What's here? at Sumburgh Head
Available on site
2 Blue Badge spaces are situated beside the lighthouse buildings for less mobile visitors, a further blue badge parking space is situated outside the lookout accessible viewing platform, 50m south of the main car park.
The car park is a tarmac surface. The signposted carpark is situated at the entrance to the reserve. Spaces for cars and two coach spaces in the main car park. No lighting. No opening or height restrictions. Drop-off point near lighthouse buildings.
Toilets located on site, open April - September only beside the cafe. Only open during visitor centre opening times.
Otherwise nearest public toilets at Grutness Pier, 1 mile (1.6 km) away, or West Voe beach, 50 m from the Sumburgh Hotel bus stop.
The lookout is wheelchair accessible with ramped access to the platform, situated 50m south of the main car park.
A blue badge parking bay is outside the lookout. The path is too steep for wheelchair users but two disabled car parking spaces are available beside the lighthouse.
Please contact the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre on 01950 461966 (April - September only) if you require more information.
Toilets located on site, open April - September only beside the cafe. Only open during visitor centre opening times.
Otherwise nearest public toilets at Grutness Pier, 1 mile (1.6 km) away, or West Voe beach, 50 m from the Sumburgh Hotel bus stop.
All facilities onsite including the toilets are managed by Shetland Amenity Trust, please do consider donating to help support the upkeep of the facilities. Thank you
The RSPB does not manage a visitor centre here.
There is a visitor centre located at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre. For further information regarding access visit www.sumburghhead.com.
All facilities onsite including the toilets are managed by Shetland Amenity Trust, please do consider donating to help support the upkeep of the facilities. Thank you.
Open from April - September only. Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Cafe located on site.
Otherwise nearest refreshments, including hot food, at Sumburgh Hotel, Sumburgh Airport or at Mainland's shop situated 6 miles away in Dunrossness.
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Gift Shop open April - September.
Small picnic area with picnic benches provided by Sumburgh Head Lighthouse outside Cafe.
Binocular Hire
There are three viewing platforms around the reserve, two of the platforms have steps to access them. Our accessible sheltered viewing platform is situated 50m south of the main car park. There are also good views from car park.
Uneven, unimproved paths alongside boundary walls and fences. Two stiles along coastal trail. One bench midway up to the lighthouse. The path is too steep for wheelchair users but two disabled car parking spaces are available beside the lighthouse.
Please contact the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre on 01950 461966 (April - September only) if you require more information.
Not available on site
Nearest baby changing facilities are at Sumburgh Hotel.
The accessible viewing structure lookout provides easy pushchair access. Multiple additional benches are situated on the approach to the Lighthouse.
Uneven, unimproved paths alongside boundary walls and fences. Two stiles along coastal trail. One bench midway up to the lighthouse.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Restrictions
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.