The lighthouse is now closed until Easter 2024
We will update this page at the start of 2024 with opening dates for the year.
The Mull of Galloway Experience
At the Mull of Galloway you can climb the lighthouse, visit the exhibition of lighthouse history, experience the vintage engines and foghorn, walk around the RSPB Scotland nature reserve and enjoy delicious food and drink at Scotland’s most southerly coffee house, Gallie Craig.
The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
Climb 115 steps to the top of the Mull of Galloway lighthouse and, on a clear day, be rewarded with spectacular views of Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man and Cumbria, watch the gannets diving and look out for porpoises and dolphins.
The tower stands 26 metres high and the light is 99 metres above sea level. The lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson. It took two years to build; work commenced in 1828 and the lighthouse was first lit on 26th March 1830. Find out more.
Lighthouse Tower Opening Times in 2023 were:
| May 1 to Jun 22 | Weekends and Bank Holidays |
| Jun 24 to Sep 3 | Open daily |
| Sep 4 – Oct 13 | Weekends and Bank Holidays |
| Oct 14 – Oct 29 | Open daily |
Opening hours are 11:00 am – 5:00 pm with last entry to the tower at 4:00 pm.
2024 dates will be similar, exact dates will be published in January 2024.
Children can climb the tower with adult supervision, but there is a minimum height requirement for safety reasons. If you are as tall, or taller, than George the Lighthouse Keeper (1 metre), then you can climb the 115 steps to the top!
Please note the tower tour is not suitable for anyone suffering from heart, breathing or balance difficulties and that any person under 1m in height will not be allowed access, this includes carried children.
Visitors must wear sensible footwear to climb the tower. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Exhibition and Engine Room
The Mull of Galloway lighthouse exhibition is housed in the former fuel store, workshop and engine room to the right of the lighthouse.
In pride of place is the fresnel lens from McArthur’s Head lighthouse, which was upgraded to an automatic light in 1969. The lens has been loaned to the Exhibition by the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh. Find out more.
The Foghorn
A foghorn has been present at the Mull of Galloway since 1894. It last sounded as an aid to marine navigation in November 1987. During its working life, the foghorn would be operated by lighthouse keepers should seaward visibility drop below 4 miles.
Three Kelvin K2 diesel engines produce the compressed air necessary to sound the foghorn. The engines are now running again after 30 years of remaining silent.
The foghorn was in use until November 1987 and this has now been returned to working order (April 2018). The Mull of Galloway foghorn is currently the only operational foghorn on mainland Scotland. You can find out more about the refurbishment, hear a blast and see more photographs by visiting our gallery.
Gallie Craig Coffee House
Gallie Craig Coffee House was named after the ragged rock of the same name protruding from the sea south of the Mull of Galloway. The glass encased coffee house and its terrace look towards the rock and the spectacular panoramic view also takes in the lighthouse, the Isle of Man, Ireland, the South Rhins Peninsula and Luce Bay. Find out more.
Group bookings are welcome, please contact Gallie Craig for details.
Gallie Craig is closed for the winter from 31st November 2023.
Please visit the Gallie Craig website or Gallie Craig Facebook Page for details of when they re-open.
RSPB Nature Reserve
The area around the lighthouse is a RSPB reserve and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The reserve at the Mull of Galloway is one of the RSPB’s smallest, yet it contains an amazing variety of wildlife. Find out more.
Please visit the RSPB website or RSPB Dumfries and Galloway Facebook Page for RSPB Visitor Centre opening hours.
