The honesty box Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover authentic Shetland flavors and community spirit at The Honesty Box, a charming self-service farm shop in tranquil Mid Yell.

A brief summary of The honesty box

Discover authentic Shetland flavors and community spirit at The Honesty Box, a charming self-service farm shop in tranquil Mid Yell.

The Honesty Box is a quaint farm shop located at Reafirth House in Mid Yell, Shetland. Operating on a unique self-service honesty system, it offers a delightful selection of fresh, locally sourced produce, homemade preserves, and artisanal treats. Nestled in a tranquil rural setting, this shop embodies the community spirit and agricultural heritage of the Shetland Islands, inviting visitors to experience authentic local flavors and the simplicity of island life.

0.5–1.5 hrsTime to spend
$Budget
OutdoorSetting
3 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
5.0 Excellent · 1 Google reviews
Address
Reafirth House, Mid Yell, Shetland ZE2 9BN

Getting there

Car

Driving to The Honesty Box from Lerwick takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes via the A968 and B9070 roads. Parking is available near Reafirth House, but note that rural roads can be narrow and winding. Fuel stations are limited on Yell, so plan accordingly. No parking fees apply.

Public Bus

Shetland’s bus service connects Lerwick to Mid Yell with a journey time of about 1.5 to 2 hours, including a ferry crossing from Mainland to Yell. Bus frequency is limited, so check timetables in advance. The stop closest to The Honesty Box is at Mid Yell village, requiring a short walk on rural roads.

Ferry and Walking

From Mainland Shetland, take the ferry to Yell at Toft, which runs regularly with fares around £5-£10. From the ferry terminal, The Honesty Box is approximately a 30-minute walk through scenic countryside, suitable for those comfortable with rural terrain and moderate distances.

Discover more about The honesty box

A Unique Shopping Experience Rooted in Trust

The Honesty Box at Reafirth House in Mid Yell is more than just a farm shop; it is a celebration of community values and rural tradition. This charming shop operates on an honor system where visitors select their goods and pay at their convenience, fostering a sense of trust and respect between locals and visitors alike. The self-service model allows for a relaxed shopping experience, encouraging visitors to take their time exploring the shelves filled with seasonal produce and homemade delights.

Locally Sourced Products Reflecting Shetland’s Rich Heritage

Inside The Honesty Box, you will find an array of fresh vegetables, artisanal baked goods, homemade jams, and preserves, all sourced from local farms and producers. These offerings showcase the agricultural bounty of the Shetland Islands, emphasizing quality and authenticity. The shop’s inventory changes with the seasons, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the freshest ingredients and traditional flavors unique to this northern archipelago.

Scenic Surroundings Enhance the Rural Charm

Set against the backdrop of Shetland’s stunning landscapes, The Honesty Box provides a peaceful and picturesque setting that complements the simplicity of its concept. The rural environment invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of Mid Yell, making a visit here not just about shopping but also about immersing oneself in the tranquil island atmosphere.

Community Spirit and Cultural Connection

The shop reflects the strong community ethos of Shetland, where honesty boxes are a common and cherished tradition. This practice highlights the islanders’ commitment to mutual respect and support, creating a welcoming environment for tourists and locals alike. The Honesty Box serves as a gateway to understanding the local way of life, emphasizing connection, simplicity, and sustainability.

Perfect for Visitors Seeking Authenticity

Whether you are stocking up for a picnic, searching for a unique souvenir, or simply curious about Shetland’s culinary heritage, The Honesty Box offers a memorable experience. It is an ideal stop for those wanting to taste genuine local flavors and support small-scale producers. The shop’s relaxed, self-service approach invites discovery and enjoyment at your own pace.

Practical Details and Visitor Tips

Visitors should bring cash to pay for their purchases, as the honor system relies on honesty. Checking seasonal availability is recommended to enjoy the freshest produce. Taking time to enjoy the surrounding scenery enhances the visit, making it a delightful part of exploring Shetland’s rural charm.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · before 6am or at 9pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 38% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 38% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 50% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 63% of the busiest month
  5. May: 75% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 88% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 75% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 63% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 50% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 38% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 13% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 5am: 13% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 6am: 25% of the busiest hour
  4. 7am: 38% of the busiest hour
  5. 8am: 50% of the busiest hour
  6. 9am: 75% of the busiest hour
  7. 10am: 88% of the busiest hour
  8. 11am: 100% of the busiest hour
  9. 12pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  10. 1pm: 88% of the busiest hour
  11. 2pm: 75% of the busiest hour
  12. 3pm: 63% of the busiest hour
  13. 4pm: 50% of the busiest hour
  14. 5pm: 38% of the busiest hour
  15. 6pm: 25% of the busiest hour
  16. 7pm: 25% of the busiest hour
  17. 8pm: 25% of the busiest hour
  18. 9pm: 13% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  19. 10pm: 13% of the busiest hour
  20. 11pm: 13% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

Explore The honesty box on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The honesty box, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to The honesty box, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near The honesty box

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Shetland
More of the region

Explore more of Shetland

Explore Shetland: A captivating blend of rugged landscapes, rich wildlife, and a unique cultural heritage between Scotland and Scandinavia.

Explore Shetland
United Kingdom
More of the country

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Shetland

Discover Shetland with Evendo - A 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan and book your entire trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Shetland.
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, free travel guide to Shetland. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all in one app. Download now to make the most of your trip!

  • History of Shetland and travel essentials.
  • Local advice to maximize your visit.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and Shetland.
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions.
  • Curated local tips to experience Shetland like a local.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Shetland, a stunning archipelago in the United Kingdom, where natural beauty meets rich history. With Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app, you can explore Shetland like never before. Whether you're fascinated by the ancient ruins of Jarlshof, eager to visit the iconic Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, or looking to enjoy a delicious meal at the Scalloway Hotel Restaurant, Evendo has you covered.

Our app provides detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Shetland. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

Imagine strolling through the picturesque streets of Lerwick, discovering hidden gems like the Shetland Museum and Archives, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife at The Lounge Bar. With Evendo, you can easily navigate through Shetland using our intuitive app interface and the 'Near Me' feature to find exciting spots around you.

Not only does Evendo help you explore, but it also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching multiple websites for what to see and do; Evendo has it all in one place.

Download Evendo now and turn your trip to Shetland into an unforgettable adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.