Fair Isle

Photo by Genevieve Lacombe


Popular places to visit


Top Fair Isle Hotel Deals

Things to do in Fair Isle

In Fair Isle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including vibrant festivals, boating adventures, and exceptional birdwatching. Key attractions include day trips to explore the stunning landscapes, engaging community hall events, and the chance to discover the island's unique charm. Don't miss the opportunity for some fun at the local skating rink, making it a memorable experience for all who visit.

Shopping

In Fair Isle, you’ll find charming local shops offering handcrafted gifts and souvenirs, perfect for mementoes. If you're up for a drive, head to Lerwick, where you can explore larger stores and boutiques with a wider selection of Scottish crafts and unique finds.

Recreation

On Fair Isle, the Fair Isle Bird Observatory offers tranquil retreats amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Engage in guided walks through scenic terrain, and immerse yourself in birdwatching, ensuring a rejuvenating connection with nature while enjoying the island's serene environment.

Adventure

Explore the breathtaking cliffs of Fair Isle by hiking the scenic coastal paths, where you can spot diverse seabird species. Engage in birdwatching at the renowned Fair Isle Bird Observatory, and try your hand at traditional knitting at local workshops for a truly unique experience.

Nightlife

Fair Isle's nightlife is tranquil yet charming. Enjoy a pint at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, where locals gather for friendly chatter. For a unique experience, join a stargazing event at the observatory, soaking in the breathtaking night sky.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fair Isle

Fair Isle, Scotland, offers a rich tapestry of attractions for visitors, including historic lighthouses, archaeological sites, and cultural experiences. Explore the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, admire the renowned Fair Isle knitwear, and visit the island’s iconic lighthouses. Whether you're seeking cultural insights or a relaxing beach experience, Fair Isle promises a memorable getaway for every type of traveller.

  • George Waterston Memorial Centre: This charming history museum, located 1.3km from Fair Isle, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage. The centre showcases local artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of Fair Isle’s past, making it a delightful stop for history enthusiasts.
  • Sumburgh Head Lighthouse: Situated 41.8km from Fair Isle, this historic lighthouse stands majestically on the cliffs, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding waters. Explore the lighthouse and learn about its maritime significance while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
  • Jarlshof: Located 43.5km from Fair Isle, Jarlshof is an extraordinary archaeological site that reveals layers of history from prehistoric to historic times. Wander through the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the remarkable stories of the past.

Best time to go to Fair Isle

The best time to visit Fair Isle depends on your weather preferences. The hottest average temperature around Fair Isle is in December, December, August and August. August is mostly cloudy. The coolest average temperature around Fair Isle is in February, February, March and March. March is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
January44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly Cloudy
February43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly Cloudy
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June51.6°F (10.9°C)No RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
June51.6°F (10.9°C)No RainMostly CloudyHighSlightly High
July54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
July54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
September54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
December45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly Cloudy
December45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly Cloudy

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fair Isle

To save on your trip to Fair Isle, consider visiting in November, when accommodation prices are lower compared to January, April, and June. Booking 1-3 months in advance often yields the best hotel rates, while last-minute deals on Expedia can offer substantial discounts. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to search for ferry discounts to help keep transport costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fair Isle are November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, April and June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Fair Isle is usually 1-3 months out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fair Isle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Fair Isle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most economical prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Fair Isle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.