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Don't-Miss Attractions of the Falkland Islands
Home » Falkland Islands » Falkland Islands - Activities and Attractions » Don't-Miss Attractions of the Falkland IslandsPort Louis
Port Louis, which is located on East Falkland, is the oldest community as it was founded by the French in 1764. Here you will see the ruins of several buildings including the governor’s house and the fortress. Walk to Volunteer Beach to see the largest concentration of king penguins. You can also see southern fur seals and other birds. Take binoculars.
Port Howard
Here you can visit several sheep stations. Port Howard is also the base for good hiking and trekking. Be sure to get permission to cross private land and observe the local customs. If you open a gate, be sure to close it.
Stanley
Be sure to see the following attractions in Stanley:
The Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust - While in Stanley, be sure to visit this museum. Here you will get a taste of the many aspects of the Falkland’s rich and varied history covering domestic, maritime, social, military, and natural history. If you have a particular subject you want to know more about, be sure to ask the staff. Many first-time visitors are amazed at the amount there is to see at the museum.
Cartmell Cottage - You will also want to see the Cartmell Cottage while in Stanley. This kit house was shipped to the islands from Britain and was one of the first residential properties built in Stanley. The house was gifted to the museum and has become a living archive or “ordinary” life in Stanley.
The Governor’s Taxi - This Austin FX4 was the official transport for the Governor of the Falklands for two decades. This vehicle was built in 1972 and is a traditional London cab. It has been restored and is now used to give tours of Stanley.
Christ Church Cathedral - This is a large brick and stone church which was built in 1892. The stained glass windows are beautiful. Nearby you can see the residence of the governors of the island, the Government house. You can also see the Whalebone Arch which commemorates British rule and the Battle of the Falklands Memorial which commemorates the World War I naval battle of December 8, 1914.
There are many excursions you can also take from Stanley. They include:
Cape Pembroke – a half-day walk that offers an introduction to Falklands birdlife in addition to seeing a restored 19th century lighthouse
Battlefield Tours – visits all the sites associated with the 1982 conflict
Launch Trips – this tour is focused on the harbour, Kidney Island, Port Harriet Point – fishing trips and BBQs are also available
Kidney Cove – you can take whole- or half-day trips by 4WD vehicles to view species of penguin
Volunteer Point – several tour guides offer 4WD excursions to Volunteer Point, which is approximately 3.5 hours from Stanley; here you can see numerous Magellanic and gentoo penguins in the largest colony of king penguins
There are many other excursions you can take from Stanley due to the ever-increasing network of roads and all-weather tracks. These include: Seal Bay, Cape Bougainville, San Carlos, Darwin, Cape Dolphin, Port San Carlos, North Arm, and Goose Green.
San Carlos
San Carlos is the site where the British forces came ashore in 1982. You can visit the battlefields, but be aware that there are still unexploded land mines located here. They are clearly marked and you can find a map of them at Town Hall. You can also take a tour where you will get more details. Don’t be alarmed to see military activity around the base at Mt. Pleasant.
Sources:
www.tourism.org.fk
www.gosouthamerica.about.com
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