Thinking about a family holiday in Shetland?

During a recent tourism meeting I attended it became apparent that Shetland could perhaps market itself better to families.  

Everyone at the meeting agreed this was strange as the isles have a lot to offer families.

For example, there are excellent sports facilities throughout Shetland, with swimming pools in many of the larger villages. The main leisure centre in Lerwick has lots of fun activities for kids, with a large swimming pool with flumes and a rapid river, to a sauna, steam room, private hydrotherapy pool, badminton courts, squash courts… the list goes on. 

Outdoors we have a great selection of play parks.  Each one is different with equipment to suit all ages, and many have picnic benches. Some are also very near a beach, such as the Gulberwick play park.  

If the weather is suitable for outside then the beaches are excellent and you usually have them all to yourself! Natural beauty, often with a friendly seal watching what you are up to. Take a camera!   

There are plenty of places to eat out as a family during the day, with reasonably priced cafes throughout the isles, and for evening meals there are good options in the towns and some other areas. I have made a list of recommendations for my chalet guests, but I’d welcome any feedback from good places you’ve found to eat.

Happy holidays for 2018!