20 things to do on a rainy day in Shetland

We have gathered activities for all ages across Shetland, from historic sites to indoor sports and spa days. Check out the top 20 family activities in Shetland to do when it's raining.

1. Shetland Museum and Archives

Rain or shine, Shetland Museum and Archives is always worth a visit. It's a fantastic day out for all ages and has free entry (donations are always welcome).

The museum is a treasure trove that brings Shetland's rich history to life with its unique and diverse exhibits and displays. From ancient artefacts to modern art, there's something to fascinate every visitor.

For the latest exhibitions and events, visit the Shetland Museum and Archives website.

2. Shetland's Leisure Centres

Shetland offers a range of leisure activities across its eight excellent facilities. Whether you're interested in yoga, swimming, or climbing, there's something for everyone. The West Mainland location in Aith is home to the UK's most northerly climbing wall.

The main wall, standing up to 7.5m high x 11m long, is a thrilling sight. It features a variety of vertical and overhanging sections, with routes covering everything from a child-friendly grade 3 to a challenging grade 7. This means that even the youngest climbers can join in the fun.

For more information on Shetland's leisure centres, see the Shetland Recreational Trust website.

3. Shetland Library

Shetland Library at Hillhead in Lerwick allows readers of all ages to borrow books, e-books and magazines. You can also access computers and print documents.

Visitors to Shetland are also very welcome to join the library. To do so, you'll just need to fill in a membership form, show some ID, and provide your Shetland and home address.

Join the library's Bookbug session for babies and toddlers for songs, rhymes, and fun. Bookbug sessions take place every Tuesday from 10.30 to 11am and from 2.00 to 2.30pm. in the Shetland Library.

For more on library services and upcoming events, see the Shetland Library website.

4. Aa Fired Up

Aa Fired Up on Lerwick's Commercial Street is a small ceramics studio where creativity takes centre stage. Choose from a wide range of unglazed pottery, then decorate your piece in your own unique style. The painted pottery is then fired in the Aa Fired Up kiln and is available for pickup from the shop within a few days or weeks.

Find out more on the Aa Fired Up Facebook page.

5. Da Mad Hoose softplay

Da Mad Hoose is Shetland's only dedicated soft play centre for children under 13. Based in Voe at the Voe Centre, it's a family-run business which includes a small customer cafe and a toddler and baby play area for 0-3-year-olds.

For up-to-date information and opening times, see Da Mad Hoose Facebook page.

6. Shop on 'Da Street'

Commercial Street, known locally as 'Da Street', is in the heart of Lerwick's old town. For centuries, it has been Shetland's main shopping street, with a range of independent and locally owned shops where you can buy everything from bread and milk to traditional Fair Isle knitwear.

It's also a great place to stop for a coffee or a spot of lunch, as there are several cafes and restaurants. Or, if you need a pamper, there are a number of hair and beauty salons.

Living Lerwick is a great resource for discovering shops in Lerwick. Browse the business and product directory if you're looking for something specific.

7. Go sea swimming

There’s something wonderfully wild about swimming in Shetland on a rainy day. With the rain dancing on the water and the islands looking at their most dramatic, taking a dip can feel exhilarating and surprisingly peaceful. You’re going to get wet anyway, after all! Choose a safe, sheltered spot, bring plenty of warm layers and a flask of something hot to drink for afterwards, and embrace the Shetland weather rather than hiding from it.

Coincide your dip with a visit to one of Shetland's outdoor saunas - see the Nordic Glow or Haar Sauna websites for more details.

Watch the video below for more about wild swimming in Shetland.

8. Up Helly Aa Exhibition at the Galley Shed

Head to the Up Helly Aa Exhibition at the Galley Shed and discover the story behind one of Shetland’s most famous traditions.

Learn how the festival developed from 19th-century celebrations into the spectacular fire festival it is today, with its torchlit procession, Jarl's Squad and dramatic burning of the galley.

The exhibition brings this colourful history to life through photographs, displays and an impressive collection of Jarl's Squad suits and costumes from previous years. It’s a great way to experience the history, creativity and character of Up Helly Aa.

The Up Helly Aa Exhibition is open from May to September. See website for details.

9. See spectacular coastlines

Even in the rain, Shetland’s dramatic coastlines are a sight to behold. At Eshaness, rugged cliffs and crashing waves showcase the raw power of the Atlantic, while Burra, Sumburgh and Unst offer spectacular coastal scenery and wonderful opportunities for photography.

In wet or windy weather, a little extra care goes a long way. Rocks and paths can be slippery, so wear suitable footwear, keep well back from cliff edges and waves, and choose a more sheltered spot if conditions are particularly wild.

For rambling inspiration, there is a range of walks with varying duration and ability on our Walk page.

10. Play in the trees at Kergord or Loch of Voe

For families looking for an outdoor adventure, Kergord and Loch of Voe offer the chance to explore and play among Shetland’s trees. Kergord’s woodland is a lovely spot for a picnic, a wander or a game of hide-and-seek, while Loch of Voe has scenic trails ideal for a family walk and plenty of fresh-air fun.

Discover five more Shetland outdoor adventures for families.

11. Scalloway Museum

Scalloway Museum tells the story of the village and its people, from the earliest settlers through to the present day. A particular focus is the Shetland Bus, the clandestine wartime operation that linked Shetland with occupied Norway during the Second World War. Scalloway became its operational base in 1942, and the museum holds an extensive collection of related artefacts and information.

The museum is community-owned and run by volunteers, with displays covering many other aspects of Scalloway’s social and maritime history.

Scalloway Museum is open from April until early October. See the website for more information.

12. Tangwick Haa

Located in the North Mainland, Tangwick Haa Museum is set in a traditional laird’s house. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the domestic life of Shetland’s past inhabitants. The museum is home to artefacts, photographs and stories that capture the essence of Shetland life over the centuries.

Open from mid-April to the end of September. See website for more information.

13. Unst Boat Haven

On Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island, the Boat Haven in Haroldswick explores the island’s long relationship with the sea. Unst lies at the northern end of the Shetland archipelago and is reached from Mainland Shetland via two short ferry crossings, travelling through Yell.

Unst Boat Haven houses a distinctive collection of traditional wooden boats, including working and racing craft from Shetland and Scandinavia. Displays of fishing gear, tools, photographs and other maritime artefacts help tell the story of fishing and seafaring in a community where the sea has shaped everyday life for generations.

Open from May until October. See the Unst Heritage Centre website for more details.

14. Old Haa Museum

Located in Burravoe in the south of Yell, the Old Haa dates from 1672. The historic building houses a museum exploring the social and natural history of Yell.

Displays range from local photographs and family history to the Bobby Tulloch Collection, celebrating the renowned Yell naturalist, photographer and writer. Look out, too, for the original White Wife figurehead, recovered from the German ship Bohus, which was wrecked off Yell in 1924.

There’s also a gallery showcasing arts and crafts, a tearoom serving homebakes, and a sheltered walled garden with displays exploring Yell’s geology.

See the Old Haa Museum website for opening times and more information.

15. Shetland Textile Museum

Housed in the historic Böd of Gremista, just outside Lerwick, the Shetland Textile Museum explores the islands’ renowned textile heritage.

Its collection of almost 800 pieces includes Fair Isle and fine lace knitting, taatit rugs, tweed, traditional tools and contemporary work. Changing exhibitions explore different aspects of Shetland’s textile traditions, with demonstrations offering the chance to see skills such as knitting and spinning in practice.

Shetland Textile Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from April to October. See the website for more information.

16. Hoswick Visitor Centre

In the small South Mainland village of Hoswick, Hoswick Visitor Centre combines a cafe and craft shop with displays exploring the area’s fishing and textile heritage. Once a weaving shed, the building still houses a vintage loom, a winder and a warping machine, while displays also tell the story of the remarkable Hoswick Whale Case of 1888.

Hoswick is also home to several local creative businesses, including Nielanell, Laurence Odie Knitwear and Karlin Anderson Jewellery, all within easy reach of the Visitor Centre.

For more information on the area and things to do, see our Hoswick guide.

17. Quendale Mill

Quendale Mill, located in the South Mainland, is a beautifully restored 19th-century water mill. It provides a fascinating look into the agricultural history of Shetland. Visitors can tour the mill, see the machinery in action, and learn about the milling process that once played a crucial role in the local economy.

For opening times and admission charges, see the Quendale Mill website.

18. Explore historic Shetland

A rainy day doesn’t have to rule out exploring some of Shetland’s most important historic sites. Jarlshof, near Sumburgh, spans more than 4,000 years of settlement, while Clickimin Broch in Lerwick offers a glimpse into Iron Age life. Also in Lerwick, Fort Charlotte overlooks Bressay Sound and has defended the harbour at various points since the 17th century.

These sites are largely outdoors, so waterproofs and sturdy footwear are a good idea. In particularly wet or windy conditions, check conditions before setting out.

19. Go fishing

A bit of rain needn’t put a stop to a day’s fishing in Shetland. In fact, overcast conditions can be well suited to angling. Shetland has many freshwater lochs where you can fish for wild brown trout, while sea angling offers the chance to catch species including pollack, cod and mackerel.

If you’re new to the area, a local guide can help with everything from choosing the right location to tackle and techniques. For sea fishing, charter boats operate around the islands, although trips will naturally depend more on wind and sea conditions than rain.

Find out more about fishing in Shetland, permits and where to go in our angling guide.

20. Clickimin Health Suite

Part of the Clickimin Leisure Complex at Lochside in Lerwick, the Health Suite offers a quieter indoor option for a wet-weather day. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, spa pool and relaxation area, as well as power-assisted exercise equipment.

It’s a useful place to warm up and unwind after time spent exploring outdoors, and the wider complex also has a 25-metre swimming pool.

Check current opening times and prices with the Shetland Recreational Trust before visiting.

If you're looking for more inspiration of what to see and do around Shetland, check out our family days out inspiration page.