List of former RNLI stations
Former RNLI stations can be found all around the coast of the entire British Isles, and were the locations for a fleet of rescue lifeboats.
The service was established in 1824 as the Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), later to become the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1854, and is operated largely by volunteers. Its headquarters are now at Poole in Dorset and it is a registered charity in both the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
In the days before motor-powered vessels, lifeboat stations were established at strategic locations around the coast, often just a few miles apart, where sailing vessels were known to have been driven ashore in poor conditions. The lifeboats would usually be 'Pulling and Sailing' (P&S) lifeboats, equipped with both oars and sails.
With increasing numbers of motor-powered vessels, the number of shipwrecks declined rapidly. Motor-powered lifeboats were introduced in the early 1900s, which could then cover larger distances in shorter times. Inevitably, the number of lifeboat stations required also declined, and many stations closed. In some places, a well constructed lifeboat house still stands, but in others, no evidence remains.
This is a list of former RNIPLS and RNLI stations, primarily those where the RNLI has now ceased operations from that particular location, town or village. Some RNLI sites, where the station is still in operation, but not necessarily at the original location, are included in the List of RNLI stations.
In a handful of locations, an Independent lifeboat service has been re-established, some using the original RNLI boathouse. Details can be found here: Independent lifeboats in Britain and Ireland
Regions
The information is correct with reference to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2025 unless noted otherwise,[1] and is set out like the RNLI's divisional model. As far as possible it follows a clockwise route around the coast.
- North and East Region (North East and East England)
- South East Region (South and South East England)
- South West Region (South West England and the Channel Islands)
- Wales and West Region: (Wales, North West England and the Isle of Man)
- Scotland Region (Scotland)
- Ireland Region (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)
List of stations by Region
North & East Region
| Station[1] | Location | Dates[1] | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Island | 1803–1968 | Just one of four former boathouses survive, the 1884 boathouse, currently used as a Lifeboat Museum.[2] | ||
| Bamburgh Castle | 1882–1897 | The Boat House, currently a holiday let | ||
| Boulmer | 1825–1968 | Now home to Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service[3] | ||
| Alnmouth | 1854–1935 | 2024, Alnmouth Community Rowing Club[4] | ||
| Hauxley | 1853–1939 | Private residence | ||
| Cresswell | 1875–1944 | Now Cresswell Village Hall | ||
| Whitburn | 1818–1918 | Now the site of Whitburn Angling Club. No evidence remains. | ||
| Hendon Beach | 1902–1912 | No evidence remains. | ||
| Seaham | 1855–1979 | Remains of the 1909 boathouse and slipway are still visible. | ||
| Crimdon Dene | 1966–1993 | ILB Station. | ||
| West Hartlepool | 1847–1906 | No evidence remains | ||
| Seaton Carew | 1824–1922 | No evidence remains | ||
| Seaton Snook | 1907–1909 | No evidence remains | ||
| Middlesbrough | 1854–1895 | Boathouse demolished by 1913. No evidence remains | ||
| Teesmouth | 1911–2006 | Station demolished after 2006. Little or no evidence remains. | ||
| Saltburn | 1919–1922 | Station building demolished before 1927. No evidence remains | ||
| Runswick | 1866–1978 | Tractor store used by Runswick Bay Rescue Boat since 1982[5] | ||
| Upgang | 1865–1919 | No evidence remains | ||
| Robin Hood's Bay | 1881–1931 | Boathouse now a shelter / public toilets | ||
| Barmston | 1884–1898 | Boathouse demolished, but some foundations may remain | ||
| Hornsea | 1852–1924 |
|
||
| Easington | 1913–1933 | No evidence remains | ||
| Grimsby | 1882–1927 | No evidence remains | ||
| Humber Mouth | 1965–1980 | ILB Station. | ||
| Donna Nook | 1829–1931 | Located at the site of what became RAF Donna Nook. No evidence remains. | ||
| Theddlethorpe | 1828–1882 | Theddlethorpe closed in 1882 due to difficulties launching and lack of crew. No evidence remains. | ||
| Sutton | 1864–1913 | Meridale Centre | ||
| Chapel | 1870–1898 | Building remains, currently a discount store. | ||
| Gibraltar Point | 1825–1830 | Transferred to Lincs. Coast Shipwreck Assoc. in 1827. No evidence remains. | ||
| Brancaster | 1874–1935 | No evidence remains on site. Service board hangs in St Mary's Church, Brancaster | ||
| Blakeney | 1862–1935 | National Trust - Blakeney National Nature Reserve[6] | ||
| Mundesley | 1811–1895 | Independent station operated since 1972 by Mundesley Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat | ||
| Bacton | 1822–1882 | No evidence remains, believed lost by coastal erosion | ||
| Palling | 1852–1930 | Independent lifeboat operated since 1972 by Sea Palling Independent Rescue[7] | ||
| Winterton | 1823–1925 | Just the building foundations remain | ||
| Caister | 1845–1969 | Station now run by Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service[8] | ||
| Corton | 1869–1879 | No evidence remains | ||
| South Broads | 2001–2011 | ILB Station. | ||
| Pakefield | 1840–1922 | Nothing remains of three previous boathouses, some believed lost by coastal erosion | ||
| Kessingland | 1867–1936 | Very modified private residence | ||
| Dunwich | 1873–1903 | Boathouse site lost to coastal erosion | ||
| Thorpeness | 1853–1900 | No evidence remains | ||
| Orford | 1826–1835 | |||
| Woodbridge Haven | 1826–1853 |
South East Region
| Station[1] | Location | Dates[1] | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsgate | 1862–1897 | No evidence remains | ||
| Broadstairs | 1868–1912 | Harbour Office and Gift Shop | ||
| North Deal | 1865–1932 | Deal Angling Club | ||
| Kingsdown | 1866–1927 | Private residence | ||
| Folkestone | 1893–1930 | Lifeboat house demolished after 1936. No evidence remains. Site recently redeveloped. | ||
| Hythe, Sandgate & Folkestone | 1876–1893 | Lifeboat house demolished in 1956. No evidence remains. | ||
| Hythe | 1893–1940 | Two boathouses still remain, one located behind the second. | ||
| Dymchurch | 1826–1838 | Was located at Martello Tower No.27 at Dymchurch, but named 'Dungeness No.27 Tower' Lifeboat Station until 1836. Station closed in 1838. Tower No.27 demolished in 1841. Pic - Martello Tower No.25 | ||
| New Romney | 1871–1928 | Boathouse demolished to extend Marine Parade into Coast Road. | ||
| Rye | 1857–1901 | Named Camber Lifeboat Station until 1862. No evidence remains. | ||
| Winchelsea | 1856–1910 | Named Rye Lifeboat Station until 1862. Renamed Rye Harbour in 1910. | ||
| Worthing | 1964–1967 | Private residence: 107 Marine Parade[9] | ||
| Chichester Harbour | 1867–1884 | No evidence remains | ||
| Southsea | 1886–1918 | Formerly on the promenade at Southsea Common; no evidence remains | ||
| Ryde | 1894–1923 | Boathouse located on the Pier; no evidence remains. | ||
| Atherfield | 1890–1915 | No evidence of boathouse remains, but the 1:3 steep slipway down the cliff may still be visible[10] | ||
| Brighstone Grange | 1860–1915 | Now a site for static caravans; little evidence remains | ||
| Brooke | 1860–1937 | Derelict ruin | ||
| Totland Bay | 1885–1924 | Community Hall? |
South West Region
| Station[1] | Location | Dates[1] | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | 1965–1972 | ILB Station. | ||
| Studland | 1826–1848 | No evidence remains | ||
| Chapman's Pool | 1866–1880 | Two refurbished boathouses stand on the site of the lifeboat station. It is not clear which one may have been constructed from the old lifeboat house. | ||
| Kimmeridge | 1868–1896 | No evidence remains | ||
| Portland | 1826–1851 | |||
| St Sampson | (1880–1881) | Former boathouse still exists, at North Side Street/ Trafalgar Road junction | ||
| La Lande | 1878–1880 | Little if anything remains of the boathouse, which was located just to the north of what is now Beaucette Marina. | ||
| Sidmouth | 1869–1912 | A doorway arch marked RNLBI is all that remains of the old station. It is located across the road from the new Independent Sidmouth Lifeboat, established in 1968.[11] | ||
| Torquay | 1876–1928 | No evidence remains. [12] | ||
| Hope Cove | 1878–1930 | Under refurbishment | ||
| Yealm River | 1878–1927 | Private residence.[13] | ||
| Polkerris | 1859–1922 | Moved to Fowey where it was easier to find a crew. The boathouse is now a café.[14] | ||
| Mevagissey | 1869–1930 | The lifeboat was based in the village of Portmellon until 1888 when it was moved to Mevagissey. The Portmellon boathouse is now a private residence, and the slipway is still visible. The boathouse at Mevagissey is now an aquarium.[14] | ||
| Portloe | 1870–1887 | A boathouse built in 1870 is now a church. A second boathouse built in 1877 is now a private residence.[14] | ||
| Porthoustock | 1869–1942 | Now used as a village hall.[14] | ||
| Coverack | 1901–1980 | The 1901 boathouse is now a Fish & Chip restaurant/ take-away.[15] | ||
| Mullion | 1867–1908 | Private residence.[15] | ||
| Porthleven | 1863–1929 | Building later used as a shipwreck museum. Now an art studio. | ||
| Marazion | 1990–2001 | ILB Station.[15] | ||
| Penzance | 1803–1917 | Station closed between 1812–1826 and again 1828-1851. A boathouse built in 1884 still stands.[15] | ||
| St Agnes, IOS | 1890–1920 | Boathouse now used as a store.[16] | ||
| Hayle | 1866–1920 | Now a builders yard, no evidence remains. | ||
| Morte Bay | 1871–1900 | An outstation from Ilfracombe. The boathouse is now a beach / surf hire shop. | ||
| Lynmouth | 1869–1944 | Destroyed in the Lynmouth flood of 1952 but rebuilt and is now the Flood Memorial Hall.[18] | ||
| Watchet | 1875–1944 | Now Watchet Community Library.[19] | ||
| Pill | 1971–1974 |
Wales, West & Isle of Man Region
| Station[1] | Location | Dates[1] | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic College | 1963–2013 | Continues training and building boats | ||
| Llanelli | 1869–1871 | Lifeboat stored on davits, on the Llanelli Pilot / Lightship. | ||
| Pembrey | 1863–1887 | Sand forced closure; lifeboat station moved to Burry Port.[20]|No evidence remains. | ||
| Ferryside | 1835–1960 |
|
||
| Carmarthen | 1835–1843 | |||
| Solva | 1869–1887 | Station dedicated 1869[21][22] | ||
| Newport | 1884–1894 | [23] | ||
| Llanaelhaearn | 1883–1901 | Located at Trefor Pier[24] | ||
| Llanddwyn | 1826–1907 | Boathouse / Store | ||
| Rhosneigr | 1872–1924 | Boathouse / Store | ||
| Rhoscolyn | 1830–1929 | Two former lifeboat houses remain, 1877 (private dwelling), 1903 (holiday let) | ||
| Porth Ruffydd | 1891–1904 | The steps, and some rubble, are all that remains of the former lifeboat station.[25] | ||
| Cemlyn | 1877–1919 | Derelict, some foundations and slipway survive | ||
| Cemaes | 1872–1932 | Derelict, some foundations and slipway survive[26] | ||
| Bull Bay | 1868–1926 | Yacht & Boat Club | ||
| Penmon | 1831–1915 | Former boathouse is now a holiday let | ||
| Llanddulas | 1869–1932 | Former boathouse is now a private residence | ||
| Point of Air | 1826–1894 | Former coxswains residence still exists at Presthaven Holiday Park | ||
| Point of Ayr | 1894–1923 | No evidence remains | ||
| Mostyn | 1835–1850 | No evidence remains | ||
| Castletown | 1856–1922 | Former boathouse is now a private residence | ||
| Formby | 1894–1919 | Some foundations still visible in shifting sand. | ||
| Southport | 1860–1925, 1988–2022 | Building pictured built in 1886 and closed in 1925. Reopened by Southport Offshore Rescue Trust from 1988–2022. Currently used as storage by Sefton Council. | ||
| Lytham | 1851–1931 | Lifeboat Museum | ||
| St Annes | 1881–1925 | Former boathouse is now a funeral directors | ||
| Seascale | 1875–1895 | Site is now part of a car park. No evidence remains. | ||
| Whitehaven | 1865–1924 | Demolished; now Whitehaven Marina Yard. No evidence remains. | ||
| Maryport | 1865–1949 | East Wall of old lifeboat house still standing |
Scotland Region
| Station[1] | Location | Dates[1] | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balcary | 1884–1931 | Private residence | ||
| Isle of Whithorn | 1869–1919 | Ruin | ||
| Port Logan | 1866–1932 | Village Hall | ||
| Ballantrae | 1871–1919 | Boat House / store | ||
| Ayr | 1859–1932 | Seafood restaurant (Closed) | ||
| Irvine | 1860–1914 | Demolished; now a car park | ||
| Ardrossan | 1869–1930 | Was located on the West Pier, near the lighthouse, demolished. | ||
| Southend (Cantyre) | 1869–1930 | Currently a Holiday let | ||
| Machrihanish | 1912–1930 | Boathouse / store | ||
| Kildonan | 1870–1901 | Boathouse still standing, use undetermined | ||
| Leverburgh | 2012–2025 | Station closed 2025, due to lack of available volunteers.[27] | ||
| Stronsay | 1952–1972 | 1911 Lifeboat Station dismantled in 1949, only the slipway remains. A building used as a station from the 1950s, now Cardinham House, remains. | ||
| Huna | 1877–1930 | Store | ||
| Ackergill | 1878–1932 | Boathouse / store, and separate slipway still exist. | ||
| Dornoch Firth and Embo | 1886–1904 | No evidence found | ||
| Cromarty | 1911–1968 | Demolished? | ||
| Nairn | 1878–1911 | Lifeboat House demolished to make way for the harbour extension in 1930s | ||
| Lossiemouth | 1859–1923 | Marine engineers workshop | ||
| Whitehills | 1924–1969 | Private residence | ||
| Banff and Macduff | 1921–1924 | 1860 boathouse demolished in 1877. 1877 boathouse is now private residence | ||
| Whitelink Bay | 1878–1905 | Demolished; now Inverallochy Golf Course | ||
| Port Erroll | 1915–1921 | Believed converted to public toilets | ||
| Newburgh | 1877–1965 | Boathouse / Store | ||
| Gourdon | 1878–1969 | Private residence on William Street | ||
| Johnshaven | 1891–1928 | Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum | ||
| Buddon Ness | 1867–1894 | No evidence remains | ||
| St Andrews[28] | 1860–1938 | St Andrews Sailing Club | ||
| Crail | 1884–1923 | Crail Golf Course Store | ||
| Buckhaven | 1900–1932 | Derelict lifeboat house demolished in 1950s; harbour filled in. | ||
| Skateraw | 1907–1943 | Demolished | ||
| St Abbs | 1911–2015 | In operation but as an independent lifeboat station. St Abbs Lifeboat[29] |
Ireland Region
| Station[1] | Location | Dates[1] | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrickfergus | 1896–1913 | Boathouse was constructed alongside the pier. Only the pilings now remain. | ||
| Groomsport | 1858–1920 | Community hall | ||
| Ballywalter | 1866–1906 | Boat House / Store in 2012. | ||
| Cloughey-Portavogie | 1965–1981 | |||
| Cloughey | 1888–1965 | Private residence[30] | ||
| St John's Point | 1835–1843 | Unknown location | ||
| Rossglass |
|
1825–1835 | Unknown location | |
| Killough |
|
1901–1914 | Now believed to be a private residence | |
| Tyrella | 1860–1899 | Building still there. | ||
| Greenore | 1894–1920 | Vacant building | ||
| Giles Quay | 1879–1912 | Private residence | ||
| Blackrock | 1880–1935 | Building still there | ||
| Drogheda No.1 | 1856–1899 | |||
| Drogheda No.2 | 1872–1926 | Derelict for many years, converted to a private residence in 2007.[31] | ||
| Balbriggan | 1875–1898 | Lifeboat house constructed underneath the railway arch. In 2025, the building is under refurbishment. | ||
| Rogerstown | 1874–1882 | Believed demolished | ||
| Poolbeg | 1862–1959 | Was at the small harbour west of Poolbeg disused power station. No evidence remains. | ||
| Greystones | 1872–1895 | Retail unit | ||
| Cahore | 1857–1916 | Store, located next to Cahore Independent Lifeboat house | ||
| Carnsore | 1859–1897 | Private residence | ||
| Duncannon | 1869–1886 | Boathouse / store at Duncannon pier | ||
| Ardmore | 1858–1895 | Private residence | ||
| Queenstown | 1866–1920 | Cobh Sea Scout HQ | ||
| Derrynane | 1844–1855 | Boathouse believed to be white building next to Derrynane Beach Car Park | ||
| Westport | 1857–1862 | Boathouse / Store | ||
| Killybegs | 1941–1945 | |||
| Culdaff | 1892–1913 | Boathouse / store | ||
| Greencastle |
|
1864–1928 | Private residence |
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2025). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2025. Lifeboats Enthusiasts Society. pp. 115–126.
- ^ "The Lifeboat Museum". Visit Lindisfarne. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service". Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Old Lifeboat Station, Alnmouth". Co-Curate. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Runswick Bay Rescue Boat". Runswick Bay Rescue. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "NT - Blakeney National Nature Reserve". Visit East of England. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Sea Palling Lifeboat". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Caister Lifeboat". Caister Lifeboat. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
- ^ "Worthing Lifeboat Town". Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Atherfield Lifeboat". Wightpedia. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ Leach, Nicholas (2009). Devon's Lifeboat Heritage. Chacewater: Twelveheads Press. pp. 4–5. ISBN 9780906294727.
- ^ Leach 2009, p. 13.
- ^ Leach 2009, pp. 28–29.
- ^ a b c d Leach, Nicholas (2006). Cornwall's Lifeboat Heritage. Twelveheads Press. pp. 35–39. ISBN 0-906294-43-6.
- ^ a b c d Leach 2006, pp. 38–41.
- ^ Leach 2006, p. 43.
- ^ Leach 2006, p. 45.
- ^ Leach 2009, pp. 49–50.
- ^ Farr, Grahame (1974). Ships and Harbours of Exmoor (2nd ed.). The Exmoor Press. p. 61. ISBN 0-900131-15-2.
- ^ "RNLI: Burry Port". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Dedication stone, Solva lifeboat station". Geograph. Geograph.org.uk. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "Lifeboat Station, Solva (544165)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "The Cwm, old lifeboat station". Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "Lifeboat House, Trefor Pier (518861)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "Porth Ruffydd Lifeboat Station". coflein. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Cemaes Bay Lifeboat Station". Coflein,gov.uk. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ Laing, Katie (14 September 2025). "Leverburgh lifeboat withdrawn – but discussions continue". Stornoway Gazette. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ "St Andrews had a Lifeboat Station". St Andrews Museum. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "St Abbs Lifeboat". St Abbs Lifeboat. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ "Portaferry Lifeboat - History". Portaferrylifeboat.com. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ "The Boathouse put up for sale". Irish Independent. 8 September 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2024.