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Book Shetland Pony Express in Unst, Shetland, Scotland
Make the most of your day in the beautiful Shetland Islands without breaking the bank by hopping aboard our Ponies Express for a circular journey around the Central Mainland, where you’ll enjoy sweeping coastal views and a relaxed sightseeing pace; you’ll travel to historic Scalloway, the former capital, where you can visit the castle and the museum or simply stroll among colourful houses and browse charming shops and restaurants, then meet some of the islands’ most famous residents - the native Shetland Ponies - as Carol, the stud owner, explains their history and care (please remember they have strong teeth and do not feed them), before a scenic drive through the Tingwall Valley and a comfortable return to Lerwick.
About this activity in Unst
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Take the Ponies Express for a budget-friendly circular drive across the Shetland Islands’ Central Mainland, with coastal and valley views along the way.
- Explore historic Scalloway - the former Shetland capital - where you can stroll past colourful houses, browse local shops and dine at cafés nearby.
- Visit a traditional Shetland pony stud and hear Carol explain the history and care of these famous native ponies; great for families and animal lovers.
- Enjoy a scenic return through Tingwall Valley back to Lerwick, ideal for photographers and anyone who wants to experience the region’s dramatic landscape.
Important Information
- The price includes GST, fuel surcharge, Carol’s ponies visit and parking fees; gratuities, lunch, snacks and Scalloway Museum entry are not included.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants may ride in a pram or sit on an adult’s lap as required.
- Please do not feed the ponies - they can nip - and follow the handler’s safety instructions when meeting the animals.
- Public transport options are available nearby and the tour vehicle is wheelchair accessible; check your booking voucher for pick-up times and final logistics.
Meeting Point
Meet in Lerwick town centre at the designated pickup point (full address and exact meeting time provided on your booking voucher); please arrive 10 minutes early so the tour can depart on schedule.
Includes
- Prices include GST (goods and Services tax) where applicable for activities and bookings in Unst, Scotland.
- A fuel surcharge may be applied to transportation or ride-based experiences in the area.
- Carol's Ponies activities are included where listed - check your booking details for availability in the region.
- Parking fees are included when specified for on-site or nearby parking in this destination.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.
- Lunch is not included in the listed prices.
- Snacks are not included with the booking.
- Entrance to Scalloway Museum is not included in the activity price.
Other
- Wheelchair accessible - all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for bookings in Unst, Scotland.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap where relevant.
- Service animals are allowed to accompany you during the experience.
- Public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels - the activity is designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
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.
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Summary:
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
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Summary:
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.
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Know more about Unst
On the Ponies Express you travel a circular route across Shetland's Central Mainland, passing scenic views, the Tingwall Valley, and the historic village of Scalloway where you can stroll among colourful houses, visit the castle and museum, then return to Lerwick.
The experience is family-friendly and ideal for Family & Kids bookings: children can enjoy the pony visit, scenic views and stops in Scalloway, and the tour suits a range of ages and activity levels.
The trip is wheelchair accessible with transportation and sites accommodating mobility needs, and service animals are allowed; check booking details for any individual requirements.
Yes - the tour includes a visit to Carol’s ponies where the stud owner explains the breed’s history and care. Do not feed the ponies, as they have strong teeth and can nip; follow the handler’s guidance for safe interaction.
Included are transport around the Central Mainland, stops in Scalloway, and the pony visit with Carol. Exclusions include gratuities, lunch, snacks and entrance to Scalloway Museum, so plan accordingly.
The Ponies Express completes a circular journey around the Central Mainland, taking you to Scalloway where you can visit the castle, museum or explore shops and restaurants independently before returning to Lerwick.
