Capital of the Falkland Islands, and with a population of around 2,000 it is the smallest and most remote capital city in the world, in many ways like an English village, but with a Government House, a Cathedral and a wide range of amenities and services. It is the usual finishing (and/or starting) point for visitors to the Falklands.
The city is built on a north-facing slope to catch the sun throughout the year, and looks across Stanley Harbour with its wealth of seabirds and shipping. It has much of historical interest mainly associated with the days when great sailing ships and early steam vessels called on their journeys around Cape Horn. Some of those ships still lie in the harbour, abandoned after a Cape Horn battering. A self-guided Maritime History Trail has been set up in Stanley and guide books are available from local shops.
Today, Stanley depicts a new vibrant Falklands, and is home to many successful businesses, with deep-sea fishing, tourism and farming being the principle earners.
Tourist information is available from the Jetty Visitor Centre located at the Public Jetty on Ross Road. The bright yellow building houses the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.
We would recommend the equally centrally located Malvina House Hotel and The Waterfront Hotel, both on Ross Road (Stanley’s main road street which runs along the harbour front). Both of these offer rooms with ensuite facilities, and either full board or bed and breakfast tariffs. Alternatively, Lafone House – family guesthouses run by a Falkland Islander, offer guests a chance to sample true local hospitality.
There is also The Paddock Guesthouse, a recently opened Bed & Breakfast with spacious and comfortable rooms. Situated in central Stanley just steps away from local amenities and attractions. Lunch and dinner can be taken at the Waterfront kitchen.cafe located just a couple of blocks away from the Paddock. Stanley also has several dining options from modern Falkland’s cuisine to casual pub meals and snacks.
Stanley is an ideal location from which to access other areas of East Falkland. A firm favourite is the King penguin colony at Volunteer Point or the wildlife centres at Cape Bougainville and Cape Dolphin. A bit closer to home the area known as Cape Pembroke and in particular Gypsy Cove are popular attractions particularly with day visitors disembarking from cruise ships. Our extremely knowledgeable and qualified guides will make battlefield tours of the mountains to the west of Stanley, or further afield to Fitzroy, Darwin or San Carlos a truly enjoyable day out.
Views of Stanley from the harbour, with its colourful roofs, make for excellent photographic opportunities so it is always worth taking time to enjoy a wreck and harbour tour or a trip to Kidney Cove penguin colonies by small motorised launch. Often dolphins can be seen swimming alongside the boat, making this an extra special outing.
The Falkland Islands Museum, a charming and informal museum full of fascinating artefacts that paint a vivid picture of the way of life and history of a pioneering community. Nutt Cartmell Cottage, an example of a traditional Falkland house, should not be missed.
Cape Pembroke Lighthouse & Memorial to Atlantic Conveyor - the most easterly point of the Falkland Islands; the key for the lighthouse can be borrowed from the Museum.
Gypsy Cove is an area of outstanding beauty, flanked by a beach of beautiful white sand and rich in wildlife including Magellanic penguins - located only a short drive away from Stanley, take a tour to this spot of coastal natural beauty.
Don’t forget to buy your Falklands souvenirs before you leave – locally made woollen and felt goods and kits, small jars of local diddle-dee jam, tins of oysters, local artwork and books are always popular.
