The Shetland Islands is an archipelago of around 100 islands situated between the northern coast of Scotland and Norway - fewer than 20 of them are inhabited. It is, in their own words, "a unique place of peace, pure air and wide open…

The Shetland Islands is an archipelago of around 100 islands situated between the northern coast of Scotland and Norway - fewer than 20 of them are inhabited.  It is, in their own words, "a unique place of peace, pure air and wide open spaces....savour the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community spirit."   I feel relaxed just thinking about it.  Plus, I've got a sudden urge to buy a Fair Isle jumper. The Shetland Islands all have their own heritage and history.  Whichever areas you choose to visit you'll find a huge variety of wildlife and many archeological and historical sites to uncover.  In fact, there are more than 8,000 listed sites and all kinds of historic (and prehistoric) remains here, from 2nd World war defences right back to the Neolithic period.  There are also many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters, which attract divers from all over the world. Lerwick, the capital, is a pretty harbour town with a population of about 7,000.  There is a good visitor centre here which is full of useful information, and a couple of museums well worth a visit - the Croft House Museum and the Shetland Museum.   Clickimin Broch (a broch is an Iron Age hollow roundhouse) is a popular attraction and can be combined with a  scenic walk along the shores of Lerwick.  There are a few brouch buildings around the Shetlands - Mousa Broch (take a ferry to the uninhabited Mousa for this one) is a great example of an Iron Age dwelling and it makes for a fun day trip out. There is a strong Viking heritage in the Shetland Islands; take a trip to Haroldswick in Unst to find more about it.  Unst is meant to have been the place where Vikings first set foot in the North Atlantic and over 50 settlements have been found there.  You can climb aboard a replica Gokstad ship - the Skidblaner and there is also a replica Viking longhouse - designed from the findings in a nearby excavation.  Kids will love it! The Shetlands Islands are Isles of discovery, exploration and adventure.  In winter, you can even se the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from here. As family holidays go, this really would be of the memory-making variety.  Just don't forget the jumper.

Shetland Islands, Highlands, Scotland, UK

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