The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Hoswick Visitor Centre

This vibrant hub showcases local textiles and fishing history, offering guided walks, traditional lunches, and unique artisan gifts in a welcoming atmosphere.

OUR EXPERIENCES
Hoswick Visitor Centre, located in the coastal village of Hoswick in Shetland’s South Mainland, is a vibrant hub showcasing over a century of local textiles, fishing, and creativity. Set in a restored weaving shed, it offers visitors a unique look into the area’s cultural heritage and industries that continue to shape the community today.

Groups are welcomed with refreshments and stories from local ambassadors, followed by a tour of the centre. Options include guided walks along the stunning coastline and a traditional Shetland lunch. Visitors can also explore the gift shop and nearby village stores featuring local art, handmade jewellery, and designer knitwear.

ABOUT US
Hoswick Visitor Centre is the heart of the coastal village community of Hoswick in the South Mainland of Shetland. Home to the visitor centre is a former Shetland weaving shed which played an important role in the history of the textile industry in the local area with Shetland Knitwear being established in 1904. By the late 1970’s following a decline in the weaving industry, the weaving shed became redundant and didn’t seem to have a future until the local people of Hoswick set about saving the old weaving shed and it became a community asset and a visitor centre.

Now run by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers the visitor centre aims to preserve and promote the history, culture, rich traditions and natural heritage of the local area for future generations and for visitors. The visitor centre serves as a hub for community engagement, tourism and education and supports a number of community enterprises. Offering visitors a unique and fascinating insight into the lives of the people of Hoswick past and present, the centre is the gateway to the South Mainland of Shetland and welcomes locals and visitors alike.

OUR IMPACT
Hoswick Visitor Centre is a community-led, volunteer-run hub at the heart of our village. We're dedicated to preserving local heritage and sustaining the creative industries that have shaped Hoswick life, for the benefit of future generations, our community, and visitors alike.

Since opening, the centre has brought positive impacts to the local economy, creating jobs, volunteer opportunities, and inclusive roles for people of all ages and abilities. We work closely with local artisans and community enterprises to ensure the benefits of tourism stay local. Our fully accessible centre is a vital social space, offering much-needed facilities and a warm welcome to all.

Our travel trade experiences connect visitors with local people, culture, and history in a responsible and sustainable way. Fairness, diversity, inclusion, and care for the environment are at the heart of everything we do.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: hoswickcafe@btinternet.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1-12

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
We are open year-Round, Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
At Hoswick Visitor Centre we want to offer a welcoming and inclusive visitor experience for everyone. If you're planning to visit and you have specific accessibility needs it may be helpful to contact our staff at the visitor centre in advance of your visit so we can best support you during your visit.

Hoswick Visitor Centre and café has an open plan layout making it accessible to all visitors. We have a ramp at the main entrance to the centre and ramps at all fire exists. A platform lift allows anyone with limited mobility to access all areas within the centre and not miss out on anything during their visit. Accessible toilets are available within the visitor centre and there is ample accessible parking available on site with a designated parking bay also available at the main entrance. Our staff, volunteers and Hoswick ambassadors are also always on hand and are happy to help in any way they can if required.