Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
165 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
66
Average
63
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Sasha M
Sydney, Australia393 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The fort is easy to get to on foot. It is worth taking this detour. While it is small, the views of the harbour and of the town are worth it. Signage helps to get an understanding of the place and gives you a real sense of how tough it must have been in the early days. The sunrise from here is pretty special ... and the best thing is you have can have a sleep in and still see it if you are here in winter (first pink bits of sun rise around 8 am). The soft morning light is fantastic for photos.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H L
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK190 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This star shaped fort is mostly intact.
It was first constructed as a defence against the Dutch.
There are canons positioned overlooking the sound and information boards at various locations, but you can't get inside anywhere.
It was first constructed as a defence against the Dutch.
There are canons positioned overlooking the sound and information boards at various locations, but you can't get inside anywhere.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo B
Northallerton, UK40 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Free visit and a great spot to see some great views. This felt like a working fort - think it still is as cadets train there. Some interesting things to see and it takes about 20 mins so a quick wander is all it takes. If you’re passing by then stop and explore.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have_Bag
Melbourne358 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This was our third visit to Fort Charlotte since our first in 2008. It is a very comfortable, warm and welcoming place to stay. The hosts Ryan and Anita, well assisted by Kelly leave you wanting for nothing. The breakfast is a great start to the day for exploring Shetland. Rooms are well equipped and very clean. The location right in town is perfect. Room 2 has a great view along Commercial Street
Written 31 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottish-Hidden-Gems🏴💎
Ayrshire, UK9,162 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Just a short walk from town, easy to find following the signs , its free to enter and plenty of info boards. You get great views of shetland once inside.
Written 16 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
Homosassa, FL1,175 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
THE SHETLANDS are the northerly part of the British Isles.There are more than 100 islands in all, but only 12 are inhabited; hardly any flat land and the climate here does not favor any farming.
The Shetland Islands are very remote and most domestic animals do not live here easily, but Sheep the Shetland Ponies can thrive here. In Lerwick, you can set up a tour, and (from what we heard) the tours are fun, but dress in layers of clothing.
At times you wonder why people live here; people have lived here for a long time and have persisted, Well, the answer is this in one word - FISHING, The clear cold waters are teeming with varieties of fish and marine life. That's not the only income to the Islands, The port of of (SULLOM VOE) has become Europe's largest OIL & NATURAL GAS TERMINAL!
LERWICK, the capital of the Shetland Islands, was founded in the 17th century by the Dutch fishermen, fished here for the HERRING. During the Second Dutch War, Fort Charlotte was built in 1663 for the valuable military purposes of Bressay Sound, which is a natural harbor.
The fort & fishing grew together and Lerwick became the Capital in the 19th century, and became the premier Herring town of Northern Europe......
Lerwick is a very friendly place with picturesque lanes and streets .
THE SHETLAND COUNTY MUSEUM,
Displays the history of the Islands, including archaeology, fishing, shipwrecks and folklore. A must see.
Fort Charlotte is a walking tour, also very picturesque area, as you stand by the cannons and look out over the harbor you will see some of Lerwick's best views. From what we heard the Fort is still active today and still in good shape.
DURING WORLD WAR 2!
The war brought the ROYAL NAVY to the Shetlands; several important bases were built for the purpose of controlling the North Sea against the Germans, and as an important supply route to Russia., The Royal Navy base still exists today..
Relative to population, the Shetlands lost more lives to War (WORLD WAR 1 & WORLD WAR 2) than any other British Country!!!!
Lerwick & Shetlands Islands grew in the 1970's , Harbor Traffic was up and so was the revenue; they have a saying to this growth: some day the Oil will run out, but not the fish. Good Quote
Here are 3 more tours to choose from if you ever visit Lerwick, Scotland.
JARLSHOF RUINS, HOSWICK VISITOR CENTER & SCALLOWAY CASTLE..
SHOPPING IN LERWICK.
You will find Woolen Items, handmade and handmade sweaters, and scarfs- both excellent buys. Also, loads of plaid clothing. Plus, handcrafted jewelry silver and other pieces.
You can find all the shops on Commercial Street & Market Cross.
REMEMBER THE CURRENCY IS THE BRITISH POUND, and some of the stores will ship your purchase to your home....
CLIMATE!
Woooooooooooo, cold - at times very cold; you are just 400 miles south of the ARCTIC CIRCLE, The southern Islands are warmed by the Gulf Stream, bringing showers in the summer; the winters are dark & unsettled, January is the coldest month, and August the warmest month..
LOCAL CUISINE!
Seafood & fish, cooked in variety of methods, Lamb is the specialty of the region..
POST OFFICE, BANKS & VISITOR CENTER!
Are all Commercial Street, just about everything has the business hours of 9 -5. Some shops stay open longer.
We enjoyed Lerwick & Shetland Islands, we had a great time learning about the area.
Till Later; HAPPY TRAVELING & BE SAFE)!!!!
John & Jackie Scalise/ Dunedin, Florida
The Shetland Islands are very remote and most domestic animals do not live here easily, but Sheep the Shetland Ponies can thrive here. In Lerwick, you can set up a tour, and (from what we heard) the tours are fun, but dress in layers of clothing.
At times you wonder why people live here; people have lived here for a long time and have persisted, Well, the answer is this in one word - FISHING, The clear cold waters are teeming with varieties of fish and marine life. That's not the only income to the Islands, The port of of (SULLOM VOE) has become Europe's largest OIL & NATURAL GAS TERMINAL!
LERWICK, the capital of the Shetland Islands, was founded in the 17th century by the Dutch fishermen, fished here for the HERRING. During the Second Dutch War, Fort Charlotte was built in 1663 for the valuable military purposes of Bressay Sound, which is a natural harbor.
The fort & fishing grew together and Lerwick became the Capital in the 19th century, and became the premier Herring town of Northern Europe......
Lerwick is a very friendly place with picturesque lanes and streets .
THE SHETLAND COUNTY MUSEUM,
Displays the history of the Islands, including archaeology, fishing, shipwrecks and folklore. A must see.
Fort Charlotte is a walking tour, also very picturesque area, as you stand by the cannons and look out over the harbor you will see some of Lerwick's best views. From what we heard the Fort is still active today and still in good shape.
DURING WORLD WAR 2!
The war brought the ROYAL NAVY to the Shetlands; several important bases were built for the purpose of controlling the North Sea against the Germans, and as an important supply route to Russia., The Royal Navy base still exists today..
Relative to population, the Shetlands lost more lives to War (WORLD WAR 1 & WORLD WAR 2) than any other British Country!!!!
Lerwick & Shetlands Islands grew in the 1970's , Harbor Traffic was up and so was the revenue; they have a saying to this growth: some day the Oil will run out, but not the fish. Good Quote
Here are 3 more tours to choose from if you ever visit Lerwick, Scotland.
JARLSHOF RUINS, HOSWICK VISITOR CENTER & SCALLOWAY CASTLE..
SHOPPING IN LERWICK.
You will find Woolen Items, handmade and handmade sweaters, and scarfs- both excellent buys. Also, loads of plaid clothing. Plus, handcrafted jewelry silver and other pieces.
You can find all the shops on Commercial Street & Market Cross.
REMEMBER THE CURRENCY IS THE BRITISH POUND, and some of the stores will ship your purchase to your home....
CLIMATE!
Woooooooooooo, cold - at times very cold; you are just 400 miles south of the ARCTIC CIRCLE, The southern Islands are warmed by the Gulf Stream, bringing showers in the summer; the winters are dark & unsettled, January is the coldest month, and August the warmest month..
LOCAL CUISINE!
Seafood & fish, cooked in variety of methods, Lamb is the specialty of the region..
POST OFFICE, BANKS & VISITOR CENTER!
Are all Commercial Street, just about everything has the business hours of 9 -5. Some shops stay open longer.
We enjoyed Lerwick & Shetland Islands, we had a great time learning about the area.
Till Later; HAPPY TRAVELING & BE SAFE)!!!!
John & Jackie Scalise/ Dunedin, Florida
Written 18 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hobbitpaws
Shetland Islands, UK106 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Step into Shetland's history, back to the 1600s and the islands' involvement in the Anglo-Dutch wars. Built in 1652, the fort didn’t really see much action in the first two wars and was never finished as a result. Which was a bit of a shame, considering that the Dutch decided to pay us a visit in the third war and as a result, burned Lerwick to the ground... oopsy! The fort was rebuilt in 1781 and named Fort Charlotte after the wife of George III, but again these cannons were never fired. The land around the area was reclaimed and it now simply stands as a lovely location for a walk and picnic with lovely views out to Bressay.
Written 28 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
whodosentlike totravel?
Lowestoft, UK23 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
Just a short walk from the town centre, free to enter an still in use by the MOD, houseing both the local army reserve unit and also cadet group, great views of the harbour an nice info cards dotted about with snippets of history
Written 25 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D38lawn
Stoke-on-Trent, UK599 contributions
Sept 2020
Due to Covid only the grounds were available to see. All buildings being closed. Hopefully this will change soon! Good views over town and harbour , and information boards. Somewhere to look in on a walk around town.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HoustonMissionTrip
Houston, TX134 contributions
Sept 2019
Interesting visit to the fort. well marked, but a little sparse. Don't plan on spending more than about 30 minutes.
Written 25 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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