Scalloway Museum
Scalloway Museum
4.5
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30 within 6 miles
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- leonard mEdinburgh, United Kingdom348 contributionsAn important museum for anyone interested in WW2This museum was opened in 2012 and is in Scalloway (about 15 minutes drive west of Lerwick). It is easy to find and has parking. It is wheelchair friendly and is modern and bright. It was opened on 17 May - Norwegian National Day - and is run by volunteers from the Shetland Bus Friendship Society. The museum deals with a number of historical and cultural matters, including the industrial heritage, but the main focus is on the Shetland Bus activities during WW2. It is impossible to visit this place without being profoundly moved by the tales of extraordinary courage shown by Norwegians and Brits (particularly Shetlanders) running dangerous missions to and from the Norwegian coast. Fishing boats transported arms and equipment across the North Sea to supply the resistance in German occupied Norway and often brought refugees to the islands on the return trip. Many boats and lives were lost. The wartime narrative is clear, understated and well illustrated with photos and documents. The brilliant Norwegian movie "The Twelfth Man" released in 2017 is based on a true story from 1943 and gives a graphic and realistic account of the courage shown at that time. This museum was the highlight of our trip to Shetland and gives an insight into the Shetland/Norway connection.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 16, 2023
- SFrances CBovingdon, United Kingdom355 contributionsExcellent displays and informationA museum that has been well thought out and carefully put together to provide a wealth of information. In particular there is a very thorough documentation of The Shetland Bus operation. (Many of the information panels are in Norwegian.) If visiting Scalloway make time to visit the museum.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 19, 2023
- Jude Parsons24 contributionsInteresting and welcoming, great exhibitsInteresting exhibits. The Shetland Bus story was fascinating and moving. Toilets spotless. The two gentlemen on duty were lovely, offering us home made biscuits and an excllent cup of their own coffee along with some local and personal historical stories on a quiet afternoon. Thanks guys, you made our visit extra special. :)Visited June 2023Written July 3, 2023
- Barry and Nicol... GReading, United Kingdom1,075 contributionsA must see museum.What a great place the Scalloway Museum is. So much to see and for £5.00 a bargain. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The info about the resistance in the 2nd world war was superb. So many heroes. Don't miss visiting, its a must see. A small free car park.Visited August 2023Written August 27, 2023
- Elizabeth SNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom62 contributionsA really interesting museumWe spent a morning at Scalloway Museum when it was too wet to go walking. We had a warm welcome from the volunteers at the desk, and we spent about 3 hours viewing the artefacts and displays. The area of the museum which covered the WWII Shetland Bus was particularly interesting. We can recommend without reservation.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 11, 2023
- Debbie GGuiseley, United Kingdom165 contributionsGreat little museumOur main reason for visiting was to see the information relating to the Shetland Bus and the WWII activity between Shetland and Norway - and we weren't disappointed. The place is packed with interesting local information along with the specific Shetland Bus details. It has quite limited opening hours, so do check out the website before planning a visit. The local volunteers who run the museum were lovely and very happy to chat when they weren't over run with unexpected coach loads from a cruise ship!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 12, 2023
- Chris MWetherby, United Kingdom1,302 contributionsWell presented displays in an impressive museum for a comparatively small locationThis was our second visit to this museum. It is in a relatively modern building next to Scalloway Castle. It has many well displayed exhibits relating to historical Shetland and Scalloway life including a section on the "Shetland Bus" - a WW2 operation ferrying supplies to resistance personnel in occupied Norway. Most of the exhibits are under cover, with a small proportion outside the main building. The museum also has a small mainly self service refreshment area with supplies of coffee/ tea and packaged snacks paid for at the adjacent reception area, where the staff on duty were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful There is also a picnic area outside. The museum is well worth including in an itinerary, when visiting this part of ShetlandVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
238 reviews
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167
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Chris M
Wetherby, UK1,302 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This was our second visit to this museum. It is in a relatively modern building next to Scalloway Castle. It has many well displayed exhibits relating to historical Shetland and Scalloway life including a section on the "Shetland Bus" - a WW2 operation ferrying supplies to resistance personnel in occupied Norway. Most of the exhibits are under cover, with a small proportion outside the main building. The museum also has a small mainly self service refreshment area with supplies of coffee/ tea and packaged snacks paid for at the adjacent reception area, where the staff on duty were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful There is also a picnic area outside. The museum is well worth including in an itinerary, when visiting this part of Shetland
Written February 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
henwomanGlenrothes
Glenrothes143 contributions
Jun 2022
Visited the museum as part of a tour of Shetland. Wasn't too bothered about visiting a museum but it was really interesting - full of local information, history and artefacts. We stopped for only half an hour but give it at least one hour.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SFrances C
Bovingdon, UK355 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
A museum that has been well thought out and carefully put together to provide a wealth of information. In particular there is a very thorough documentation of The Shetland Bus operation. (Many of the information panels are in Norwegian.) If visiting Scalloway make time to visit the museum.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cmp501
Ilkley, UK4 contributions
Jul 2021
So lucky to be in Scalloway the day the museum reopened after such a long closure. Easy to book an appointment - essential at the moment - and the staff really helpful. Perfect size museum. It’s packed with fascinating Shetland artefacts and very clear explanations about the town and particularly the prominent characters of the area but it’s not too big to test your concentration for too long The Shetland Bus exhibits are very moving and a highlight for me. Highly recommend.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hamish T
London42 contributions
May 2022
A wonderful museum which features a very moving account of the Shetland Bus - the WW2 exploits of the Norwegian resistance. Best to read the book by the military commander David Howath before going as you will have a a feeling of this epic period in the islands history. Frankly it will leave you misty eyed as the narrative is so well recounted here.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jude Parsons
24 contributions
Jun 2023
Interesting exhibits. The Shetland Bus story was fascinating and moving. Toilets spotless. The two gentlemen on duty were lovely, offering us home made biscuits and an excllent cup of their own coffee along with some local and personal historical stories on a quiet afternoon. Thanks guys, you made our visit extra special. :)
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry and Nicol... G
Reading, UK1,075 contributions
Aug 2023
What a great place the Scalloway Museum is. So much to see and for £5.00 a bargain. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The info about the resistance in the 2nd world war was superb. So many heroes. Don't miss visiting, its a must see. A small free car park.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottish-Hidden-Gems🏴💎
Ayrshire, UK6,900 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Such a great museum, we could have spent hours here but we didn't have time as we were on cruise excursion and the staff are wonderful and very helpful and a fantastic shop with great gift ideas!
Only thing we would suggest would be to advertise ticket prices at the door or outside, as many of our travel companions didn't go in as they didnt know the price and thought they wouldn't have enough time as we were only there for about 30 mins or so..
Only thing we would suggest would be to advertise ticket prices at the door or outside, as many of our travel companions didn't go in as they didnt know the price and thought they wouldn't have enough time as we were only there for about 30 mins or so..
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth H
Edinburgh, UK78 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
This museum focusses on the part Shetland Bus played during the 2nd World War and is extremely welcoming and informative. I hadn't realised how risky the connection was between Shetland and Norway as the boats could only travel at night and in poor weather to avoid being noticed. There is plenty of maps, articles and information for all ages. An excellent shop with coffee and cakes available. We were allowed access to the nearby Scalloway Castle with its notorious past. The town itself is well worth a wander round with its enchanting cottages and gardens and the bookshop is worth a visit too. An excellent half-day visit.
Written July 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise R
Sydney, Australia107 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
A small but very well put together museum.
An interesting history of the “War Connection “
And Scalloway help with The Norwegian resistance .
This is manned by volunteers and they do a great job.
An interesting and informative visit .
An interesting history of the “War Connection “
And Scalloway help with The Norwegian resistance .
This is manned by volunteers and they do a great job.
An interesting and informative visit .
Written July 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yvonne
Rawtenstall, UK20 contributions
We are arriving in Lerwick on Tuesday next, for the day, and would like to visit this museum. Are taxis readily available? if not, public transport? There are 4 of us, 1 isn’t very mobile. Thanks
john a
Hertford, UK30 contributions
Not certain as we had a car with us. It is well worth a visit if you are able to travel there.maybe when you arrive in lerwick ask at the hotel or go to the tourist office in town.
TriangleTangle
Chapel Hill, NC16 contributions
What will the museum hours be in late May?
JillG411
London, UK87 contributions
Summer: 18th April 2019- 6th Oct 2019
Times
Mon to Sat: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sun: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Claim your listingScalloway Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Scalloway Museum
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Scalloway Museum:
- 4 Day Shared Shetland Tour (From $863.33)
- 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience (From $863.33)
- 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience (From $863.33)
- 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience (From $863.33)
- 4 Days Shetland Tour Experience (From $863.33)
- Hotels near Scalloway Museum:
- (0.08 mi) Midshore Guest House
- (0.16 mi) Scalloway Hotel
- (0.14 mi) The Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast
- (0.41 mi) Easterhoull Chalets
- (0.07 mi) Broch House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Scalloway Museum:
- (0.09 mi) The Cornerstone BB And Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Kiln Bar
- (0.32 mi) The Kb
- (0.47 mi) Da Haaf Restaurant
- (4.65 mi) No 88 Kitchen and Bar