RNLI Grace Darling Museum

About the museum

The museum commemorates Grace Darling, a Victorian heroine who, with her father, rescued nine survivors from the wrecked steamer SS Forfarshire on 7 September 1838 near the Longstone lighthouse on the Farne Islands. A museum has stood on this site in Bamburgh since 1938.

Today it occupies a modern, environmentally friendly building. The displays follow Grace’s upbringing and life in the lighthouse, the events of the rescue and the fame that followed. They include her personal belongings, letters and family portraits, the coble used in the rescue and a model of the Longstone lighthouse, together with audio-visual presentations.

The museum is run by the RNLI and is an accredited museum. Volunteers have helped to keep Grace’s story alive since 1938 and still staff the museum and its shop.

Highlights

• The coble used in the 1838 rescue
• Grace Darling’s letters, family portraits and personal items
• Model of the Longstone lighthouse
• Audio-visual displays and a virtual tour
• “Grace Darling in 10 objects” guide

Founded

1938

Operated by

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Workshops for primary school groups ask for a minimum donation of £2 per person.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has no toilets; the nearest public toilets are a short walk away on Church Street, and staff can give the access code for their own facilities if needed for access or medical reasons. Assistance dogs are welcome. Other dogs may not enter, but seating is available so that owners can take turns viewing the displays.

Kids & families

Workshops are offered for primary school groups; the museum does not describe separate family offers for individual visitors.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Bamburgh village, opposite St Aidan’s church and a short walk from Bamburgh Castle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 30 guests.

The Lantern Room, for small events or meetings, holds 30 people and can be booked for £25 per half day, including outside opening hours.

Plan your visit