Bressay Explorer Crofting and Island Life Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The best way to experience true Shetland is to get out of town and see the rural communities which are backbone of island life. Join us as we cross Lerwick Harbour to the small island of Bressay (population c.350) where we're guided by an island resident who shows us the best of his island home. Experience life on a Shetland croft, meet the famous sheep and delve into Bressay's 6000 year history through the eyes of a qualified archaeologist.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with mobility problems
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lerwick
Meet your driver in Lerwick Town Centre and make the short journey to the Bressay Ferry Terminal, where we join the small inter-island ferry for the 7 minute crossing to Bressay.
Bressay
Arriving in Bressay, we meet our local guide who is an island resident, crofter and archaeologist. Tours departing on Saturdays will have the chance to explore Bressay Heritage Centre which tells the story of the island's 6000 year history. On all days, we will see a reconstruction of a Bronze Age Burnt Mound which was saved from crumbling into the sea.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission to Garth's Croft
Ferry Fares to Bressay
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Gratuities
Lunch
Options
Bressay Explorer Crofting and Island Life Tour
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful island, great guide!
Els B,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the beautiful island thanks to the tour of Chris Dyer from Gart’s Croft, He talks animatedly about his company and about the archaeology of the island. Highly recommended!
One of the best tours we've ever enjoyed!
Mary M,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Would HIGHLY recommend this tour. The most splendid afternoon as Chris showed us around his croft, sharing his abundant knowledge of the area. Just a lovely, lovely day.
Tour of the Isle of Bressay Not to Be Missed
Leslie C,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our small-group tour of the Isle of Bressay, a short ferry-ride from Lerwick. Our driver Aidan met us at the terminal and took us to meet our guide Chris at his croft on Bressay. An archaeologist by training and now a passionate resident of the island, Chris gave us an interesting account of the island. We loved watching the sheep dog round up the sheep as well as experiencing the magnificent vistas of this beautiful island. The tour is highly recommended.
An extraordinar experience
Geir S,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very pleasant driver and the farmer Chris with whom spent the most of the time was an extraordinary man. Very skilled in archaeology, history and farming. Maybe the best educated man you will find on your trip. And very passionate in his profession and good story teller. He alone is worth the travel to Shetland.
A very interesting and informative experience
GrandTour31694377011,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was great. Chris the Crofter and archaeologist was very experienced and knowledgeable. We managed to squeeze a fair amount in getting to see some of the great experiences that the island has to offer. My only comment would be as the trip runs from 10am to 2 pm, as no stop is factored in for a lunch stop perhaps advise people booking on that trip to bring a snack with them. Otherwise, a great range of experiences.
Best tour ever!
Susan S,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the very best tour of our vacation. We saw the working of a sheep farm first hand, spectacular views that were off the beaten path, and it was extremely informative. I learned a lot about the archeological sites of Shetland. This should not be missed.
Love this trip- go on it!
suesQ7622NQ,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A trip you will not want to miss! Nice overview of Lerwick in a small bus followed by a short ferry ride to Bressay. Chris is such a wonderful host and champion for the island. It included so luch more than we thought it would be and we learned a lot. We could not think of a better tour than this one.
Chris is the best! Fantastic tour
Abbey O,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an absolutely incredible time touring Bressay with Chris. He was an awesome guide and showed us so much cool stuff we would have never seen if we had stayed in Lerwick and not booked an excursion. Highly recommend!
The best tour in Lerwick Scotland! Don’t miss!!
Richard M,Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are ever in Lerwick, Scotland take this incredible tour to Bressay! One of a kind, up close and personal tour of the quiet, pristine and self sufficient Garths Croft. Chris is a historian, archeologist, and sheep herder to name a few of the hats he wears developing this homestead and helping to preserve and understand the natural history of Bressay. Go! You won’t be disappointed! The best tour we have ever done…
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Operated by Robertson's Tours & Holidays