Unst
Unst is the most northerly of the Shetland Islands and is packed full of things to see and do.
Norwick beach for walks, puffins at Hermaness, Muness Castle, the Unst Hertage Centre and Boat Haven - plus much more to see and do.
How to get to Unst - Unst is reached by two car ferries and is about a two hour drive from Lerwick. There is a bus service from Lerwick each day except Sundays. Travel information can be found HERE.
The Island Above All Others
Unst has three shops, all located in Batasound - H Henderson, The Final Checkout and Skibhoul Stores. The UK's most northerly Post Office is also in Baltasound where you can buy postcards, souvenirs and withdraw cash. Fresh food, milk and bread is delivered to all three shops on Tuesday and Thursday. Skibhoul Stores has a bakery with fresh bread, rolls pasteries, pizzas and filled sandwiches daily (except at the weekends).
In Baltasound you will also find the Unst Leisure Centre with a gym, multi-court, indoor swimming pool and bike hire.
Other tourist attractions include the Keen of Hamar (for beautiful views and wild flowers), The Unst Bus Shelter and cake box. Also wonderful coastal walks, seals and much more.
The Balta Light pub is open every day in the summer and serves food at the weekends. Check their Facebook Page for opening times and events.
UnstFest is held each July, a 10-day extranagaza of events and activities. There are two Up Helly Aa festivals in Unst at Uyeasound and Norwick, both held in February. Mid-winter may not seem like the best time to visit Unst but Up Helly is a sight to see and the weather isn't always bad, plus there is the chance of seeing the northern lights.
Birds and Wildlife
Visit Hermaness NNR for gannets, bonxies, kittywakes and from May to August PUFFINS!
Shetland ponies roam around the island and are usually friendly but they do like to nibble fingers.
Seals and otters can be spotted around the coast. Baltasound and Haroldswick are seal hotspots. Otters are harder to find but keep a close eye out when waiting at the ferry. Also Uyeasound pier and Brookpoint in Haroldswick.
Whales, orcas and dolphins can be spotted around our shores too - if you are lucky! Follow the Shetland Orca Sightings group on Facebook for updates.
A blanket of wildflowers cover Unst from late spring and throughout the summer with the heather turning the hills beautifully purple in August. Unst is also home to Edmonston's Chickweed - the only place in the world it can be found is on the Keen of Hamar.
Food & Drink
The Balta Light pub does evening meals at the weekends. Tables must be booked check on their Facebook page to see if they are serving meals and to book or phone 01957 755545
Victoria's Vintage Tearooms is open Tuesday to Sunday during the summer, serving soup, scones and AMAZING cakes!
The Final Checkout Cafe serves breakfasts and lunches until 3pm each day. Sassermaet and egg bun comes highly recommended! There are also soup, sandwiches and pastries, bacon rolls.
Shetland Reel Gin Distillery - Guided tours and tastings at the distillery in Haroldswick plus a gin shop so you can stock up and enjoy a G&T in front of the fire at the Peerie Neuk! Visit their website HERE for tour details
Chez Simon is a French honesty cafe at the old Uyeasound pier with French biscuits, tea, coffee and cold drinks.
There are honesty boxes around the island with a selection of cakes, treats and sometimes eggs.
Heritage & Places
Unst Heritage Centre is open seven days a week from May until September. There is an amazing collection of Unst fine lace knitting, examples of Unst's unique geology, family history and a shop with special gifts and souvenirs.
Unst Boat Haven - it looks just like a big shed from the outside but be prepared to be amazed. A fantastic collection of Shetland boats and maritime history. The Heritage Centre and Boat Haven are open May to September 11am - 4pm.
Glansin Glass Visitor Centre - Located in Uyeasound, the Glansin Glass Visitor Centre is a shop and workshop where you can do fused glass making classes with Cheryl Jamieson. To book visit her website HERE.
Muness Castle in the south end of the island is open for self guided visits.
Beaches - Skaw, Norwick, Burrafirth, Skeotaing, Lund, Easting, the Secret Beach (Westing).