Grace Darling Museum
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Grace Darling was 22 years old when she risked her life in an open boat to help the survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire on 7 September 1838. With her father, she rowed for over a mile through raging seas to reach them. The courage that Grace and her family showed on that day is now legendary.
Grace was the media celebrity of her day. She was celebrated internationally and was showered with honours, including the RNLI's Silver Medal for Gallantry. A museum was established in 1938 to commemorate her life. The museum includes the famous rescue coble, Grace's dresses, letters and family belongings and a cornucopia of commemorative ware.
The museum has completed a major rebuild project and is now open, hours shown below, thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and other trusts. It offers:
· an education, resource and community room for research and events
· exciting new and improved exhibitions
· better access and facilities for visitors, staff and volunteers
We are keen to know about any Grace Darling items in private hands that owners would allow us to study and perhaps copy. Of course, the museum would love to accept gifted items into its collection, strengthening the Grace Darling story and ensuring the items will be professionally conserved and displayed.
The Museum Manager would be delighted to meet anyone interested in volunteering at the museum and give more information about the various opportunities available.
School visits can be booked through Learning Officer Clare Laidler at clare_laidler@rnli.org.uk or 07825 386 150.
Other group visits can be booked through the Museum Manager, to whom any other queries or requests should be addressed. Call 01668 214910.
Booking is essential for all groups at least 2 weeks in advance.
Opening times:
Tuesdays–Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
Easter–October 10am–5pm
November–Easter 10am–4pm
Our Resource Room is available for research and private hire.
Prospective visitors should note that the car park is at the other end of the village and that the small museum does not have public toilets. There are public toilets very near the museum.
Download map.
Download a Grace Darling factsheet.
The Grace Darling Museum is part of the RNLI Heritage Trust, which celebrates more than 180 years of the saving of lives at sea by the RNLI, a charity entirely dependent upon public donations.