance to get up close to a wide array of British birds.

The new observatory has risen from the ashes of its predecessor, which burned to the ground in March 2019.

This replacement is set to be an unmissable new addition to the isles and gives visitors an excuse to take either a ferry or flight across to Fair Isle – one of Shetland’s most beautiful islands.

Visiting Fair Isle takes a little planning, but it’s worth the effort, whether you want to enjoy the landscapes, wildlife, heritage, or revel in visiting the home of Fair Isle knitting.

In the West Mainland, The Westings Inn is also set to re-open, with its bar and café preparing to open the doors in the coming months.

Westings has begun welcoming visitors to stay after a major renovation, and a new glamping pod – a first for the area – has been built in its grounds, giving incredible views out to the Böd of Nesbister and beyond.

In Shetland’s capital town, Lerwick, there are two exciting developments for those looking for libations.

Lerwick Distillery – Shetland’s first distillery, producing only whisky, is in the heart of the town. Visitors are welcome, and the distillery will soon add tasting sessions to complement its popular gift shop offering.

Meanwhile, the Lerwick Brewery, on the outskirts of town, will offer visitors the chance to take a bus from the centre of Lerwick right to its front door to sample its ales, stouts, pale ales and lagers, brewed on the site.

Once you’ve reached the bottom of the glass and want to get back outside again, there’s nowhere better to experience spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, unique heritage, and millions of years of dramatic geology.

Shetland Tourism Association chairwoman Amanda Hawick explains. “If you’re coming here in the summer, then you have all the wildlife, but there’s also years of culture and heritage too,” she says.

And when it comes to stunning coastlines and beaches, Amanda believes Shetland has the best selection.

“The beaches are absolutely astounding some of them,” she says, “they’re like something you would see in the Caribbean.”

Her favourites include St. Ninian’s Isle in Bigton, in Shetland’s South Mainland, and Sands of Breckon on the island of Yell if you are searching for a beaches with beauty and tranquillity.

Many visitors (and locals) enjoy nothing more than seeing Shetland and its incredible marine wildlife from the sea.

From Lerwick you can take you pick from the award-winning boat tours which take guests to see the internationally significant gannet colonies, which breed on the cliffs of Noss. Of course, on the way you’ll see other birds and mammals including seals and possibly porpoises, dolphins or the apex predator – orcas.

The tour companies are expecting a busier than ever season, so it pays to book your seat.

The island of Mousa is another popular spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers to take a boat trip to. Tours to the island offer the chance to sail through a swirl of storm petrels, either through the day or on its incredible late-night (still daylight) trips. And on the island, you can visit and climb Mousa Broch, the best example of an Iron Age stone tower.

The Mousa Boat company is set to expand its offering this summer due to demand, adding a second boat in June, which will allow more people to take in one of Shetland’s most remarkable wildlife encounters.

Around Shetland, you'll also find various operators offering boat trips for leisure or fishing.