Tour the Site

Press the button to sound the Foghorn Press the button to sound the Foghorn In addition to the outdoors areas, which are freely accessible all year round, Sumburgh Head now offers added visitor value with outdoor interpretive panels and, from April to September, a range of indoor spaces taking guests on a journey through nature and time. 

From the geological beginnings, through early Iron Age defences and the development of technology used to keep mariners safe, and defend our shores; Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre facilities give the chance to meet the people who have lived on this fascinating site, and come face to face with the large marine mammals and majestic seabirds that can be seen around these cliffs. Sumburgh Head is an established RSPB nature reserve.  The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

The view from the Stevenson Centre is truly breath-taking

The indoor spaces are accessed by purchasing a great value season ticket, which provides a whole summer season of visits for just one price, with discounted family tickets available.  Get a feel for the different areas of Sumburgh Head through the website tour, and then come and enjoy the real experience - feel the wind in your face on top of the Foghorn Tower, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Radar Hut, stand tall next to the dorsal fin of our Killer Whale and sound the mighty foghorn in the restored Engine Room. 

See our Visitor Services page for details on disabled access to the indoor and outdoor areas.

If you would like to take a tour of the courtyard areas and accommodation before or after your visit, you can use the Google Street View tool for a virtual tour inside and outside the buildings. Click here to go directly to Google Inside View of Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Accommodation.