Planning a Group Getaway? Discover Bridge End Outdoor Centre
Bridge End Outdoor Centre, Burra, Shetland
Are you ready for it?
Last weekend I visited one of the coolest places for groups to stay in Shetland—and I don’t say that lightly.
Myself and a mix of friends and family checked into Bridge End Outdoor Centre, and honestly? Every misconception I had about budget-friendly group accommodation was blown straight out OF the water the moment I stepped inside…
Let me tell you more …
From family gatherings and youth trips to creative retreats and outdoor adventures, discover why Bridge End Outdoor Centre in Burra makes the perfect base.
Planning a group getaway can be tricky — especially when everyone wants something different. You need somewhere spacious, welcoming, and well-located, with enough flexibility to suit a variety of interests. Whether you’re travelling with extended family, a group of friends, a school or youth group, or even organising a stag or hen party, finding the right base makes all the difference – and finding somewhere that’s homely as well as functional is even trickier!
Thankfully, you can stop searching, as Bridge End Outdoor Centre offers all of this – and more – under one roof.
Maybe you’re watercolourists searching for inspiration, yogis in need of a peaceful retreat, or birdwatchers looking for a comfortable base. Perhaps you’re hikers, cyclists, or kayakers eager to explore the outdoors — or simply someone who’d love a picture-perfect place to sit quietly with your knitting. Whatever your group looks like, Bridge End Outdoor Centre could be exactly what you’re looking for — and here’s why.
Location
Perched on a picture-perfect, fort-like promontory by the water, Bridge End Outdoor Centre enjoys a prime spot in the heart of Burra, between East and West Burra, overlooking the bustling marina. Watching the boats come and go, it’s easy to imagine the surrounding waters as a moat, giving the feeling of commandeering your very own castle.
Just twenty minutes from Lerwick, the centre is ideally located for exploring the wider Shetland islands. From scenic coastal walks and sandy beaches to the colourful fishing village of Hamnavoe, there’s plenty to see and do. Yet its tranquil waterside setting also makes it the perfect place to pause, unwind, and simply enjoy being somewhere special. Whether planning an activity-packed adventure or a peaceful retreat, Bridge End’s location makes every day feel effortless.
Bridge End Facilities
Communal areas are bright, welcoming and homely, with a spacious lounge and dining area perfect for shared meals, evening games or workshops. In fact, the heart of the centre is the open-plan kitchen, diner and lounge, filled with light from morning to night. Fresh spring tulips on the table made the space feel instantly warm and inviting. There was nothing utilitarian or austere about this space, which was bright, fresh and instantly made you feel right at home. The walls were covered in local art and photographs, and the kitchen was well-stocked with everything you could need and more.
This room was once the old schoolroom where local children were educated until the 1970s, when the school closed and “Sooth End” pupils moved to Hamnavoe. The centre itself is the former school building and is now run by a dedicated group of volunteers as a charity. The school closed after the bridges linking the Mainland to Trondra, and Trondra to Burra, were built, changing how children travelled to and from school. From then on, Burra pupils attended secondary school in Scalloway, and bairns from the “Sooth End” went to school in nearby Hamnavoe.
In 1988, the community took over the building, and since then it has welcomed schools, youth clubs, families and adventure groups. Its location beside the marina, slipway and sheltered voe makes it an ideal base for watersports and outdoor activities, while still retaining the welcoming atmosphere of the old school at the heart of the community.
Outdoor spaces offer a tranquil place to unwind, with picnic benches and grassy areas perfect for games—or, for younger guests, simply running free or cycling around. An outbuilding provides an ideal spot for barbecues, and there’s even space to bring along a pizza oven for relaxed outdoor meals — even if it’s raining. Throughout the summer, the centre often hosts community fish-and-chip fundraising nights, adding a lively buzz that guests can enjoy too.
The shoreline lies just a stone’s throw from the front door, and we spent a few hours exploring it with Caroline Simpson, one of the trustees who helps manage the centre — we had great fun discovering what treasures could be found along the water’s edge.
Practical features add peace of mind for groups with an adventurous spirit. There’s secure storage for bikes and kayaks, space to hang wetsuits to dry, ample parking, and easy access to nearby beaches as well as walking and cycling routes. All of this makes Bridge End not only beautiful but also wonderfully functional. Whether your group is active and adventurous, creative and reflective, or simply enjoying a long weekend together, the centre provides a comfortable and flexible base for everyone.
The site also welcomes caravans and campers, with pitches starting from £25 per night for caravans or motorhomes and £10 per night for tents. There are six touring pitches in total—four with hook-ups—offering free 5G Wi-Fi, access to power and water, a chemical toilet disposal point, showers and laundry facilities. Whether you’re bringing a motorhome, caravan, or tent, the facilities make staying on-site easy and comfortable, while still letting you enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Hire of the centre for groups starts at £280 a night — which works out at around £10 per person, and all bedding is included.
Want more from Shetland? Pick up a copy of my Guidebook today.
Discover hidden gems and rich history with our guidebook. Navigate like a local to find the best scenic spots, and cultural highlights. Our maps, itineraries, recommendations, and tips ensure you make the most of your time, whether you're a first-time visitor or returning. Purchase our guidebook today for a memorable journey. Your perfect trip starts here.
Kayaking & SUP
The marina and slipway make Bridge End an excellent base for groups with kayaks or SUP boards. Launching from the sheltered voe is safe, easy, and reliably protected, making it ideal for exploring nearby waters. (I will say that the chill March wind put us off taking to the water!)
For the more adventurous and experienced kayakers, why not paddle across to the island of Havera? Once home to a thriving community until the early 20th century, the roofless stone homes still stand, clustered on the cliff edge. While there, walk to Havera’s highest point to see the remains of its stone windmill—the only corn-grinding windmill in Shetland, built because the island had no stream for a watermill. At its peak, eight families lived on the island until 1923.
If a boat or kayak visit isn’t possible, you can still explore by land. A walk to Houss Ness, the most southerly point of East Burra, passes the now-abandoned crofts of Symbister and offers wonderful views across to Havera (see photo below — can you spot the windmill?).
From both East and West Burra, Foula is visible on the western horizon on a clear day, and any stretch of Burra’s coastline makes a wonderful place to while away an afternoon.
We chose to spend our Saturday wandering around Minn Beach and Kettla Ness — not to be confused with Bannaminn Beach, which lies on the other side of the water near the Shetland Pony Experience.
top tip
On the way to Minn, before you reach the parking area, look out for ‘Lily’s Bakes’ — a roadside honesty box — and another honesty box selling fresh eggs. You’ll find these type of honesty boxes all around Shetland — simply select your cakes or bakes, and leave the cash in the tin.
Who Is It For?
Bridge End Outdoor Centre is ideal for a wide variety of groups, no matter what brings you together:
Families and Friends – Whether it’s a reunion, birthday celebration, or long weekend with loved ones, the centre offers space, comfort, and flexibility to make memories together.
Youth and School Groups – With plenty of communal areas, outdoor space, and easy access to local walking and cycling routes, it’s perfect for educational trips, adventure activities, and group learning experiences.
Creative and Wellness Retreats – Artists, writers, knitters, yogis, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape will find inspiration in the tranquil surroundings and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for workshops, classes, or quiet reflection. We were joined by Wendy from Island Yoga Shetland, who came to do a couple of yoga sessions with us — the perfect way to wind down at night — or gear up for the day ahead. We also had some knitting lessons with my mam, who is a knitting teacher for Peerie Makkers.
Activity-Focused Groups – Hikers, cyclists, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the convenient base, secure storage for equipment, and proximity to some of Shetland’s best trails, waterways, and wildlife hotspots.
Whatever your group’s focus, Bridge End provides a welcoming, versatile space where everyone can relax, connect, and enjoy their time together.
To make the most of our time, we arranged for Haar Sauna and Island Yoga Shetland to come to the centre and run a few sessions for us. We had great fun with Caroline, one of the trustees — she even taught us ‘magic’ tricks with seaweed. The centre has lots of activity sheets for younger guests to help them access and explore the natural world, from the seashore to the skies.
To top it all off, Haar Sauna stayed onsite for the entire weekend—as they often do—offering public sauna sessions that added a wonderfully relaxing element to our stay.
(If you hire the centre, be sure to drop them a message and ask if they’ll bring the roaming sauna along for your stay!)
Things to Do Nearby
Bridge End isn’t just a comfortable base—it’s surrounded by activities and attractions that make every stay memorable.
Hiking & Walking – Explore scenic coastal trails, rolling hills, and hidden beaches. Short strolls around Burra offer incredible coastal scenery. Highlights include:
Hamnavoe to Fugla Ness Lighthouse – pass the Smugglers’ Cave (HU 36573 35361) — (see photos below )
Hamnavoe to Meal Sand – circular route past Da Loch, an excellent natural seawater rockpool for sea swimming (HU 36700 35205)
Minn Beach and Kettlaness
Houss Ness – at the end of the road in East Burra
Cycling – Quiet roads and connecting bridges make cycling between the islands easy and rewarding, whether for a leisurely ride or a more challenging adventure.
Kayaking & SUP – Launch from the sheltered marina to explore nearby voes, paddle to Havera, or enjoy a peaceful coastal cruise. For hire and instruction, contact Sea Kayak Shetland.
Wildlife & Birdwatching – Shetland is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, from coastal seabirds to seals along the shore. For something unusual, visit The Outpost in Houss, featuring wallabies, emus, an aviary, pigs, goats, and the annual Oinkfest music festival.
Local Culture & History – Stroll through Burra’s fishing village, Hamnavoe, and its fleet of colourful mackerel-rigged boats. Explore historic crofts at Symbister, Houss Ness, visit Easthouse for exhibitions on crofting, and enjoy workshops at local artist-led spaces like Gaada. Check the Shetland Craft Trail for Burra Bears, Wild About Art, and more. See Shetland ponies at the Shetland Pony Experience, ride Icelandic ponies at Houlls Horses, or discover wartime history at Scalloway Museum.
Relax & Unwind – Sometimes the best activity is none at all. Enjoy the peaceful waterside setting, watch the boats in the marina, or simply sit with a book—or your knitting—and soak in the surroundings.
No matter your interests, Bridge End Outdoor Centre puts the best of Shetland right on your doorstep.
Why Bridge End Works So Well for Groups
Bridge End combines space, comfort, and a stunning location, making it the perfect base for groups of all kinds. Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends, taking a school or youth group on an adventure, or hosting a creative or wellness retreat, the centre offers flexibility, practical facilities, and plenty of communal and outdoor areas to suit everyone.
With easy access to hiking trails, cycling routes, kayaking and SUP opportunities, and nearby wildlife and cultural sites, there’s always something to do—and the scenic surroundings make it a place you’ll want to visit time and time again. Add to that welcoming accommodation, thoughtful facilities, and a peaceful waterside setting, and it’s easy to see why groups return year after year.
Ready to Plan Your Group Getaway?
Whether it’s an adventurous outdoor trip, a peaceful retreat, or a fun family reunion, Bridge End Outdoor Centre offers the perfect combination of comfort, space, and location. Get in touch today to check availability or discuss how the centre can cater to your group’s needs—and start planning a memorable Shetland experience!
Ways you can support my work…
