Fort Charlotte
Harbour St, Lerwick, Shetland
Open today
Fort Charlotte image gallery
Wander among the massive walls of an artillery fort built to protect the Sound of Bressay from the Dutch.
Construction of Fort Charlotte began – though was not completed – in 1665, during the Second Dutch War. It was rebuilt more than a century later, during the War of American Independence, but the newer fort never saw military action.
Today, the fort is presented much as it would have looked in the 1780s.
Ready for an adventure?
Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.
Membership
Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters
Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
- Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
- Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
- Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
Explorer Pass
Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing
Valid for 14 consecutive days
- Valid for 14 consecutive days
- Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
- 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
- Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online