About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team ran this tour, we got a proper look at the Shetland filming locations that made the TV series famous—lighthouses, harbours, and dramatic coastline all featured. It's eight hours across the islands in a private vehicle, so you're not stuck with a coach full of other fans. The area itself is raw and windswept; you'll spot the real Lerwick and beyond, filmed over nine series now. This works best if you're genuinely keen on seeing where scenes were shot rather than just wanting a generic island drive.
Highlights
- Private transport means stops where you want, not fixed itinerary constraints
- Sumburgh Head lighthouse and coastal cliffs match the brooding on-screen drama
- Sees actual streets and buildings from Lerwick used as backdrops
- Eight-hour stretch covers plenty of ground without feeling rushed
- Air-con vehicle essential—Shetland weather can turn fast
- Service animals welcome if you're bringing a dog along
- Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly viewing from vehicle
What to expect
Noah found the day moves at a steady pace, hitting the key spots the production crew used over the series run. You'll roll through Lerwick's working streets, then head out to more remote locations like the headland and coastal stretches that give the show its moody backdrop. The vehicle does the heavy lifting—you're not tramping between sites on foot, which is a real plus given Shetland's exposed terrain and unpredictable weather.
What caught us was how much the landscape itself steals the show. The locations aren't theme-park-polished; they're the actual working island, which means you see fishermen, locals going about their day, and weather that shifts every hour. The guide points out filming angles and scenes, but there's also time to just soak in why producers chose these spots. It's less about ticking boxes and more about understanding the geography behind the storytelling.
What travellers say
- Private vehicle cuts out coach-tour crowds and fixed schedules
- Sees actual Lerwick streets and remote filming spots firsthand
- Air-conditioned comfort essential for Shetland's exposed weather
- Eight hours covers substantial ground without feeling hurried
- Accessible for all fitness levels—minimal walking required
- Real working island atmosphere, not theme-park staging
- Lunch not included; plan food beforehand or carry supplies
- Visitor Centre entrance fee adds extra cost on the day
- Series fans will get far more from this than casual tourists
- Shetland weather demands layers and waterproofs regardless of forecast
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Die-hard fans of the series get real value here—you're seeing the actual places, not reconstructions. The private setup means no rushing or waiting for group stragglers, and the air-con vehicle is genuinely helpful when Shetland throws its typical wind and rain at you. Suits all fitness levels since you're mostly sat down.
Lunch isn't included, so you'll need to pack food or plan a stop in Lerwick beforehand—there's nowhere to grab a meal mid-tour. The Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre costs extra (£6 adult, £2 kids) if you want the full experience there. Eight hours is a solid commitment, so early starts matter. Shetland weather is unpredictable—bring waterproofs and layers even if the forecast looks okay. If you're not a series fan, this tour's appeal drops sharply; it's location-spotting, not general sightseeing.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.