Attraction Guide: Longstone Lighthouse (Farne Islands), Seahouses, UK

Longstone Lighthouse (Farne Islands) Guide

Longstone Lighthouse: Stand Where Grace Darling Braved the Storm Guide

Venture out to the Farne Islands and you'll find the iconic Longstone Lighthouse, a beacon of hope and a monument to bravery. This historic lighthouse isn't just a navigational aid; it's a symbol of courage, forever linked to the legendary Grace Darling, who, along with her father, rescued survivors from the shipwrecked Forfarshire in 1838. A visit to Longstone Lighthouse is a journey into maritime history and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the North Sea. Longstone Lighthouse was built in 1826 and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century engineering. However, it was the heroic actions of Grace Darling that cemented its place in history. On the night of September 7, 1838, the paddle steamer Forfarshire ran aground on the nearby rocks during a fierce storm. Grace and her father, the lighthouse keeper, rowed out in a small boat to rescue the survivors, saving nine lives in an act of extraordinary bravery. Their story captured the imagination of the nation and turned Grace into a national heroine. Today, you can take a boat trip to the Farne Islands and visit Longstone Lighthouse (check availability and booking in advance). While you may not be able to enter the lighthouse itself on all tours, the experience of seeing it up close, surrounded by the dramatic coastal scenery and teeming wildlife, is unforgettable. The Farne Islands are also a haven for seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. While there are no specific culinary traditions on the islands themselves, Seahouses offers a variety of seafood restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal after your boat trip.