Fort Charlotte, Lerwick
An 18th-century artillery fort above Lerwick harbour, offering panoramic views and centuries of military history in a free-to-enter historic site.
Perched above Lerwick’s harbour, Fort Charlotte is an 18th-century artillery fort built to defend Bressay Sound from Dutch and French warships. Though it never saw battle, its ramparts and barracks offer sweeping views over the town and across to Bressay. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the site is free to explore and remains an active Territorial Army base, blending military history with community use during events like Up Helly Aa. Its stone walls, coastal position, and layered past make it a compelling stop in Shetland’s capital.
A brief summary to Fort Charlotte
- 179 Commercial St, Shetland, Lerwick, ZE1 0HX, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times and enjoy the best light for photos across the harbour and Bressay Sound.
- Combine your visit with a walk along Lerwick’s seafront or up to the nearby Knab headland to see First World War gun emplacements and coastal scenery.
- Check opening times in advance, especially in winter, as the site closes on 25–26 December and 1–2 January and may close unexpectedly due to weather.
- Look for information panels around the fort to understand the layout, military history, and later uses as a Royal Naval Reserve and Territorial Army base.
- If visiting during Up Helly Aa season, find out whether the West Barracks are being used for festival events, as this can add a unique cultural dimension to your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Lerwick town centre
From the heart of Lerwick, Fort Charlotte is a 10–15 minute walk uphill along Commercial Street and the coastal path. The route is paved and well signed, suitable for most visitors, though the final approach involves a gentle incline.
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By local bus
Several local bus routes serve stops near Commercial Street in Lerwick; from there, the fort is a short, clearly marked walk uphill. Buses run regularly during the day, with journey times from outlying areas typically 10–20 minutes depending on origin.
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By car
Drive into Lerwick and follow signs to the town centre and Commercial Street. Limited on-street parking is available nearby; from there, it’s a short walk up to the fort entrance. Roads are narrow and can be busy, especially during peak season.
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From Lerwick ferry terminal
From the NorthLink ferry terminal, Fort Charlotte is about a 15–20 minute walk along the seafront and up Commercial Street. The route is mostly flat at first, then rises gently; taxis are also available at the terminal for a quick transfer.
Fort Charlotte location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Fort Charlotte
Guardian of Bressay Sound
Fort Charlotte stands on high ground overlooking Lerwick’s harbour and the narrow Bressay Sound, the strategic waterway between Mainland Shetland and the island of Bressay. Originally built in the 1660s as an earth-and-timber fortification to protect English naval interests from Dutch warships, the site was later rebuilt in stone between 1781 and 1783 during the American War of Independence. Named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, this five-sided artillery fort was designed to command the sound with cannon fire, though it never actually saw combat. Its massive ramparts, barracks, powder magazine, and guardroom survive today, presenting much as they would have in the late 18th century.Layers of Military History
The fort’s story spans centuries of shifting threats and uses. After the earlier 17th-century fort was destroyed by a Dutch raiding party in the Third Anglo-Dutch War, the site lay in ruins for about a hundred years. In the 1780s, renewed fears of invasion prompted the construction of the stone fort that visitors see today. It housed a garrison through the Napoleonic Wars and later served as a drill station for the Royal Naval Reserve, whose sailors trained with live 32-pounder guns until islanders on Bressay complained about the noise. In the 20th century, it became a Territorial Army base and remains one today, making it one of Scotland’s few 18th-century military sites still in active military use.Views and Visitor Experience
Today, Fort Charlotte is a free-to-enter historic site managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors can walk the ramparts, explore the stone barracks and ancillary buildings, and enjoy panoramic views over Lerwick, its busy harbour, and the open waters of Bressay Sound. The elevated position offers a clear sense of why this spot was chosen for defence: it commands the approaches to the town and provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding coastline. Information panels explain the fort’s construction, military role, and later uses, while the open layout allows for a relaxed, self-guided exploration. The site is compact enough for a short visit but rich enough in history and atmosphere to reward a more thoughtful look.Living Heritage and Community Role
Beyond its military past, Fort Charlotte continues to play a role in Lerwick’s community life. The West Barracks are used as a hall on Up Helly Aa night, Shetland’s famous fire festival, linking the fort to one of the islands’ most vibrant cultural traditions. As an active TA base, the site balances public access with ongoing military function, giving it a distinctive character compared to many purely historic forts. This blend of preserved history and contemporary use makes Fort Charlotte not just a relic of past conflicts, but a living part of Lerwick’s townscape and identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
