Last chance this year inside the Solomon Browne’s Penlee boathouse

For 21 years, one lifeboat called this boathouse home. The RNLB Solomon Browne arrived at Penlee in the summer of 1960, and she was still based here when she disappeared with her crew at Christmas 1981. This Sunday (27 September), the doors open to visitors for the last time this year.

The last open day of 2026

Penlee RNLI‘s Visits Team is getting ready for its final open day of the year at the Old Penlee Lifeboat Station near Mousehole. The station will be open from 11am to 3pm.

It is a famous place, and for anyone who has meant to see it, this is the last chance before next year.

Finding it, and taking care once you are there

The old station sits just outside Mousehole, on the coastal road from Newlyn. You reach it by a set of steep concrete steps down from the road.

Worth bearing in mind before you set off. This is a lifeboat house designed in the early 20th century, built for crews and boats rather than visitors, so the team is asking everyone to be careful while they are inside. Members of the Visits Team will be on hand throughout to help people have a safe and interesting visit.

📷Penlee RNLI open day poster for the former slipway boathouse. Credit: Penlee RNLI

Free to visit

There is no charge to go in. The team says it really appreciates the kindness of everyone who supports the RNLI’s ongoing work saving lives at sea, and the open day poster describes the former slipway boathouse as a lasting tribute to the volunteers who answered the call. Its closing line asks visitors to help preserve Penlee’s maritime heritage.

If Sunday does not work out, the team suggests keeping an eye out for its 2027 plans, and saving the poster as a reminder.

📷The RNLB Solomon Browne in the boathouse at Penlee. Credit: Penlee RNLI