Hoswick is a tranquil spot, but there's actually a lot happening in the village – especially in the summer.
Nielanell is lucky to be part of the thriving little community arranged around the bay at Hoswick. Along with enjoying the displays and café at Hoswick Visitor Centre, visitors can explore a cluster of interesting artisan studios and shops.
If you've been to Hoswick, we are always keen to hear about your visit. Whether it was this week or much longer ago – even before the days of Nielanell.
Scroll on for a little tour of what you'll find, along with some directions!
Hoswick is located on the south east side of Shetland's Mainland – the largest island of the archipelago. We're around 20 minutes drive from Lerwick and not far from the natural wonder of St Ninian's Isle tombolo and the Iron Age Broch of Mousa.
Hoswick-made tweed in the displays at the Visitor Centre.
Hoswick Visitor Centre & Café
Formerly the village weaving shed, Hoswick Visitor Centre houses local history displays, a craft shop and its café serves light lunches, teas and cakes.
Located less than 100m from Nielanell, the Visitor Centre is fully accessible. It has ample visitor parking for cars and coaches, and an EV charge point.
Visiting HVC
- Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm (kitchen closes at 3pm)
- hoswickvisitorcentre.com
Looking south from Karlin Anderson Jewellery, Hoswick.
Karlin Anderson Jewellery
Just 80m or so from Nielanell, Karlin Anderson's jewellery studio and gallery is full of interesting pieces made here in Hoswick by Karlin and her team – and it has an amazing view!
Karlin is from Shetland, but spent more than twenty years away: first studying, then working as a jeweller in Glasgow and London. She returned to the islands in 2019, bringing her jewellery business with her.
Karlin's ingenious ring holder necklace – designed to keep your ring safe when not being worn. This piece is from her Shetland lace knitting inspired Oppenwark collection.
An accomplished craftsperson, Karlin works in precious metals and a range of gemstones – and now employs a small team. Alongside bespoke jewellery made to commission, Karlin also designs and makes her own collections.
Carnassial ear jackets in solid silver with black onyx studs.
These distinctive little ear jackets are hand-carved in solid silver with onyx studs. Karlin originally designed them as part of a special collection of jewellery for the South Mainland Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad.
Visiting Karlin's jewellery studio
In the summer, Karlin's studio is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm. At other times of year, the studio has regular hours Monday-Friday. You can also book a tour.
Find out more:
karlinanderson.com
@karlinanderson
Trying on a Byre scarf at the Nielanell studio shop.
Nielanell knitwear studio shop
In the Nielanell studio shop, knitwear is arranged on hangers and vintage wooden furniture. Jumpers, capes, scarves and shawls in lots of different colours and patterns.
Since knitwear designer Niela Nell Kalra opened the doors in summer 2008, the studio has been busy with visitors from all over the world.
Happy chaos at Nielanell with the studio full of visitors trying on jumpers and capes.
If you're visiting us this year, you'll find lots of new colours, some pieces that aren't on the website and a selection of our favourite classics back in stock.
Shetland Smookie: our all-over Fair Isle jumper.
Visiting Nielanell
The late spring through to early autumn is our busy season: if you're here between May and mid-October, you'll find the Nielanell knitwear studio shop open daily.
Late autumn through to early spring sees the studio on 'winter hours' with reduced opening.
- Full opening times
- About the studio shop (includes access details)
- Sign up for news and special events
Shetland Woollen Company
The history of Hoswick's woollen mill, which is now employee owned, dates back to 1924 when Laurence J Smith began trading in knitwear and other goods.
The business grew to become the highly regarded manufacturer it is today, knitting for trade customers all over the world – alongside designing its own collections. The current Shetland Woollen Co building (just a few doors along from Nielanell) was opened in 1969 by HM Queen Elizabeth II.
There are so many lovely pieces of knitwear in the mill shop, all Shetland-made and all in Shetland wool. Yoke jumpers are a particular favourite – and they come in so many colours!
Whinna Ness jumper.
Visiting SWC
Shetland Woollen Co is open year-round: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
Find out more:
shetlandwoollen.co
@shetlandwoollenco
Gilly B
A special mention for illustrator and designer Gilly B, who is based in our neighbouring village of Sandwick (about 700m away from us!).
Gilly's studio doesn't have regular opening hours, but she runs special events through the year.
You'll find some of Gilly's work in the Hoswick Visitor Centre shop and you can also browse her collection of prints, cards, decorations, mugs and lampshades in her online shop.
Gilly also has a brilliant range of bags made from recycled materials including sails (she shares her studio and workshop with sail maker Sew Far North).
For more information and news of special opening, check Gilly's social media:
etsy.com/uk/shop/GillyBDesigns
GillyBdesigns (Facebook)
@gillybridle (Instagram)
The view from the no.6 bus.
Getting here
The journey to Hoswick is something to enjoy in itself – whether you approach from the north or south of Shetland, there are spectacular views.
By car, the drive is around 20 mins from either Lerwick or Sumburgh Airport.
Public transport
You can visit us by bus. The journey to our neighbouring village of Sandwick takes around 30 mins from Lerwick, or 40 mins from Sumburgh Airport.
- Take the no. 6 service from either Lerwick or Sumburgh Airport and alight at Sandwick (ask the driver to stop at the Sandwick shop or hall – say you're coming to Hoswick).
- Nielanell is approximately 600m from the bus stop – a walk of approximately 10 minutes.
- Find further information about Shetland bus services at Zettrans. Bus route correct at time of writing!
- Further information about visiting the Nielanell studio.
NB
Opening times and other information accurate at time of writing. When planning a trip please check current information.