Could Do List – Shetland in July 2026

July is a lovely time of year to be in Shetland; with milder weather and still a chance to see puffins at Sumburgh Head. Here are some suggestions for what you could do in July.

Running until mid-July, guided night-time trips with The Mousa Boat allow visitors to witness the fantastic spectacle of storm petrels flying around the broch as they enter and leave their nesting chambers. The popular and acclaimed guided walks to Mousa Broch at dusk to observe this display take place on Mondays Wednesdays and Saturdays (duration 2-2 1/2 hours) for which booking is required.

The UK’s most northerly festival, UnstFest runs from Monday 20th to Sunday 26th July with a large variety of events suitable for all ages from live music from Rhythmnreel and Hannah Anders to fun games, good food and community spirit. Find out more on the UnstFest Facebook page.

Step back in time and take a journey through Shetland’s past with exclusive archived film footage on the big screen at Mareel. Sights & Sounds of Shetland screens every day, Tuesday – Sunday at 1:30pm Visit here for the schedule.

Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with some friendly Shetland ponies? Located in Papil, West Burra (a 25-minute drive from Lerwick), this is an appointment-only croft where you can brush the ponies, lead them on obstacle courses, and take photos with foals on a secluded beach. Please note that the Shetland Pony Experience is open by appointment only.

The ‘Shetland Connections’ exhibition at Shetland Museum and Archives, running until Sunday July 19th 2026 celebrates the RSA’s 200th anniversary through works drawn from the museum’s own art collection. Each piece has a connection to Shetland – through landscape, people, history, or the artists who were inspired by these islands.

July is a perfect time to explore Shetland’s many beautiful beaches. Walk across Europe’s largest active shell-sand tombolo (a natural sand causeway) to explore the beautiful uninhabited isle of St Ninians.

These are just a few of the things to enjoy in Shetland throughout the month of July. We hope whatever you do you have a fantastic time exploring the islands this Summer.

By Victoria Dixon Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

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