Lerwick hotels

Hotels in Lerwick

Located in the capital of the remote Shetland Islands, Lerwick hotels are the ideal destination for travellers looking for warm hospitality and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

History

The name Lerwick means ‘bay of clay' and has been a settlement since the 17th century. One of the oldest remaining structures from this period is Fort Charlotte, originally the site of older forts during the first, second and third Anglo-Dutch wars during the 17th century and subsequently rebuilt in the 18th century. For a fuller account of the area's history you should head to the Shetland Museum and Archives, housed in a renovated 19th-century dock and full of artefacts that tell the story of Shetland's culture and heritage.

Wildlife

The Shetland Islands are famed for their wildlife and stunning natural landscapes and you won't have to travel far from Lerwick to experience the area's beauty. Noss National Nature Reserve is a short ferry cruise to the dramatic island of Noss. Here you'll find a staggering variety of different nesting bird species, with porpoises and otters often spotted offshore. Also near Lerwick is the two-acre Lea Gardens, with over 1,500 different varieties of plant life, and Nonavaar which features ponds, lawns and greenhouses.

Food and drink

With so much fishing activity happening around Lerwick, it isn't surprising that the town is famed for the quality of its seafood. Queens Hotel Restaurant serves a mouth-watering selection of fresh fish, The Bay Brasserie boasts a delicious array of Scottish dishes while Frankie's Fish & Chips offers a traditional meal of fish and chips. There are also a number of excellent pubs in and around Lerwick – the perfect place to kick back with a drink after a day exploring the islands.

Further afield

The Shetland Islands stretch out far to the north and are well worth exploring in full. On your way you might come across the Valhalla Brewery, the UK's most northern brewery and maker of uniquely flavoured ales. You'll also find the Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement in Sumburgh, a set of ancient settlements that encompass over 4,000 years of human history. The stunning Hermaness National Nature Reserve overlooks Muckle Flugga, Britain's most northerly point, while the seemingly barren Keen Of Hamar is home to a number of exceptionally rare plants.