Back to List

Tod Head Lighthouse

19 September 2026 (10:00 - 16:00)

Aberdeenshire

In Person

Tod Head Lighthouse, located south of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, built in 1897 by David Alan Stevenson, is now a privately owned family home, lovingly restored and reimagined.

The lighthouse is a classic example of Scottish lighthouse architecture, with its circular entasis tower, corbelled gallery, and domed lantern. David Alan was indeed the third generation of the Stevenson dynasty, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Robert Stevenson, the pioneering engineer behind the Bell Rock Lighthouse, and his father David Stevenson, who built many of Scotland’s coastal lights.

The Stevenson family designed and built over 90 lighthouses across Scotland and beyond, spanning four generations and more than 150 years. Their legacy is etched into the very cliffs and coastlines of the country.

Tod Head was decommissioned in 2008 and though then the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) removed all light mechanisms, the structure retains its architectural integrity and atmospheric charm.

The sensitive conversion of Tod Head Lighthouse into a private residence was undertaken by Moxon Architects, who have earned acclaim for their thoughtful approach to heritage buildings. Their work at Tod Head was Highly Commended in the Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards (AALDA), and they’ve also won multiple awards from the Aberdeen Society of Architects and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for other projects.

It’s a beautiful example of how historic infrastructure can be reimagined for modern life while preserving its soul.

Activities:

Tower Access: Climb the spiral stair to the top for panoramic views and a sense of the keeper’s daily routine
Lamp & Light Rooms: Explore the spaces where the powerful lenses and clockwork once operated

Visitor Information:

Guided tours are offered
Booking in advance is essential
Tour times: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.
Please book one ticket per car (not per person). Limited to 6 car loads of visitors per tour due to limited parking.
IMPORTANT: Children need to be able to climb the companion ladder unaided. There are restrictions on younger children accessing the outside gallery.
Link to book tickets at Eventbrite: Tod Head Lighthouse - Aberdeenshire Doors Open Days 2026 Tickets, Saturday 19 September • 10 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite
Road access is via a single-track road with limited passing places.

Additional Access Information

Turn east at Roadside of Kinneff (signposted Tod Head Lighthouse), travel for approx. 800m to pass the school where you turn right then first left. At the next junction turn right then immediate left, following the single road to the lighthouse after 1 mile.