Scalloway

#5966 among destinations in the United Kingdom

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Scalloway, a charming village located on the Mainland of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Steeped in rich maritime history, Scalloway was once the ancient capital of Shetland and is home to the impressive Scalloway Castle, a historic fortress built in the 17th century by the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart. Visitors can explore the castle's intriguing past and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

In addition to its historical attractions, Scalloway boasts a picturesque harbor where visitors can watch traditional fishing boats and yachts bobbing on the crystal-clear waters. The village's maritime heritage is on display at the Shetland Bus Memorial, which commemorates the heroic efforts of Norwegian and Shetland sailors during World War II. The Scalloway Museum offers further insight into the area's seafaring past, with exhibits on fishing, whaling, and the Shetland Bus operation.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the breathtaking landscapes that surround Scalloway, from the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches to the rolling hills and lush greenery. Outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting are popular pastimes in this idyllic region. Visitors can also take boat trips to nearby islands to observe seabird colonies and marine life in their natural habitats.

For those interested in experiencing local culture, Scalloway hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including traditional music performances and craft fairs. The village's vibrant arts scene is evident in its galleries and studios, where visitors can browse and purchase unique Shetland-made crafts and artwork.

Alternative names: Population: 1.1 thous.Coordinates: 60°8'15"N, 1°16'42"W

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ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Scalloway – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Shetland Museum and Archives, Shetland Library, Fort Charlotte, Clickimin Broch.

4.6 miE
Specialty museum, History museum, Maritime museum
Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick
118 min walk • The New Shetland Museum and Archives at Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, was officially opened on 31 May 2007 by Queen Sonja of Norway and the Duke & Duchess of Rothesay.
4.7 miE
Library
Shetland Library, Lerwick
119 min walk • Shetland Library is a Scottish public library service, with its main branch based in Lerwick and membership open to both residents of and visitors to the islands.
4.7 miE
Forts and castles
Fort Charlotte, Lerwick
121 min walk • Fort Charlotte in the centre of Lerwick, Shetland, is an artillery fort, roughly five sided, with bastions on each of three landward corners, and half-bastions on the corners of the seaward face.
4 miE
Body of water, Park, Memorial
Clickimin Broch, Lerwick
101 min walk • The Broch of Clickimin is a large, well-preserved but restored broch in Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch, it was approached by a stone causeway.
4.4 miSW
Island
West Burra
113 min walk • West Burra is one of the Scalloway Islands, a subgroup of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It is connected by bridge to East Burra. With an area of 743 hectares, it is the eleventh-largest of the Shetland Islands.
4 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Clickimin Loch, Lerwick
102 min walk • Clickimin Loch is a loch in Shetland, Scotland, west of Lerwick. A Pictish fort from the 6th century called Clickimin Broch is located on a small islet at the southern end of the loch. Clickimin Leisure Centre is at the north of the loch.
4.6 miNE
Maritime museum, Museum, History museum
Böd of Gremista, Lerwick
117 min walk • The Böd of Gremista, situated at the north end of Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, is a typical 18th century Shetland fishing booth. It is protected as a category B listed building.
3.3 miE
Museum, Observatories and planetariums
Lerwick Observatory, Law Ting Holm
85 min walk • Lerwick Observatory is a British meteorological observatory located near the port at Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom. It is one of three permanent geomagnetic observatories in the United Kingdom.
~860 ftSE
Museum, Forts and castles, Vernacular architecture
Scalloway Castle, Mainland
5 min walk • Scalloway Castle is a tower house in Scalloway, on the Shetland Mainland, the largest island in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The tower was built in 1600 by Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney, during his brief period as de facto ruler of Shetland.
5 miE
Church
Lerwick and Bressay Parish Church, Lerwick
127 min walk • Lerwick and Bressay Parish Church is the largest Church of Scotland congregation in Shetland, serving the islands' capital Lerwick and the surrounding area.
4.7 miE
Concerts and shows, Theater
Garrison Theatre, Lerwick
121 min walk • The Garrison Theatre is a 280-capacity venue in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, with a sprung proscenium stage with fixed raked seating. The auditorium has 19 rows, named A to S, with 8, 12, 13, 15, or 16 seats in each row. The venue hosts dance, drama, stand-up comedy, pantomime and music productions.