Visiting Stanley: Key Highlights and Must-See Spots
Stanley, the colourful capital of the Falkland Islands, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. When you arrive by tender from your cruise ship, you'll step ashore in front of the Jetty Visitor Centre (Tourist Information), a hub of activity where most visitors begin their adventure. If you've booked a tour beforehand, this is where you'll meet your tour operator. Excitingly, from this coming season (2024/25), most licensed tour operators will have their own branded desks, making it even easier to find your guide.
Strolling along Ross Road, the main street in Stanley that hugs the harbour's edge, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the harbour, hills, mountains and big open skies. It's an especially lovely walk on a sunny day, so don't forget to bring your sunglasses! If you’re looking for souvenirs, stop by the Jetty Visitor Centre, Little Harbour Gift Shop, Studio 52 or the Capstan Gift Shop, all of which offer a wide variety of locally produced souvenirs that capture the essence of the Falklands.
Jubilee Villas is the only brick terrace in the Falkland Islands. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. This historic building is notable for its unique architecture in a town where most buildings are made of timber and corrugated iron. The row of charming villas, with their colourful exteriors and neat gardens, adds to the quaint atmosphere of Stanley's waterfront. Until August 2023 the one proudly waving the Falkland Islands flag was home to Roxy’s Granma and so is particularly special to us.
For food and drink, you have a wide array of choices. Indulge in award-winning local gin at Falkland Islands Distillers (yellow building next to the Jetty Visitor Centre) or grab a pint of locally brewed beer at Falkland Beerworks on John Street, complete with a beer garden. If you're hungry, the Waterfront Kitchen Cafe serves up delicious meals and coffee with a view, while the Malvina House Hotel offers a welcoming spot for a bite to eat or a local beer (just remember to never call it "Malvinas" which is a highly offensive word in the Falklands - Malvina is a name of proud Scottish heritage), Groovy’s (on John Street) is known for its relaxed atmosphere and hearty, locally-inspired dishes.
Victory Green is a picturesque open space along the waterfront that holds historical significance. It features the mast of the SS Great Britain, a relic from the iconic ship that was salvaged after a storm and now serves as a tribute to maritime history. Victory Green is also home to several cannons and a plaque commemorating Stanley’s city status which was granted by the Queen Elizabeth II during her Platinum Jubilee in 2022. This plaque, which was unveiled by HRH Princess Anne, celebrates the town’s designation as a city, marking an important moment in the history of the Falkland Islands.
Christ Church Cathedral, the southernmost cathedral in the world, is a must-see landmark. Just outside, you'll find the iconic Whale Bone Arch, made from the jawbones of two blue whales. History buffs will also appreciate the Stanley House built in 1878, Stanley Cottage built in 1844 (where Roxy’s Grandparents were married), Marmont Row (formally the Upland Goose Hotel) built in 1845 by my ancestors, and Stanley Police Station built in 1873 and which sustained serious damage in the 1982 conflict.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a quaint wooden built church serving the small local Catholic community. Nearby, the Tabernacle Free Church, is a historic church on Barrack Street.
The Stanley Town Hall is a key civic building built in 1950 to replace original timber town hall that was lost to a fire in 1944. The hall serves as a focal point for community events, public meetings, receptions, balls and dances. It also houses the Post Office, Philatelic Bureau and the local court. Two red telephone boxes are located outside. The Islands’ only bank is next to the Town Hall. There is no ATM machine.
The Historic Dockyard Museum offers a fascinating insight into the rich history of the Falkland Islands. Located within a preserved dockyard complex, the museum showcases exhibits on the islands' maritime heritage, natural history, and social development. Visitors can explore artifacts from the 1982 Falklands War, learn about the early settlers, and discover the islands' unique wildlife. The museum also highlights the importance of the islands' maritime past, with restored buildings and displays that reflect the life of seafarers and dockworkers. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in the cultural and historical tapestry of the Falklands. The main building, Central Stores, is a category A listed building, is believed to be the oldest surviving wooden building in southern South America.
Penguin News is the Falkland Islands' only local newspaper, providing residents and visitors with the latest updates on island life, news, and events. The office is located on Ross Road but you can also get copies of the weekly newspaper in the West Store and Post Office. In the same building, Alice Clarke Jewellery (closing October 2024) is a unique local business that crafts stunning handmade pieces inspired by the natural beauty of the Falkland Islands. Alice's work captures the essence of the islands with delicate, nature-themed designs, making her jewellery a very special souvenir for visitors wanting to take home a piece of the Falklands.
Stanley’s historical significance doesn’t end there. The 1982 Liberation Monument, dedicated to the Falklands War, and the Margaret Thatcher bust remind visitors of the island’s turbulent past and the resilience of its people. Liberation Day, held on the 14th June each year, is the most important day of the year for Falkland Islands residents. Liberation Day marks the end of the 1982 Falklands War and the liberation of the islands from illegal Argentine occupation. It commemorates the arrival of British forces that reclaimed the islands after a 74-day conflict. The day is observed with gratitude, remembrance, and pride by the local community. The Liberation Monument is central to the commemorations in Stanley, which honours the British and Falkland Islands forces who fought for freedom. The monument features a statue of Britannia with plaques listing the names of those who lost their lives during the conflict.
Government House is the official residence of the Governor, the King’s representative, serving as both a historical landmark and a functioning seat of authority. Built in the mid-19th century, it has hosted numerous dignitaries and royal visitors over the years. The elegant white building is surrounded by well-kept gardens. Visitors often pass by to admire its architecture and reflect on its significance in the island’s governance and colonial history. The house plays an important role in the Falklands' cultural heritage, symbolising the long-standing relationship between the islands and the British Crown.
You can also pay a visit to the 1914 Battle of the Falklands monument, a solemn tribute to naval warfare during World War I. It was a decisive naval engagement between the British Royal Navy and the Imperial German Navy. Taking place in the waters around the Falkland Islands, the battle saw a British fleet, under the command of Vice-Admiral Sturdee, pursuing and defeating the German East Asia Squadron led by Admiral Maximilian von Spee. The British victory was swift and overwhelming, with most of the German ships being sunk, including the flagship SMS Scharnhorst. This battle ended Germany's naval presence in the South Atlantic and reinforced British control over the region.
Cafes on Ross Road are the Teaberry Cafe in the Historic Dockyard Museum grounds and the West Store Cafe.
For those who love wildlife and conservation, a visit to Falklands Conservation is a must. Here, you can adopt a penguin or make a donation to support their efforts to protect the islands’ unique environment.
The Pioneer Row houses are historic wooden cottages that reflect the town’s early architecture. These quaint homes, some of the oldest in Stanley, were originally built to accommodate settlers and reflect the simplicity and resilience of life in the Falklands. Cartmell Close, a part of this historic row, is open to visitors and offers a glimpse into Stanley's past with each room decorated in a different bygone era. The houses, with their modest yet charming design, stand as a testament to the town’s pioneering spirit.
Stanley offers an experience like no other - rich in history, natural beauty, and the warm welcome of the Falkland Islanders. From local shops and cosy cafes to important historical landmarks and wildlife conservation efforts, Stanley is the heart of the Falkland Islands, ready to be explored by visitors seeking an unforgettable adventure.
A tour of Stanley is included at the end of all tours with Lupin Tours (time permitting).
Updated 23 September 2024
