Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stations are the bases for the RNLI's fleet of search and rescue lifeboats that cover the coastal waters around the entire British Isles, as well as major inland waterways.
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The service was established in 1824 as the Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), later to become the RNLI in 1854, and is operated largely by volunteers. Its headquarters are at Poole, Dorset and it is a registered charity in both the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
This is a list of former RNIPLS stations (dates up to 1854) and RNLI stations (dates from 1854), primarily those where the RNLI has ceased operations from that particular location, village or town.
Some RNLI sites, where the station is still in operation, but not necessarily at the original location, will be included in the List of RNLI stations.
The information is correct with reference to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024 unless noted otherwise, and is set out like the RNLI's divisional model. As far as possible it follows a clockwise route around the coast.
Station | Location | Dates | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Holy Island | Holy Island, Northumberland | 1865–1968 | Two boathouses. 1: Now Lindisfarne Lifeboat Museum 2: Harbour Boathouse with slipway; demolished | |
Holy Island No.2 | Snook Point, Holy Island, Northumberland | 1868–1934 | Just the stone piles remain. | |
Bamburgh Castle | Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland | 1882–1897 | The Boat House, holiday let | |
Boulmer | Boulmer, Northumberland | 1825–1968 | Home to Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service | |
Alnmouth | Alnmouth, Northumberland | 1854–1935 | 2024, Alnmouth Village Rowing Club | |
Hauxley | Hauxley, Northumberland | 1853–1939 | Private residence | |
Cresswell | Cresswell, Northumberland | 1875–1944 | Now Cresswell Village Hall | |
Whitburn | Whitburn, Tyne and Wear | 1854–1918 | Now the site of Whitburn Angling Club. No evidence remains. | |
Seaham | Seaham, County Durham | 1870–1993 | Site redeveloped. No evidence remains. | |
Crimdon Dene | Crimdon Dene, County Durham | 1966–1993 | ILB Station. | |
Seaton Carew | Seaton Carew, County Durham | 1857–1922 | ||
Seaton Snook | Seaton Carew, County Durham | 1907–1909 | No evidence remains | |
Middlesbrough | Middlesbrough, Borough of Middlesbrough | 1858–1895 | Site redeveloped. No evidence remains | |
Teesmouth | South Gare, North Yorkshire | 1829–1842 1911–2006 | Station demolished after 2006. Little or no evidence remains. | |
Saltburn | Saltburn, Redcar and Cleveland | 1858–1916 1917–1922 | No evidence remains | |
Runswick Bay | Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire | 1866–1978 | Building used by Runswick Bay Rescue Boat since 1982 | |
Upgang | Whitby, North Yorkshire | 1865–1919 | No evidence remains | |
Robin Hood's Bay | Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire | 1881–1931 | Now a shelter / public toilets | |
Barmston | Barmston, East Riding of Yorkshire | 1884–1898 | No evidence remains | |
Hornsea | Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire | 1854–1924 | Eastbourne Road, private residence | |
Easington | Easington, East Riding of Yorkshire | 1913–1933 | No evidence remains | |
Grimsby | Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire | 1882–1927 | No evidence remains | |
Humber Mouth | Humberston, North East Lincolnshire | 1965–1980 | ILB Station. | |
Donna Nook | Donna Nook, Lincolnshire | 1864–1931 | Located at the site of what became RAF Donna Nook. No evidence remains. | |
Theddlethorpe | Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire | 1864–1882 | Theddlethorpe closed in 1882 due to difficulties launching and lack of crew. No evidence remains. | |
Sutton | Sutton, Lincolnshire | 1864–1913 | Meridale Centre | |
Chapel | Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire | 1870–1898 | Building remains, currently a discount store. | |
Gibraltar Point | Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire | 1825–1830 | Transferred to Lincs. Coast Shipwreck Assoc. in 1827. No evidence remains. | |
Brancaster | Brancaster, Norfolk | 1874–1935 | ||
Blakeney | Blakeney, Norfolk | 1862–1935 | National Trust - Blakeney National Nature Reserve | |
Mundesley | Mundesley, Norfolk | 1867–1895 | Mundesley Volunteer Lifeboat | |
Bacton | Bacton, Norfolk | 1857–1882 | ||
Palling | Palling, Norfolk | 1852–1930 | No evidence of Old Lifeboat Station. Independent lifeboat operated since 1972 by Sea Palling Independent Rescue | |
Haisborough | Happisburgh, Norfolk | 1866–1926 | No evidence remains | |
Winterton | Winterton, Norfolk | 1823–1925 | Just the building foundations remain | |
Caister | Caister, Norfolk | 1857–1969 | Station now run by Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service | |
Corton | Corton, Suffolk | 1869–1879 | No evidence remains | |
South Broads | Oulton Broad, Suffolk | 2001–2011 | ILB Station. | |
Pakefield | Pakefield, Suffolk | 1865–1922 | Two previous boathouses; neither survive | |
Kessingland | Kessingland, Suffolk | 1867–1936 | Very modified private residence | |
Dunwich | Dunwich, Suffolk | 1873–1903 | Converted to a cafe | |
Thorpeness | Thorpeness, Suffolk | 1855–1900 | No evidence remains | |
Orford | Orford, Suffolk | 1826–1835 | ||
Woodbridge Haven | Shingle Street, Suffolk | 1826–1853 |
Station | Location | Dates | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kingsgate | Kingsgate, Kent | 1862–1897 | No evidence remains | |
Broadstairs | Broadstairs, Kent | 1868–1912 | Harbour Office and Gift Shop | |
North Deal | North Deal, Kent | 1865–1932 | Deal Angling Club | |
Kingsdown | Kingsdown, Kent | 1866–1927 | Private residence | |
Folkestone | Folkestone, Kent | 1893–1930 | Demolished | |
Hythe, Sandgate & Folkestone, Hythe | Hythe, Kent | 1876–1940 | Renamed Hythe in 1893 | |
Dungeness No.27 Tower, Dymchurch | Dymchurch, Kent | 1826–1838 | Renamed Dymchurch in 1836. Martello Tower No.27 was demolished in 1841 | |
Dungeness, New Romney | New Romney, Kent | 1871–1928 | Renamed New Romney in 1874; demolished | |
Rye | Camber Sands, East Sussex | 1832–1854 1854–1901 | Two boat houses; maybe the earliest survives | |
Winchelsea, Rye Harbour | Winchelsea, East Sussex | 1856–1928 | Renamed Rye Harbour in 1910. | |
Worthing | Worthing, West Sussex | 1865–1930 1964–1967 | Private residence: 107 Marine Parade | |
Chichester Harbour | West Wittering, West Sussex | 1867–1884 | No evidence remains | |
Southsea | Southsea, Portsmouth | 1894–1923 | Formerly on the promenade at Southsea Common; no evidence remains | |
Ryde | Ryde, Isle of Wight | 1894–1923 | Boathouse located on the Pier; no evidence remains. | |
Atherfield | Atherfield, Isle of Wight | 1890–1915 | No evidence of boathouse remains, but the 1:3 steep slipway down the cliff may still be visible | |
Brighstone Grange | Brighstone Grange, Isle of Wight | 1860–1915 | Now a site for static caravans; no evidence remains | |
Brook | Brook, Isle of Wight | 1860–1937 | Derelict ruin | |
Totland Bay | Totland Bay, Isle of Wight | 1885–1924 | Community Hall? |
Station | Location | Dates | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bournemouth | Bournemouth, Dorset | 1965–1972 | ILB Station. | |
Studland | Studland, Dorset | 1826–1848 | No evidence remains | |
Chapman's Pool | Chapman's Pool, Dorset | 1866–1880 | ||
Kimmeridge | Kimmeridge, Dorset | 1868–1896 | No evidence remains | |
Portland | Isle of Portland, Dorset | 1826–1851 | ||
St Sampson | Saint Sampson, Guernsey, Guernsey | 1861–1878 1880–1881 | ||
La Lande | Guernsey | 1878–1880 | ||
Sidmouth | Sidmouth, Dorset | 1869–1912 | A doorway arch marked RNLBI is all that remains of the old station, located across the road from the new independent Sidmouth lifeboat station, opened in 1968. | |
Torquay | Beacon Cove, Torquay, Devon | 1876–1928 | No evidence remains. | |
Hope Cove | Hope Cove, Devon | 1878–1930 | Now used as a store. | |
Yealm River | Newton Ferrers, Devon | 1878–1927 | Private residence. | |
Polkerris | Polkerris, Devon | 1859–1922 | Moved to Fowey where it was easier to find a crew. The boathouse is now a café. | |
Mevagissey | Mevagissey, Cornwall | 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. | |
Portloe | Portloe, Cornwall | 1870–1887 | A boathouse built in 1877 is now a private residence. | |
Porthoustock | Porthoustock, Cornwall | 1869–1942 | Now used as a village hall. | |
Coverack | Coverack, Cornwall | 1901–1978 | Now a café. | |
Mullion Cove | Mullion Cove, Cornwall | 1867–1908 | Private residence. | |
Porthleven | Porthleven, Cornwall | 1863–1929 | Building later used as a shipwreck museum. Now an art studio. | |
Marazion | St Michael's Mount, Cornwall | 1990–2001 | ILB Station. | |
Penzance | Penzance, Cornwall | 1803–1917 | Station closed between 1812–1826 and again 1828-1851. A boathouse built in 1884 still stands. | |
St Agnes, IOS | St Agnes, Isles of Scilly | 1890–1920 | Boathouse now used as a store. | |
Hayle | Hayle, Cornwall | 1866–1920 | After closure, boat house moved, used as a store, then demolished about 1980. Now a builders yard, no evidence remains. | |
Morte Bay | Morte Bay, Woolacombe, Devon | 1871–1900 | An outstation from Ilfracombe. The boathouse is now a beach / surf hire shop. | |
Lynmouth | Lynmouth, Devon | 1869–1944 | Destroyed in the Lynmouth flood of 1952 but rebuilt and is now the Flood Memorial Hall. | |
Watchet | Watchet, Somerset | 1875–1944 | Now Watchet Community Library. | |
Pill | Pill, Somerset | 1971–1974 |
Station | Location | Dates | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Atlantic College | Atlantic College, Vale of Glamorgan | 1963–2013 | Continues training and building boats | |
Llanelli | Llanelli, Carmarthenshire | 1854–1863 1869–1871 | In 1863, station transferred to Pembrey | |
Pembrey | Pembrey, Carmarthenshire | 1863–1887 | Sand forced closure; lifeboat station moved to Burry Port. No evidence remains. | |
Carmarthen Bay, Ferryside | Ferryside, Carmarthenshire | 1860–1960 | Renamed Ferryside in 1892 Independent lifeboat service since 1966 | |
Carmarthen | Laugharne, Carmarthenshire | 1835–1843 | ||
Solva | Solva, Pembrokeshire | 1869–1887 | Station dedicated 1869 | |
Newport | Newport, Pembrokeshire | 1884–1895 | Private residence | |
Llanaelhaearn | Llanaelhaearn, Gwynedd | 1883–1901 | Located at Trefor Pier | |
Llanddwyn | Ynys Llanddwyn, Anglesey | 1855–1907 | Boathouse / Store | |
Rhosneigr | Rhosneigr, Anglesey | 1872–1924 | Building still exists, use unknown | |
Rhoscolyn | Rhoscolyn, Anglesey | 1855–1929 | Two former lifeboat houses, one private dwelling, one holiday let | |
Porth Ruffydd | Holy Island, Anglesey 53°17'09.5"N 4°40'32.3"W | 1891–1904 | Steps, and some rubble, maybe all that remains of the former lifeboat station. | |
Cemlyn | Cemlyn, Anglesey | 1855–1872 1877–1919 | Derelict, some foundations and slipway survive | |
Cemaes | Porth yr Ogof, Cemaes, Anglesey | 1872–1932 | Derelict, some foundations and slipway survive | |
Bull Bay | Bull Bay, Anglesey | 1868–1926 | Yacht & Boat Club | |
Penmon | Penmon, Anglesey | 1855–1915 | Holiday let | |
Llanddulas | Llanddulas, Conwy | 1869–1932 | Private residence | |
Point of Ayr | Talacre, Flintshire | 1894–1923 | No evidence remains | |
Mostyn | Mostyn, Flintshire | 1835–1850 | No evidence remains | |
Castletown, IOM | Castletown, Isle of Man | 1826–1942 1856–1922 | Private Residence | |
Formby | Formby, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton | 1894–1919 | Some foundations still visible in shifting sand. | |
Southport | Southport, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton | 1860–1925 | Later used by Southport Independent Lifeboat. Currently unused. | |
St Annes | St Annes, Lancashire | 1881–1925 | Now a funeral directors | |
Seascale | Seascale, Cumbria | 1875–1895 | Site is now part of a car park. No evidence remains. | |
Whitehaven | Whitehaven, Cumbria | 1865–1924 | Demolished; now Whitehaven Marina Yard. No evidence remains. | |
Maryport | Maryport, Cumbria | 1865–1949 | East Wall of old lifeboat house still standing |
Station | Location | Dates | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Balcary | Auchencairn, Dumfries and Galloway | 1884–1931 | Private residence | |
Whithorn | Isle of Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway | 1869–1919 | Ruin; now the location for the Witness Cairn | |
Port Logan | Port Logan, Dumfries and Galloway | 1866–1932 | Village Hall | |
Ballantrae | Ballantrae, South Ayrshire | 1871–1919 | Boat House / store | |
Ayr | Ayr, South Ayrshire | 1859–1932 | Seafood restaurant (Closed) | |
Irvine | Irvine, North Ayrshire | 1860–1914 | Demolished; now a car park | |
Ardrossan | Ardrossan, North Ayrshire | 1869–1930 | Demolished | |
Southend (Kintyre) | Southend, Argyll, Argyll | 1869–1930 | Holiday let | |
Machrihanish | Machrihanish, Argyll | 1912–1930 | Boathouse / store | |
Kildonan | Kildonan, Arran | 1870–1901 | Still there, use undetermined | |
Stronsay | Stronsay, Orkney | 1909–1920 1952–1972 | Two station buildings, believe both still exist | |
Huna | Huna, Caithness | 1877–1930 | Store | |
Ackergill | Ackergill, Caithness | 1878–1932 | Boathouse / store, and separate slipway | |
Dornoch Firth and Embo | Embo, Sutherland, Highland | 1886–1904 | No evidence found | |
Cromarty | Cromarty, Highland | 1911–1968 | Demolished? | |
Nairn | Nairn, Highland | 1878–1911 | New housing development; no evidence of lifeboat house | |
Lossiemouth | Lossiemouth, Moray | 1859–1923 | Marine engineers workshop | |
Whitehills | Whitehills, Aberdeenshire | 1924–1969 | Private residence | |
Banff and Macduff | Banff, Aberdeenshire | 1860–1917 1921–1924 | 1860 boathouse demolished in 1877. 1877 boathouse is now private residence | |
Whitelink Bay | St Combs, Aberdeenshire | 1878–1905 | Demolished; now Inverallochy Golf Course | |
Port Errol | Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire | 1877–1914 1915–1921 | Private residence | |
Newburgh | Newburgh, Aberdeenshire | 1828–1841 1877–1965 | Boathouse / Store | |
Gourdon | Gourdon, Aberdeenshire | 1878–1969 | 1.Private residence on William Street 2.Maggie Law Maritime Museum | |
Johnshaven | Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire | 1891–1928 | Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum | |
Budden Ness | Carnoustie, Angus | 1861–1863 1867–1894 | Demolished | |
St Andrews | St Andrews, Fife | 1860–1938 | St Andrews Sailing Club | |
Crail | Crail, Fife | 1884–1923 | Crail Golf Course Store | |
Buckhaven | Buckhaven, Fife | 1900–1932 | Derelict lifeboat house demolished in 1960s; harbour filled in. | |
Skateraw | Skateraw. East Lothian | 1907–1943 | Demolished | |
St Abbs | St Abbs, Scottish Borders | 1911–2015 | Boathouse in use with St Abbs Independent Lifeboat |
Station | Location | Dates | Comments | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carrickfergus | Carrickfergus, County Antrim | 1896–1913 | Boathouse was constructed alongside the pier. Only the pilings now remain. | |
Groomsport | Groomsport, County Down | 1858–1920 | Community hall | |
Ballywalter | Ballywalter, County Down | 1866–1906 | Boat House / Store in 2012. | |
Portavogie | Portavogie, County Down | 1965–1981 | ||
Cloghy | Cloughey, County Down | 1888–1965 | Private residence | |
St John's Point | St. John's Point, County Down | 1835–1843 | Private residence | |
Rossglass, Killough | Rossglass, Killough, County Down | 1825–1835 1901–1914 | Private residence | |
Tyrella | Tyrella, County Down | 1838–1851 1860–1899 | Building still there. | |
Greenore | Greenore, County Louth | 1894–1920 | Vacant building | |
Giles Quay | Gyles' Quay, County Louth | 1879–1912 | Private residence | |
Blackrock | Blackrock, County Louth | 1859–1879 1880–1935 | Building still there | |
Drogheda No.1 | Baltray, County Louth | 1856–1899 | ||
Drogheda No.2 | Mornington, County Meath | 1872–1926 | Derelict for many years, converted to a private residence in 2007. | |
Balbriggan | Balbriggan, County Dublin | 1875–1898 | Lifeboat house constructed underneath railway arch. The building is now used for storage. | |
Rogerstown | Rogerstown Estuary, Dublin | 1874–1882 | ||
Poolbeg | Poolbeg, Dublin | 1862–1959 | Was at the small harbour west of Poolbeg disused power station. No evidence remains. | |
Greystones | Greystones, County Wicklow | 1872–1895 | Barista and Ice Cream Bar | |
Cahore | Ballygarrett, County Wexford | 1857–1916 | Disused? store, located next to Cahore Independent Lifeboat house | |
Carnsore | Carnsore Point, County Wexford | 1859–1897 | ||
Duncannon | Duncannon, County Wexford | 1869–1896 | Boathouse / store at Duncannon pier | |
Ardmore | Ardmore, County Waterford | 1858–1895 | Private residence | |
Queenstown | Cobh, County Waterford | 1866–1920 | Cobh Sea Scout HQ | |
Derrynane | Derrynane, County Kerry | 1844–1855 | Boathouse believed to be white building next to Derrynane Beach Car Park | |
Westport | Inishlyre, County Mayo | 1857–1862 | Boathouse / Store | |
Killybegs | Killybegs, County Donegal | 1941–1945 | ||
Culdaff | Culdaff, County Donegal | 1892–1913 | Boathouse / store | |
Greencastle | Port Blaney, Greencastle, County Donegal | 1864–1928 | Private residence |
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