Lerwick Scotland
Country: Scotland · Region: British Isles
Lerwick is the capital and largest town of the Shetland Islands, serving as the obvious base for exploring Shetland. The town is a walkable port with a rich history dating back 3,000 years and remains an active fishing and shipping hub.
Top sights
Fort Charlotte, Shetland Museum and Archives, Clickimin Broch, Up Helly Aa Exhibition, Shetland Textile Museum, The Knab
Things to do
- Fort Charlotte
- A five-sided artillery fort built in 1665 against the Dutch and rebuilt in 1780, now free to visit.
- Shetland Museum and Archives
- Modern museum with natural history, archaeology, history and anthropology of the islands, free admission.
- Clickimin Broch
- An Iron Age stone and turf fortified dwelling occupied between 700 BC and 600 AD, now connected to shore by a pathway.
- Up Helly Aa Exhibition
- Exhibition of the famous Viking longship festival with guizer regalia and film from previous events, £3 adults.
Where to eat
- No 88 Kitchen and Bar
- Modern British cuisine in the pedestrian precinct on Commercial Street with great reviews; reservations recommended.
- C'est la Vie
- Small bistro near the ferry terminal offering French and Iberian cuisine.
Bars and nightlife
- The Lounge Bar
- Bar on Mounthooley Street with basic downstairs pub and more comfortable upstairs lounge, often featuring live traditional music.
Forecast for Lerwick
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Weather in Lerwick by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 38°F | 4.9 in | 20 |
| February | 44°F | 38°F | 3.7 in | 17 |
| March | 44°F | 38°F | 3.6 in | 19 |
| April | 47°F | 40°F | 2.1 in | 12 |
| May | 51°F | 44°F | 2.5 in | 14 |
| June | 56°F | 49°F | 2.5 in | 14 |
| July | 58°F | 52°F | 3.5 in | 17 |
| August | 58°F | 52°F | 4.0 in | 17 |
| September | 56°F | 50°F | 4.2 in | 16 |
| October | 52°F | 46°F | 4.7 in | 18 |
| November | 48°F | 42°F | 4.7 in | 17 |
| December | 45°F | 40°F | 4.7 in | 19 |
Getting around
The town centre is very walkable; taxis and local buses (including Bus 4 to Holmsgarth Terminal) are available for trips beyond town, or car hire can be arranged.
What to eat
Local dining options range from fish and chips to French, Indian, Cantonese, and modern British cuisine, with cafes along Commercial Street offering coffee and light meals.
Tips
Book car hire in advance if needed, as Lerwick has a small fleet; the VisitScotland iCentre on Market Cross provides tourist information.
Best for
History, museums, walking
More ports in British Isles
Belfast · Cobh (Cork) · Dover · Dublin · Edinburgh (Rosyth) · Invergordon · Liverpool · Southampton