- Longstone Lighthouse is in Northumberland, England.
- Grace Darling rescue site
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Longstone Lighthouse
Longstone Lighthouse stands on Longstone Rock in the Farne Islands and is forever associated with the heroic rescue of the survivors of the Forfarshire by Grace Darling and her father in 1838. Built by the Stevenson family, it remains an operational lighthouse.
The story of Longstone Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1826 by Robert Stevenson for Trinity House to mark the dangerous Farne Islands. On 7 September 1838 the steamship Forfarshire was wrecked on the nearby Big Harcar Rock, and Grace Darling, daughter of the keeper William Darling, rowed out with her father in a coble to rescue four survivors — an act that made her a national heroine. The lighthouse was converted to electric operation in 1976, automated in 1990, and modernised with solar power in more recent years.
Visiting with care
Boat trips from Seahouses land on some of the Farne Islands, with views of Longstone from Staple Island or Inner Farne, though landing at the lighthouse itself is not generally permitted. The Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh tells the full story of the 1838 rescue and displays the coble used.
Interesting facts
- Built in 1826 by Robert Stevenson of the famous lighthouse engineering family.
- Site of Grace Darling's 1838 rescue of Forfarshire survivors.
- The rescue made Grace Darling a national Victorian heroine.
- Converted to electricity in 1976 and automated in 1990.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.