Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Sumburgh Head
SumburghOpenSee opening timesTread the grassy paths to the top of the cliffs, and look down at thousands of seabirds swirling above the tumbling sea. Explore the lighthouse, and say hello to the resident Puffins.
About
At the southern tip of mainland Shetland sits Sumburgh Head. Steep cliffs meet the ferocious North Sea, while the historic lighthouse watches out from the top of the cliffs. During the summer, Sumburgh Head comes alive with the spectacle of thousands of seabirds, including Puffins, Fulmars, Guillemots and Shags. You can also spot passing cetaceans such as Minke Whales, Orcas and dolphins on a calm day.
It's the craggy cliffs that support the large seabird colony here, with each species occupying different areas of the cliff. The sandy soils of the cliff tops are perfect for Puffins to dig their burrows, and lots of passerines such as Twites, Wrens and Rock Pipits use the stone dykes, rocky cliff face and grassy cliff tops for nesting and feeding.
The Sumburgh Head lighthouse and visitor centre is run by the Shetland Amenity Trust. Find out about exploring the lighthouse itself on their website.
At a glance
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
See what’s here
This is a great location to spot Puffins
Puffins are colourful and clownlike and one of our most endearing birds. However, they’re on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern Red, at risk of global extinction. They’re threatened by predators eating their eggs and chicks and a loss of food made worse by overfishing. That’s why we’re campaigning for more protected areas to be created, to safeguard the most important places for Puffins, both on land and at sea. We’re also protecting important nature reserves for Puffins to help ensure they have safe places to raise their chicks.
Contact Sumburgh Head
shetland@rspb.org.uk Sumburgh Head, Shetland, Shetland Islands, ZE3 9JN 01950 460800