Jarlshof

At the southern tip of Shetland, Jarlshof holds more than 4,000 years of continuous settlement in one place. Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, Norse and medieval remains lie layered across the site, all open to view. The name itself was Sir Walter Scott's invention, used in his novel 'The Pirate' after he visited in 1814.

The earliest settlement at Jarlshof dates from around 2500 BC. Bronze Age farmers, Iron Age wheelhouse builders, Pictish settlers and Norse longhouse communities each left their own structures on top of what came before, giving you 4,000 years of history in one open-air site.

Jarlshof is about 25 miles south of Lerwick, near Sumburgh at the very tip of the Shetland mainland. The drive down the A970 takes around 40 minutes through some fine Shetland scenery. Sumburgh Head, known for its puffins, sits right next door.

For anyone in Shetland it's unmissable, one of the great archaeological sites in northern Europe. Having so many layers of history in one compact area is what makes it, and the on-site audio guide does a good job of walking you through the succession of cultures. Historic Environment Scotland manages entry.