St Magnus Bay Hotel - Hillswick

Seaside hotel in Shetland with direct cliff-top access and Viking-era dining

Dining & Cuisine

The on-site restaurant at St Magnus Bay Hotel Hillswick serves Scottish, Scandinavian, and seafood cuisines, with fresh local catches like scallops and monkfish. Meals are served in the wood-paneled Dining Room overlooking St Magnus Bay. Breakfast offers continental, buffet, and full English/Irish options, with gluten-free bread and a separate toaster available.

Activities & Local Exploration

Guests have direct access to the Ness of Hillswick walking trail, a 7 km hike along cliff-tops with views of sea otters and seabirds. The St Magnus Hotel Shetland is within walking distance of the Seal Rescue Centre, where guests can visit seal pups. On-site activities include fishing, hiking, and cycling, with trails along the cliff-tops.

Accomodations

Rooms at St Magnus Bay Hotel in Shetland offer sea views over St Magnus Bay, with some having bay windows and large beds. Family rooms accomodate groups, and the Loft apartment includes a full kitchen and washer/drier for extended stays. The hotel is a historic Norwegian-built wooden structure that was reassembled in Hillswick in 1900.

On-site Amenities

The bar and lounge area features a cosy stove and a selection of whiskies, plus a coffee shop on site for lighter refreshments. Laundry service is available for a small fee. The hotel's Sunday carvery offers roast meats with Yorkshire pudding, popular among locals and guests.

Local Attractions & Heritage

The hotel is near Mousa Broch, Jarlshof burial cairns, and several castles showcasing Shetland's Viking heritage. Tangwick Haa Museum in Eshaess offers local history exhibits. Europe's largest population of sea otters is found in the surrounding waters, viewable from the hotel's coastal paths.

• Location: 50 km from Tingwall Airport, next to Ness of Hillswick walk
• Dining: Scottish and Scandinavian fusion with local seafood
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, cycling, and seal rescue visits
• Rooms: Historic Norwegian-built rooms with sea views
• Feature: Sunday carvery with roast meats