Unst Heritage Centre
Museum and visitor information point in Haroldswick on the history of Unst, from geology and early settlement to crofting, lace knitting and defence.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Unst Heritage Centre is one of two small museums run by the Unst Heritage Trust on Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in Britain. It tells the story of the island and also acts as the island's visitor information point, where staff can help visitors plan their stay.
The displays begin with the local geology and early settlement and follow the island up to modern times. Themes include industry, crofting, knitting, education, religion and Unst's role in the defence of Britain. Highlights are a collection of fine lace knitting, the story of how the Muckle Flugga lighthouse was built and the history of the Shetland ponies.
The centre also offers a self-guided walk booklet to the ruined settlements of Burral and Sandwick. The trust's second museum, the Boat Haven, is nearby and covers the fishing and boating heritage of the island.
Highlights
- Island history from geology and archaeology to modern Unst
- Collection of fine lace knitting
- Story of the building of Muckle Flugga lighthouse
- History of the Shetland ponies
- Visitor information point with self-guided walk booklet
Permanent exhibition
- History of Unst – Displays on the geology, archaeology, crofting, knitting, education, religion and defence history of Unst, including a collection of lace knitting.
- Operated by
- Unst Heritage Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
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| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free for under-16s. |
The Boat Haven and the Heritage Centre are separate sites and each charges £5 for adults; the website mentions a season ticket on request.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
From Belmont ferry terminal take the A968 north towards Haroldswick, turn left onto the B9086 before the village, turn right at the crossroads onto the B9087, and the centre is on the left.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The centre doubles as the island's visitor information point, and an online shop is linked from the website.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Staff can advise on how to plan a visit to the island. A self-guided walk booklet covers the ruined settlements of Burral and Sandwick. |
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