Saxa Vord

Shetland


This old RAF base (though the radar station it served reopened in 2018) is not the most atmospheric lodging, though the tired barracks-style rooms offer great value for singles, and there's something nice about watching the weather through the skylight-style windows. The restaurant dishes out surprisingly decent food, and there’s a cafe, a bar – Britain’s northernmost, by our reckoning – and a friendly, helpful atmosphere.

Wi-fi is only in public areas. Part of the same complex, self-catering houses (£788 per week) are good for families and are available year-round.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shetland attractions

1. Shetland Distillery Company

0.26 MILES

This small producer distils the Shetland Reel gin that you see around the place. Its version infused with local seaweed is well worth a try. Their plan is…

2. Unst Heritage Centre

0.79 MILES

This heritage centre houses a modern museum with a history of the Shetland pony and a recreation of a croft house.

3. Unst Boat Haven

0.81 MILES

This large shed is a boatie’s delight, packed with a beautifully cared for collection of Shetland rowing and sailing boats, all with a backstory. Old…

4. Skidbladner Longship

1.1 MILES

Unst has the highest concentration of Viking longhouse sites in the country. The Viking Unst project manages three excavation sites, and has as its…

5. Hermaness Visitor Centre

2.15 MILES

For tips on wildlife-watching, duck into the Hermaness Visitor Centre, near the entrance to the Hermaness National Nature Reserve. You can also learn the…

6. Unst Bus Shelter

2.39 MILES

At the turn-off to Littlehamar, just past Baltasound, is Britain's most impressive bus stop. Enterprising locals, tired of waiting in discomfort, decided…

7. Hermaness National Nature Reserve

2.57 MILES

At marvellous Hermaness headland, a 4.5-mile round walk takes you to cliffs where gannets, fulmars and guillemots nest, and numerous puffins frolic. You…

8. Muness Castle

7.69 MILES

This picturesque, sturdy 16th-century tower house in Unst's southeastern corner was built by Laurence Bruce, foud (bailiff) of Shetland, who was, by all…