Visitor Guide
Watching a launch from SaxaVord Spaceport
SaxaVord Spaceport sits on the north coast of Unst – the most northerly inhabited island in the British Isles. Getting there is a genuine expedition, but it's the only way to see a vertical orbital launch from UK soil in person.
Where is it?
The launch site is at Lamba Ness on the north-east tip of Unst, in the Shetland Islands, roughly 60.8° N. That's further north than Anchorage, Alaska, and about level with the southern tip of Greenland – so pack for weather, not the calendar.
Getting to Unst
- By ferry: NorthLink ferries sail overnight from Aberdeen to Lerwick (about 12 hours). From Lerwick, drive north up Mainland, then take two short inter-island ferries – Toft to Ulsta (Yell), then Gutcher to Belmont (Unst).
- By air: Loganair flies to Sumburgh Airport in the south of Shetland from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Manchester. Hire a car at the airport – public transport to Unst is limited and won't line up with a launch window.
- Driving time: Allow 3–4 hours from Lerwick to Unst including the two ferry crossings, and book the inter- island ferries in advance during launch periods.
Where to watch
The launch pad itself is inside a range-safety exclusion zone during operations, so you won't be able to walk up to it. SaxaVord and Shetland Islands Council typically confirm official public viewing areas ahead of each launch attempt – always follow their guidance on the day. Reliable spots to watch from around Unst include:
- Hermaness National Nature Reserve: elevated cliffs on the north-west of Unst with wide sea views. Popular for its puffins and gannets outside launch windows.
- Saxa Vord hill viewpoint: a hill road above the former RAF station gives long sightlines towards Lamba Ness.
- Skaw beach: Britain's most northerly beach, with a clear view across the Wick of Skaw towards the launch site.
Weather and time of year
Shetland weather changes fast – clear sky can turn to fog within an hour, and wind frequently forces launch scrubs. Summer brings the "simmer dim", where it barely gets dark; winter offers a real chance of aurora. Bring waterproofs, warm layers and windproofs whatever the forecast says.
Where to stay
Accommodation on Unst is limited – a handful of guest houses, self-catering cottages and the Saxa Vord Resort itself. Book months ahead for anything close to a launch window, or base yourself on Yell or Mainland Shetland and drive up on the day.
Check the countdown before you travel
Launch dates slip. See the current schedule and live countdown on the home page, and read the full UK spaceports guide for context on other sites.