Scotland: Knitting in Shetland 645
Scotland: Knitting in Shetland 645
Scotland: Knitting in Shetland 645
6 Days Starting and ending in Aberdeen, UK
Visiting: Lerwick, Sandwick, Shetland, Aberdeen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BKSH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a unique knitting adventure with the "Scotland: Knitting in Shetland 645" tour, where you'll explore the rich textile heritage of the Shetland Isles. This tour offers three tutored knitting workshops led by local experts, providing an immersive experience into the traditional craft. Visit renowned textile galleries, museums, and woollen mills, including the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick. Discover the historical charm of Scalloway and its ruined castle, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Shetland mainland. With comfortable coach travel, ferry crossings, and the services of a professional tour manager, this journey promises a blend of cultural exploration and creative inspiration. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow knitting enthusiasts as you hone your skills and create lasting memories in the heart of Scotland's knitting tradition.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Lerwick
Accommodation: Overnight NorthLink Ferry
Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
In the morning we disembark at Lerwick, capital town of the Shetland Isles. From here we travel to the southern tip of Mainland Shetland, where we visit the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, with over three acres of remains, spanning 3000 years since the days of the Stone Age, including oval shaped bronze age houses, iron age broch and wheel houses, Viking long houses and medieval farmhouses. Nearby is the glorious Sumburgh Head, a windswept sanctuary, and migration route, for all manner of birds.
Returning to Lerwick where we have an opportunity for lunch (not included), in the afternoon we visit the award-winning Textile Gallery of the Shetland Museum and Archives for a guided tour to learn all about the knitwear that once supported the island’s economy.
Our next stop is the Shetland Textile Museum, where we find an inspiring collection of local pieces located within a restored 18th-century fishing station, or “böd”.
Following our visit here we transfer to our accommodation at the Scalloway Hotel, Brae. All rooms have en-suite facilities. Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Sandwick
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we are joined by our local tutor for the first of our interactive workshops to learn the basics of Shetland hand knitting.
After lunch in the hotel we depart for a visit to the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick, where we discover an inventive range of alternative knitwear, including hand-spun batts just waiting to be used.
We continue to Hoswick where we will call in at the Visitor Centre, housed in a former woollen mill. The Centre includes weaving machinery, local items and an interpretation of the Hoswick Whale case. We will also visit the Laurence Odie Knitwear outlet at Hoswick Woollen Mill.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 3
Location: Shetland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast we depart on a tour of the western mainland of Shetland with visits to Walls, terminus for the ferry service to the island of Foula, and the headland at Sandness, overlooking the island of Papa Stour.
We return to the hotel for lunch before settling down for the afternoon at the second of our hands-on workshops: a great opportunity to ask your tutor any burning questions, and hone your techniques.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 4 : Walls & Sandness
Location: Shetland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Busta House Hotel, Shetland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast we depart on a tour of the western mainland of Shetland with visits to Walls, terminus for the ferry service to the island of Foula, and the headland at Sandness, overlooking the island of Papa Stour.
We return to the hotel for lunch before settling down for the afternoon at the second of our hands-on workshops: a great opportunity to ask your tutor any burning questions, and hone your techniques.
Day 5 : The Last Full Day Of The Trip
Location: Shetland
Accommodation: Overnight NorthLink Ferry
Accommodation Name: Overnight NorthLink Ferry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A leisurely breakfast sets us up nicely for the last full day of the trip, as we spend the rest of our morning engaged in a final knitting workshop with a local tutor. After lunch, we check out of the hotel and head for visit to Scalloway, the original capital of Shetland. The castle built by Earl Patrick Stewart (not a man you would want to have crossed) still dominates the skyline. More recently Scalloway was the secret base for the heroes of the Norwegian Resistance and the wartime exploits of the ‘Shetland Bus’ form a courageous memoir.
We continue to Lerwick where the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure. Here you will have the opportunity to browse the Jamieson’s of Shetland shop and view a video presentation giving an insight into the family owned business which has specialised in wool from the native Shetland sheep for five generations.
This evening we board our return ferry to Aberdeen, with dinner served in the ship’s own restaurant, a chance to reflect on the sights we have seen and the knitting skills we have learned.
Day 6 : Return
Location: Aberdeen
Meals Included: Breakfast
We dock at Aberdeen this morning, and after breakfast on board we join our coach and return to our original pick-up points.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the tour package.
-
Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included.
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
-
Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
-
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
-
Lunch on Day 1
Lunch on Day 1 is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach travel and ferry crossings included. Begin and end your journey in Aberdeen, UK, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. Enjoy the scenic ferry ride to the Shetland Isles.
Accommodation
Stay at the charming Scalloway Hotel in Brae, offering comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and convenient location for exploring the Shetland Isles. Experience a relaxing stay with dinner served in the evening.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of knitting workshops are included in the tour?
The tour includes three tutored knitting workshops where participants can learn the basics of Shetland hand knitting and hone their techniques with the guidance of local experts.
-
Will there be opportunities to learn about the history of Shetland knitwear?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Textile Gallery of the Shetland Museum and Archives for a guided tour to learn about the knitwear that once supported the island's economy, as well as a visit to the Shetland Textile Museum.
-
What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, which features remains from the Stone Age to the medieval period, and Scalloway, where you can see the castle built by Earl Patrick Stewart and learn about the wartime exploits of the 'Shetland Bus'.
-
Are there any unique shopping opportunities on the tour?
Yes, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Nielanell Design Studio at Sandwick, which offers an inventive range of alternative knitwear, and Jamieson's of Shetland shop in Lerwick, which specializes in wool from native Shetland sheep.
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at the Scalloway Hotel, where all rooms have en-suite facilities. The tour also includes overnight stays on the NorthLink Ferry.
-
Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
-
What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
-
Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
-
Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
-
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
-
How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
-
Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
-
What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
-
Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
-
What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
-
What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
-
Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
-
How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
-
Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
-
How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
-
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."