SHETLAND TV Series Tour

... as seen on television.

“One of the great things about doing these tours is that we are actually covering some of the best of Shetland anyway.
"The creators’ of Shetland have made the most of everything the islands has to offer, uncovering the best beauty spots to film this compelling, and extremely addictive drama. 

“They are careful to choose new and exciting locations to use in each season, so there is a lot of ground to cover on both the tours.
“Although these tours are specifically themed around the tv series, that is by no means to say that that is all we cover.
“Just like on any tour, we will speak about Shetland’s rich history and culture, the wildlife, and what life in Shetland is really like from an islanders point of view because, after all, it’s our incredible culture and community that inspired Ann Cleeves to base her novels here in Shetland in the first place.”

I have launched two Shetland TV Series Tours that are available to book. The locations used for filming are literally scattered across the length and breadth of the islands, so it was quite a challenge to narrow them down and create a meaningful tour. I played around with various itineraries, trying to get as much in as possible, before finalising the tours.

What I have ended up with is two Shetland-based tours – One that explores locations in the Central and North Mainland, and the other that explores locations in the Central and South Mainland – so in theory, to get the most from the tour, it’s best to book a two-day experience or chat with me beforehand to see what it is that you want to see most.


Both tours begin in Lerwick, our main town, where we weave our way through the narrow streets, taking in a number of filming locations along the way. Of course, guests are always most excited to see the Lodberrie – better known as the home of Jimmy Perez and daughter Cassie.

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Shetland TV Series: North

On this tour, we begin by exploring the streets of Lerwick where much of the filming took place, including the Lodberrie, home of Jimmy Perez, Commercial Street, the Town Hall, Police Station and the site of the famous Up Helly Aa festival, as featured in the show. From Lerwick, we will head west to Burra which hosts the fictional village of Skellwick and the locations used in both series two and five. Along the way, we pass Burland Croft, where John Henderson was murdered in series two. We then head North, via the site where Zezi was held hostage and on towards the Skellwick Hotel (Busta House Hotel) where we will have lunch in a beautiful 16th-century building. From there we head into the wilds of Shetland’s north-west corner where we will see the home of Magnus Bain and stand at the cliffs of Eshaness which was used in several series’ and saw its fair share of murder, mystery and intrigue.

This is a full-day tour. Please email to check prices and availability.

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Shetland TV Series: South

This is a full-day tour. Please email to check prices and availability.

On this tour, we begin by exploring the streets of Lerwick where much of the filming took place, including the Lodberrie, home of Jimmy Perez, Commercial Street, the Town Hall, Police Station and the site of the famous Up Helly Aa festival, as featured in the show. From Lerwick, we will head south through the picturesque, and sweeping landscapes of Shetland’s South Mainland. Along the way, we will visit the beaches of St Ninian’s Isle, Scousburgh and Peerie Spiggie, all locations throughout the series. We will see the ruined house of Clavel where a shooting took place and then visit the southernmost point of the mainland, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, used as a hotel in series two. From there, we will have lunch at the Sumburgh Hotel, location of Willow Reeves’ hotel in series two. With a bit of luck and a clear day, the island of Fair Isle, set of series two’s drama may be visible on the southern horizon. After lunch, we make our way back to the Central Mainland to Scalloway to explore the Shetland Bus history, tapped into in series one.

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