25 independent reviews for Orkney & Shetland self drive holiday, Scotland
Reviews for Orkney & Shetland self drive holiday, Scotland
Neil Macfarlane review 26 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all good from seeing the sights of the Northern Isles to hotels, food and o/n ferry trips. Boat trip was a highlight - also a visit to Harray the Potter! Driving on well-maintained, low traffic modern roads was a dream!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get a Historic Scotland multiple day pass.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - made use of local hotels, food, ferries, shops etc.- but not other public transport.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Chris Mitchinson review 1 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nearly all magical2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ensure you book evening meals in advance3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
101%!Fiona Pharoah review 4 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Can't pick one thing. It was all great. Though the bird watching boat trip on Shetland was spectacular.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay longer on each island if you can. And book in advance for viewing neolithic sites.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it benefitted local people and traveling by ferry is probably more environmentally friendly than going by plane.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentDeirdre Kelly review 11 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all memorable. We loved the environment, the history and people we met2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack lots of layers and be prepared for cold wind3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our tourist dollars helped support the local community4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great. A spectacular place.. We wished we'd stayed longerDiane Baker review 16 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our time on Orkney2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check how long the days will be.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Well organised, excellently guide. Hiccups were due to local providers.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback Diane & good to hear you enjoyed your vacation.
By utilising public transport as much as possible (via trains & ferry) on your tour, it will have helped to reduce the impact of travel on the environment along the way. We always look to work with local partners/suppliers on all of our tours, so we can help support local communities and their businesses as much as we can, putting much needed funds back into local economies.
These actions help to drive our commitment to sustainability and community support.
Shelagh Kirkland review 20 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Despite the weather, we loved our visit to Unst with its most northerly points and amazing tea room.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Accept weather might not be ideal, but do not be deterred from enjoying these beautiful islands. Be flexible and take plenty of dry socks.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited local communities. We were impressed that food was sourced locally and we respected efforts to protect the bird life particularly during the current challenging times.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent and thank you for putting together such an interesting and varied itinerary supported by helpful information via Vamoos. We shall definitely recommend you and hope to use your services again.Jim Watson review 13 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
See sea birds.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take travel sickness pills on the ferry crossings.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Dorothy Turpy review 8 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was great. Our boat trip was exceptional.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book with this operator!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had guided tours and stayed at some independent b and bs so of benefit to local prople.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had an excellent vacation. Cannot fault the organisation.Kieron Meadows review 17 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Traveling for the day to Unst. It's a lovely Island and the weather was great!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check where you want to go Vs the time of year. Unfortunately we were impacted by many premises being closed until at least May it June3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hopefully local people and conservation. We visited several ruins and attractions, donated where no entry was required. Shopped and are locally where we could4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved itTristan Dugdale-Pointon review 6 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Amazing food at Lynfield Hotel and the breath taking scenery2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you check the tyres on your vehicle if you are driving and carry a spare !3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the shops and services are locally owned it was great to help support them in this difficult times4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
superb an amazing placeTim Carney review 6 Jul 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trip to St Kilda2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the time it takes to graven between islands3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Locals were pleased to see tourists return to the islands. Very friendly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It has been a memorable wonderful vacation.Jenny Martin review 11 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The natural environment2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It is self guiding so be prepared to have done your research and use the internet. Pack for all weathers.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We contributed to the local economy. Be even better if hire cars were all electric as charging points are very available.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good.Robert Fourt review 18 Aug 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Traveling around the islands of Orkney and Shetland (and the very north coast of Scotland) and all the wildlife we observed.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To provide flexibility if possible in your date and itinerary to allow the operator to put the best schedule together.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes very much4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A very enjoyable and active break.Mary Ann Kessler review 4 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I enjoyed the in-depth nature of the interaction with the locals on this trip. I learned so much about the culture and history of The Shetland and Orkney Islands2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do your research and decide how best to send your time. We loved the tours but the free time also allowed time for a deeper dive into our interests.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, many of the locals told us the islands (especially smaller ones) depend on tourists and we had many, many conversations about climate change and the effects on the islands.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a wonderfully well designed and enlightening trip. We highly recommend this tour operator.Sebastien Delpont review 1 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Shetlands landscapes2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Please come and enjoy such a northern scotish islands experience...3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extend yes, but it could be better highlighted and explained4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
AwesomeElizabeth and Mervyn Kohler review 13 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trip to see birds and seals, but all of it was great.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It really doesn't always rain in Orkney and Shetland. Sundays are a bit quiet in Lerwick, though.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I would hope so. We travelled by train, ferry and (er..) car.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentDerek Gould review 31 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Orkney: Ring of Brodcar, Broch of Gurness, Skara Brae, Kirkwal Cathedral. Shetland: Noss bird reserve2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Orkney mileages are a bit more accessable, Shetland is misty icaland mag wilderness, though mileages will be greater. There is much to see within 30 miles of Lerwick.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Wildlife conservation and archaeological findings are supported by tourism and using bicycles to travel creates less environmental impact. It may influence others to try this approach.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Marvellous.Pauline Weston review 16 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Low cloud on single track roads with passing places2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a good variety of clothes I had to buy a jumper as it was so cold then the next day the sun came out!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes by providing employment not only on vacation trade but numerous little craft./ engineering exhibits hotels4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Taking the weather into account have had better vacations. However we thoroughly enjoyed meeting the people who were proud to show us their skills. Scenery would have looked better without low cloud. Would love to return but it’s a long way from home and we are both getting older . Great for younger peopleTricia Stradling review 15 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The archeology and history in both Orkneys and Shetlands. The Noss boat outing and Sumburgh Head photo opportunities with puffins.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local independent hotels were used which used local produce in catering; ferries used rather than flying, a boat trip was included with a very experienced and knowledgable pair of local guides.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful vacation. We were given excellent information by the operator who answered all our questions . They also contacted us while on vacation when a boat trip had to be cancelled because of bad weather and rearranged it for the following day.Malcolm Petyt review 14 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trip around Bressay and Noss. However, I feel this should be "optional", since my wife is not a good traveler at sea, and the expected conditions led her to cancel (and thus waste the cost of this trip).2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check details of accommodation. The hotel in Kirkwall was good, but our room was on the the top floor (fortunately we are reasonably fit for late 70s), had no windows (only two veluxes), and only one chair) - so I suspect it was one of the cheaper rooms. The one we had on Shetland was fine.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly contributed to the local economy by our spending.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very goodAlan Whitney review 12 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Firstly the flights from Manchester to Aberdeen then Aberdeen to Sumburgh were very smooth, my wife and I had not flown for over 17 years! Manchester was very busy, even at 6.45am on Monday morning but Aberdeen and Sumburgh were much calmer/quieter. Busta House was our first hotel for 3 nights, very nice, food and staff excellent, Aald Harbour our B & B in Lerwick was also very nice, breakfasts lovely, Lynette very helpful. The tour with Allen Fraser was very good and flexible2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay longer than 6 nights ! We had a tour on day 2 but only south of Shetland, we would like to see Yell and Unst if we go again. Lerwick can be very busy at weekend so maybe stay out of town if you prefer a quieter night! Highly recommend Gurkha Kitchen [best curry !] Da Steak Hoose [massive meals] and The String [book as very small/busy]3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Considering everything we did quite a bit, our daughter had a horse ride / kayaking booked which went well, we were lucky with the weather, a few days with rain/wind but generally better than expected.Philip Rosser review 21 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Orkney historical sites2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Research as much as you can3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
very informative - I would have liked conversation with more localsRead the operator's response here:
This vacation includes stays at locally-owned and operated hotels in Orkney and Shetland, typical of the type of accommodation we use and both of which we have worked with for many years. The customer was also booked on a local wildlife boat trip but unfortunately this did not operate due to adverse weather conditions. We always strive to ensure that economic benefit from visitors contributes directly to the local community.
Richard Gentle review 25 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed the whole trip but most of all we liked the archeology - it was easily accessible and everywhere.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make a special trip to the Skerries Bistro and enjoy not just a wonderful meal but also a multi-chambered cairn in the car park. We had the personal services of an archeologist on a tour of the Tomb of the Otters for a small fee.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We tried to support local crafters and museums.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent vacation which was quite an adventure.Christine Derrick review 4 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Day trip to Papa Westray2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you want a good restaurant you need to book before you leave home.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We went late in the season and people such as the Spiggie Hotel, the boat out to see whales etc would have been empty otherwise.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentMoira Parker review 25 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Getting to travel around both Isles and seeing how beauiful they are and getting to fuss wild Shetland Ponies2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
For the time of year we went, which was mid October, make sure you have got warm, thermal clothing. If you are wanting to see the Puffins, Dolphins etc to go before September.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, because some of the local areas rely on tourism, the local people are some welcoming and enjoy speaking with tourists. Also any donatins are ploughed stright into the local areas to help keep local tourist sights in a good condition and to preserve them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was fantastic to see the contrast in both Isles and to see the nature, unspoilt beauty. The wealth of wildlife and to see them in a nature environment. The wealth of history and to see how the areas have evolved throughout the years. Also the possibilty of seeing the northern lights.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
