To Do In Stanley
Stanley, situated in the North East of East Falkland, is the most remote and smallest capital in the world with a population just over 2,500. Despite its relatively small size, Stanley offers all the amenities and interests expected of a capital. A small, tidy and colourful town, Stanley is a place to relax for a couple of days, taking in the walks around the town, the museum, war memorials and the hospitality of the town’s people, and a base destination to plan day trips in to the surrounding countryside.
In Stanley you can easily visit
Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust:
So much more than just a museum – Located in the Historic Dockyard complex just opposite the hotel, the museum never fails to surprise visitors with its well-informed staff and beautifully kept displays covering the social and natural history of the Falklands.
Lady Elizabeth shipwreck:
Lying at the east end of Stanley Harbour is Stanley’s most imposing wreck. The ‘Lady Liz’, as she is locally known, was launched in Sunderland (UK) in 1879 and in 1913 suffered damage whilst rounding Cape Horn. She limped in to Stanley for repairs, which due to costs were never carried out. She was blown into her current position by a violent gale in 1936.
Jubilee Villas:
These were built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. They are typical examples of British terraced town houses of that era, making a curious contrast to the rest of Stanley’s architecture.
Christ Church Cathedral:
The most southerly Anglican cathedral in the world, Christ Church was consecrated in 1892 by the first Bishop of the Falkland Islands, Waite Hockin Stirling. Open daily throughout the year, visitors are especially welcome at Sunday services.
Whalebone Arch:
Adjacent to the cathedral is the Whalebone Arch, constructed in 1933 from the jawbones of two blue whales to commemorate the centenary of continuous British administration in the Falklands.
Victory Green:
Created to commemorate the First World War. On the Queen’s birthday a 21-gun salute is fired and the Union Flag and Royal Standard are flown. The mizzen mast from the SS Great Britain is positioned on the Green.
Whalebone Display:
Ardent anti-whaling campaigner, Mike Butcher, has created a display of whale skeletons on his property on Dairy Paddock Road in Stanley, showing the full magnificence of these animals.
Cartmell Cottage:
One of the original colonists cottages from 1849 brought by kit from Britain for the military pensioners who came to settle in the Islands. It is now recreated period house showing life as it was in the 1950s 1940’s and 1970’s
St Mary’s Catholic Church:
This attractive example of a Victorian kit building, typical of many colonial structures, was constructed in 1899.
Colonists’ Cottages
The 160 year-old colonists’ cottages can be seen on PioneerRow and Drury Street. Brightly-coloured corrugated iron roofs and painted decorative woodwork are characteristic of older houses in the Falklands.
They are nearly all timberframed, a curiosity as trees do not grow here naturally. The early settlers found the stone difficult to work and there were few skilled masons, so the cheapest and lightest building materials were imported – wood and corrugated iron.
1982 Liberation Monument:
Designed by a Falkland Islander, the memorial was built as a tribute to the British forces and civilians who lost their lives during the 1982 Falklands Conflict.
Royal Marines Monument:
Unveiled in January 2008, this monument is a tribute to the long-standing relationship the Royal Marines have had with the Falkland Islands. While their history in the Falklands dates back to 1765, this monument marks the 175th anniversary of the restoration of British rule in the Islands.
Government House:
Built in the 1840s to a design by Governor Moody, the house has been added to by successive Governors over the years, resulting in a rambling, but elegant residence.
Battle Memorial:
This memorial on the headland west of Government House, commemorates the Naval action between the British and German fleets at the Falkland Islands on December 8, 1914.
Solar System Sculpture Walk:
Designed and constructed by local sculptor and artist, Rob Yssel, this 1:1 billion scale model is made from recycled materials and is the only one of its kind – with all planets in the line of sight and the sun sculpture observable from every planet. Those keen to visit every planet will need to dedicate a full day of hiking.
‘JHELUM’ Shipwreck:
Just west of the 1914 Battle Memorial in Stanley Harbour lies the wreck of the ‘Jhelum’. Launched in Liverpool (UK) in 1849, the ‘Jhelum’ suffered damage whilst rounding Cape Horn en-route from Callao to Dunkirk, carrying a cargo of guano for use as a fertiliser. She limped into Stanley in 1870 where she was deserted by her crew, who deemed her unsafe.
Totem Pole:
Originally erected by British Soldiers just after the 1982 conflict to show the distances from their home towns. Many travellers have now added their signs to this pole which now has destinations all over the world.
Memorial Wood:
Above Stanley Cemetery is an area where a tree has been planted in memory of each British Serviceman killed during the conflict of 1982.
A short Drive or accessible by foot by keen walkers
Sapper Hill
For scenic panorama, flora & rock tumble
Cape Pembroke Lighthouse
About 7 miles from Stanley the most easterly point of the Falkland Islands; the key for the lighthouse can be borrowed from the Museum.
Gypsy Cove
for wildlife and fauna including Magellanic penguins and Deedle dee.
Some of the day trips available from Stanley include visits to:
Volunteer Point
Largest breeding colony of over 1600 King penguins in addition to colonies of Magellanic & Gentoo penguin – travel overland in 4 x 4 vehicle passing Johnsons Harbour and onto Volunteer Beach (approx 2.5 hour drive)
Cape Dolphin
4 x 4 travel to the north coast of East Island – Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, King and Rock Cormorants and small colony of southern sea Lions. Varied waterfowl, including Black-necked Swans can be found on the many ponds. (Approx 3.5 hour drive)
Cape Bougainville
Very scenic 4 x 4 drive to north coast. Large Rockhopper rookery, King Cormorants and perhaps the chance to see Macaroni penguin with growing number of sea lions.
Kidney Cove
4 x 4 travel across to Mount Lowe area and visit the scenic cliffs home to Rockhopper penguin and travel along to the beach area to view Magellanic rookery and small numbers of King Penguins amongst the main rookery.
Goose Green, Darwin and San Carlos
Visit the British Cemetery at Blue Beach and the Argentine Cemetery at Darwin taking in various battle sites throughout the tour. Visit the small museum dedicated to the 1982 conflict based at San Carlos.
Kelp Point
The opportunity to see Elephant seals on mainland East Falkland – Scenic drive cross country and a chance to see Gentoo, Black-necked swans on the ponds and various other birdlife and flora & fauna (Approx 2 hour drive)