Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

If you’re planning a trip to Lerwick, Shetland, and looking for a way to experience a mix of scenic beauty, local history, and charming animals, the Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway might just fit the bill. I’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve taken this tour to give you a clear picture of what to expect, the highlights, and a few things to consider before booking.

One of the things I love about this experience is how it combines stunning views of Shetland’s landscape with an intimate encounter with Shetland ponies—adorable creatures with a history that ties deeply to the islands. Plus, the fact that it’s a private tour means you’ll get a more relaxed, tailored experience, rather than being part of a crowded group. On the flip side, the one-hour duration is quite short, so if you’re hoping for a lengthy adventure, this might leave you wanting more.

This tour seems perfect for those who enjoy a bit of everything: scenic vistas, local culture, and animal interactions. It’s especially suited for travelers who value a personal touch, want to learn about Shetland’s heritage in a relaxed setting, and love cute ponies. But if you’re looking for an in-depth historical tour or a more active experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with only your group participating.
• Beautiful views of Scalloway and Shetland’s landscape.
• Meet and photograph Shetland ponies, with insights from their owner.
• Short, focused tour lasting about an hour, ideal for quick visits.
• Includes scenic drive through Tingwall Valley with views of Viking-era sites.
• Cost-effective for small groups up to 8, delivering good value for the experience.

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

The Ponies Express Private Tour is designed to give you a taste of Shetland’s charm without overloading your schedule. Starting from Lerwick, you’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle—comfortable, quiet, and perfect for the scenic drive ahead. The tour, priced at $218.99 per group (up to 8), is a good deal considering it offers private transportation, a visit to a local pony farm, and a drive through some of Shetland’s most picturesque areas.

The Scenic Overview of Scalloway

Your first stop is a brief photo session overlooking Scalloway, Shetland’s former capital. It’s a perfect spot for a quick snap of the village with its scenic harbor views and the distant outline of Scalloway Castle. While you can’t go inside the castle—it’s not open to visitors—the exterior view is charming and worth capturing. Nearby, you’ll also see the Shetland Bus Memorial, which commemorates a notable part of Shetland’s WWII history.

Travelers note that this initial stop is brief—about 15 minutes—so don’t expect a full castle tour or in-depth historical explanations here. But the views are worth it, and it’s a nice way to get a first glimpse of the area.

Meeting the Ponies at Carol’s Ponies

The highlight for many is the visit to Carol’s Ponies, where you’ll have around 20 minutes to meet, learn about, and photograph these lovely Shetland ponies. Originating from the islands and once used as pack animals, these ponies are now more often seen as riding ponies for children and companions to horses across the world.

What sets this part apart is the personal interaction—Carol, the owner, shares her knowledge about the ponies’ history and characteristics in a friendly, engaging manner. She explains that these ponies have teeth and might—just maybe—try to assume fingers for carrots, so feeding is not permitted. This honest heads-up highlights the warm, relaxed atmosphere of the visit. As one reviewer stated, “The ponies were adorable,” which many visitors seem to agree on.

The Scenic Drive Through Tingwall Valley

After meeting the ponies, the tour takes you on a drive through Tingwall Valley, a stunning stretch of land filled with lush greenery and dramatic scenery. The drive offers a glimpse of Law Ting Holm, a Viking-era site once used as the Norse Parliament. While you won’t stop here for a full tour, the view from the vehicle provides a real sense of Shetland’s rugged, historic landscape.

Travelers appreciated this part, with one reviewer mentioning the “scenic drive” as a highlight. It’s a peaceful, contemplative moment during the tour that helps connect you with Shetland’s long history and natural beauty.

What to Expect: The Details

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about an hour, which is quite short but packed with highlights. This makes it suitable for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick, engaging experience. The private aspect ensures you’re not sharing the attention with strangers, which adds to the enjoyment and flexibility.

Cost vs. Value

At $218.99 for up to 8 people, the price is reasonable for a private tour that includes transportation, a visit to Carol’s Ponies, and scenic drives. Travelers have consistently rated it highly, with a perfect 5.0/5 score based on four reviews, emphasizing the personal touch and beautiful scenery.

Ease of Booking and Accessibility

Most travelers book this tour around 98 days in advance, which indicates it’s quite popular—likely due to its intimate setting and unique focus. Pickup is offered, and the mobile ticket makes it convenient to organize.

Weather and Cancellation

Since the experience is weather-dependent, poor weather might lead to cancellations. Thankfully, the policy offers full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind.

The Experience in Action: What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer described the tour as a “pleasant experience,” highlighting the pleasant driver and the adorable ponies. Another shared that their tour was very personal, especially since they were only a party of four, making the interaction more meaningful. A third reviewer called it a “super tour,” praising the engaging guide who shared stories about Shetland’s history, culture, and the ponies themselves.

From these reviews, it’s clear that the personal approach and the stunning scenery are what make this experience shine. The ponies are often described as “adorable,” and the scenic drive adds a peaceful, picturesque dimension to the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for small groups or couples looking for a relaxed, intimate outing. It suits travelers who enjoy wild landscapes, local stories, and animal encounters—especially if they’re fond of ponies or want a gentle, family-friendly activity. However, it is more about observation and photos rather than hands-on riding or active exploration, so those seeking a more energetic experience might want to look elsewhere.

If you’re interested in seeing Shetland’s landscape from a comfortable vehicle, learning about local history with a friendly guide, and establishing a connection with the charming ponies, this tour offers good value and a memorable snapshot of Shetland life.

Final Thoughts

The Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway delivers a well-rounded, personable experience that balances scenic beauty, local culture, and adorable animal encounters. It’s a short tour, but one packed with meaningful sights and stories, making it perfect for travelers who want a taste of Shetland without a lengthy commitment.

It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate intimate travel experiences, charming scenery, and a chance to meet Shetland’s beloved ponies. If you’re after a relaxed, friendly outing that provides both a quick history lesson and some adorable photo opportunities, this one should be on your list.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many travelers find this tour family-friendly, especially since the ponies are adorable and the atmosphere is relaxed. Just remember, the ponies may assume fingers for carrots, so supervise young children accordingly.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge, parking fees, and the visit to Carol’s Ponies.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick but rewarding experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour can be canceled for bad weather, and you’ll be offered a different date or full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available as part of the experience, making it convenient to start your day.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the admission to Carol’s Ponies and the scenic stops are included in the price.

If you’re looking to add a charming, scenic, and animal-filled moment to your Shetland visit, the Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway offers a friendly, scenic, and memorable option.