Stanley

The Island's tiny capital

Stretched along the sheltered harbour, the colourful buildings of Stanley bid a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors. Granted city status in 2022, Islanders were honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, who unveiled a plaque on Victory Green to commemorate this event. Our tiny capital is village-sized but has the amenities you would expect of a large town and lots to discover.

Different architectural styles characterise Stanley along with features of our British heritage. There are interesting buildings to explore and some surprising photographic opportunities.

Christ Church Cathedral is a must-see whatever your beliefs. The world’s most southerly Anglican Cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows, flags, banners and artefacts that tell stories of Island life. Don’t miss the carefully crafted kneelers depicting scene from around the islands and the ‘Mary Watson memorial window’ which has a nurse with a bicycle! Alongside is the Whalebone Arch, a magnificent construction from the jawbones of blue whales.

Pioneers made their homes in the kit cottages of Drury Street and Pioneer Row. Today these are mainly private houses but create an excellent photographic opportunity whilst Cartmell Cottage, belonging to the Museum and National Trust, allows visitors to step back in time and experience that pioneering spirit of old.

Stroll along the seafront and you will pass Victory Green with the mizzen mast from the sailing ship, the SS Great Britain. A reminder of times past, Stanley has an interesting maritime history to uncover and you can learn more about this and other aspects of social and natural history in the Dockyard Museum, another definite stop for any visitor.

The Governor’s residence, workplace and beautifully-kept gardens, Government House is a much-photographed building and talking point. Memorials also feature along the seafront, the Cross of Sacrifice, the Liberation Memorial (1982 conflict), a special monument for the Royal Marines and the Battle of the Falkland Islands (First World War).

Look out also for some iconic British items along ‘the front road’, Ross Road, including red telephone boxes and post boxes. The Philatelic Bureau sells stamps for collectors as well as for a souvenir postcard to send home.

Keen walkers can venture further afield to enjoy the views from the hills around Stanley or the stunning beaches. Find a local guide to show you all the sights, on foot or from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle.

Stanley has been twinned with Whitby in the UK since 1981, suggested by the then Governor Rex Hunt, to recognise the shared whaling history. 2017 marked the 35^th anniversary of the twinning of the two towns and was celebrated with an exchange of paintings of respective whalebone arches. The painting of the Whitby whalebone arch is on display at the Dockyard Museum in Stanley. 2022 saw the twinning with Portsmouth, UK, another city with strong maritime heritage.

There are several accommodation options available in Stanley, including a range of hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast and self-catering.  Click here to see the full range.