Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Unken Kaffee Re-opens on Saturday 2nd April 2022

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Unken Kaffee is re-opening for the 2022 summer season. Come along on Saturday 2nd April and join the Team as we welcome in a new season with a customary blast of the restored Sumburgh Foghorn.

The Visitor Centre will re-open from 10am and ticketholders are invited to an outdoor tour at 11am, taking in the history of the Lighthouse and its Keepers. Tickets are valid all season and provide access to the Engine Room, Smiddy, Marine Life Centre and Radar Hut. They can also be used to take part in some of our family activities, and there will be a Lighthouse-themed activity for the opening weekend.

From 12pm, Retained Lightkeeper, Brian Johnson will be starting the engines and compressors ready to sound the Foghorn. This year we are running a competition to be an Assistant Keeper on the day and help Brian sound the Foghorn. Three runners up will also get the chance to start the engines. You can enter the competition here.

From Saturday 2nd April staff will be keeping a close eye on the sea and cliffs as we wait for the return of the Puffins. We will also be updating our sightings board so come on into the gift shop to see the latest bird and sea mammal news from Sumburgh Head. Guillemots and Razorbills have already been seen on the cliffs beneath the Lighthouse and so it won’t be long before all our summer seabirds have returned for another breeding season.  

The Visitor Centre facilities and Unken Kaffee will be open from 10am to 5pm, Thursdays to Mondays, with last orders in the café around 4pm. We hope you can join us!