Shetland Ponies Tour: Explore Central Mainland

Explore Shetland’s beauty on a budget with our Pony Express tour. Discover Scalloway, meet Shetland Ponies, and enjoy stunning landscapes.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Scalloway - Visitors have the option to disembark in Scalloway, the historic capital of Shetland. Explore the Scalloway Museum, pay respects at the Shetland Bus Memorial, and view Scalloway Castle (exterior only, as entry is not permitted). Enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries.
  • Scalloway - The tour includes a visit to Carol’s Ponies,…
What's Included
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Surcharges on fuel
  • Carol’s Ponies
  • Parking fees
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Entrance to Scalloway Museum
Additional Information

Experience an unforgettable day in the stunning Shetland Islands without spending a fortune! Climb aboard our Ponies Express and enjoy a scenic circular tour around Shetland’s Central Mainland.
Take in the sights as we journey to Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland, where you can explore the castle, visit the museum, or simply wander among the…

Location
Esplanade
Layby Bus Stop opposite the Thule Pub, on the pier side of the road.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(58 Ratings)
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H5152pvrobertd
Sep 28, 2025
Great Way to See the Ponies - This is a great way to see the Shetland ponies and learn about them. Do book in advance. If a cruise ship is in town, there may not be room for you on th bus. The tour stopped in Scalloway, where you could get off and pick up the next bus in one hour. Most of the passengers on my bus did that. What they did not realize is that the excellent Scalloway Museum is closed on Saturday! I'm so glad I went Friday. The next stop was Carol's Ponies. Carol breeds Shetland Ponies and gave a short talk about them. Shetland Ponies were bred to work in coal mines. They had to be both short (to fit inside the low entrances) and strong (they can pull twice their own weight, more than most other horses). They are also cute! Carol was very knowledgeable and it was nice to get to know these beautiful ponies.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bettina_l
Sep 22, 2025
Nice but could be a little bit longer drive - Very nice busdriver, had good information about the city. I would have enjoyed if bus tour would go a little further, it was a bit short. there is also a cheap public bus transfer, check this out as an alternativ
Review provided by Viator
Stephen_b
Sep 19, 2025
Well worth the money - We really enjoyed our trip to the ponies. Our driver “Warren” was very helpful and friendly. We didn’t visit Scallowaybut everyone else did. We had Carol and the ponies to ourselves for about twenty minutes. Carol was great to talk with and very knowledgeable. It’s worth the visit but it may not be what you think going by previous comments. It’s not a ranch it’s a field. You get up close with the ponies for photos and can touch. We really enjoyed it.
Review provided by Viator
Shelleyse9093ow
Sep 17, 2025
Simple tour. Cute ponies. Great guide! - It was initially cancelled because a big ship did come to port but we reached out & they still did the tour for me & my 2 friends 🙌🏾 The ponies are cute! Our guide, Maureen is the best!!!!!!!! We even met up with her & her friend later that day to go swimming in the North Sea 🤩
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_p
Sep 1, 2025
Beautiful! Wonderful... - Beautiful! Wonderful experience! I would highly recommend it. The tour was the right amount of time from port.
Review provided by Viator
William_w
Sep 1, 2025
Stones and Ponies - Enjoyed the Standing Stones of Stennes, Shetland Ponies and the tour guides information. Nice way to see the area and get a bit of shopping in!!!
Review provided by Viator
Lorimv1762fz
Aug 31, 2025
Not to be missed. - A lovely excursion. Locating the pick-up area was easy and a lovely young red-haired woman greeted us right on time. Our young bus driver was very informative and extremely pleasant. The side-trip to Scalloway was wonderful, as is the Scalloway Museum. Carol is terrific and who doesn't love ponies?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dave_s
Aug 30, 2025
Shetland gem. - Great driver. Excellent narrative. Good tour. Overachieved from what we expected. Very informative trip.
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_q
Sep 1, 2025
Stay on the bus in Scalloway! - Stop in Scalloway was not necessary. While the town is lovely it is very small not many ships or cafes and the only castle there is under renovation, closed. The Scalloway .museum was very interesting. Ponies were awesome and so was the information given by Carol.
Review provided by Viator
Jane_p
Aug 31, 2025
Fun quick trip - Friendly guide with lots of information. Carol, the Shetland pony lady, was welcoming and full of chat about her ponies and Shetlands in general. We got to meet about 10 of them and pet them. The rest of the tour took in sights around the middle part of the island. It was a 1 hour trip, so did not include a lot of extras.
Review provided by Viator
From $33
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).