Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Shetland Isles, The Highlands
About Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Hermaness National Nature Reserve Hermaness is home to the third largest colony of flying pirates in the world: the bonxies or great skuas. During summer some 25,000 pairs of puffins breed in burrows on the cliff edges while on the moor live rare and elegant red-throated divers. A new visitor hub and toilets have recently been built at the car park adjacent to the Reserve entrance. Almost 2km of boardwalk has been laid on the reserve to protect some of the fragile peatland from erosion and is routed to avoid disturbance to nesting birds.
We've not recommended it for young children because it's isolated and the weather is very changeable here, with storms or high winds sweeping in very swiftly. They advise you to always take waterproofs, regardless of the weather.PS... Please keep dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing nesting birds and livestock.
Opening Times
Daylight access year round. Very exposed so don't go in bad weather.
Pricing & Tickets
No entry fee. Local parking may charge.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Hermaness National Nature Reserve by visiting our attraction tickets section.
FAQs
Contact Details
Verification & Last Updated
Claim Status:Claim
This attraction has not been claimed and verified. Own this attraction? Claim it now.
Last Updated: 00:35 26/02/2026
Hermaness National Nature Reserve Reviews
Recent blog posts
Discover the Kids Aloud campaign for summer 2026! Explore fun, kid-focused events at museums and galleries across the UK with your family. Perfect for curious minds!
The summer holidays have well and truly arrived, and exciting events are popping up across the UK. From outdoor adventures and family festivals to themed trails, live shows and hands-on activities, there is plenty to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a big day out or looking for budget-friendly fun, we’ve rounded up brilliant summer events to…
TL;DR: Get ready for an enchanting summer at BeWILDerwood with their BeWILDerfest event! Expect music, stories, a vibrant trail, and exciting character meet-and-greets. Plus, you can grab a fantastic 25% discount on summer tickets for a limited time. It’s the perfect family adventure! Key info at a glance Location BeWILDerwood is located at Horning Road,…
Plan teen-friendly family holidays with freedom, better food, strong activities and enough space for everyone to enjoy the trip.
Get ready for a sensational summer! West Midlands Safari Park is hosting a K-Pop Summer event this August 2026 with live performances, dance lessons, and exciting character meet and greets. Discover more!
Find the best holidays for teens, from beach breaks to all inclusive stays, city breaks and activity trips, with destination ideas parents can trust.
The Summer holidays have well and truly ARRIVED and there’s plenty of up and coming summer events kicking off to get excited for! Read on to find out what’s happening near you… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Cockfields Farm, Ashton-under-Lyne From 25th July to 31st August 2026, Cockfields Farm Park is…
Explore resort holidays for pre-teens with bigger pools, waterparks, kids’ clubs, sports and safe independence, plus family-friendly TUI options.