Sumburgh Attractions and Amenities

Sumburgh Head is situated on the site of an ancient promontory fort and is amidst a wealth of wonderful archaeological attractions in the south mainland.

Zoom The closest of these is the fascinating site of Jarlshof only a few kilometres away. Jarlshof has many levels of archaeology from a Stone Age hut, an Iron Age Broch with wheelhouses and a sizable Viking village and medieval farmstead. The onsite visitor centre helps to interpret the multiple layers of history.

The Iron Age Broch and Village at Old Scatness is less than a kilometre away from there. One of the largest archaeological excavations in Europe in recent years, this site gives visitors an opportunity to really step back in time.

Other visitor attractions in the area include Betty Mouat's Camping Böd (www.camping-bods.co.uk), the wonderfully welcoming Crofthouse Museum just south of Boddam, and the beautifully restored Quendale Mill. The Mill includes a visitor information point, small café and gift shop. Mousa Broch with its Iron Age tower and impressive seabird colonies is accessible by ferry from Leebitton in Sandwick. The Hoswick Visitors Centre has a wealth of local information about the surrounding area and its history and heritage - it's well worth a visit.

Zoom St Ninian's Isle is definitely worth a visit to see the finest example of a tomobolo in the UK. The beautiful white sand stretches from the mainland to the island of St Ninian's where the famous treasure hoard was discovered in the 1970's.

The lighthouse itself is approximately 1.5km from the airport which incorporates a tourist information point, café, shop, public telephones and toilets. The Sumburgh Hotel is roughly the same distance, and offers a bar and restaurant. 

The nearest main shop supplying fuel and post office services is Mainland's (01950 460676) at Dunrossness. There is an indoor swimming pool in Sandwick and a Health Centre in Levenwick (01950 422240).