Landing Spotlight: Port Lockroy

Port Lockroy is located in a bay on the north-western shore of Wiencke Island just off the Antarctic Peninsula. It is Antarctica’s single most visited landing site, and rightly so with its famous post office and fascinating history. A former British base built in 1944, Port Lockroy was named after Étienne-Auguste-Édouard Lockroy, a politician who funded the expedition that led to the site’s discovery in 1904.

Gentoo penguin colony observed in Port Lockroy

Historical Significance

The British base was set up in Port Lockroy in 1944 and remained operational until 1962. The main building, Bransfield House, was constructed in 1944. In 1996, the base was renovated into a museum. The building is open to visitors and you can explore exhibits that provide insight into the original science that was conducted here in the 1950s.

Port Lockroy is widely known for its ‘Penguin Post Office’. Visitors can send letters and buy postcards from the red mailbox at Bransfield House, creating a memorable experience. While delivery may take weeks or months, receiving a postcard from Antarctica is a special event. Funds from postcard sales and the gift shop support the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), a British charity that preserves scientific bases on the Antarctic Peninsula and provides visitor education.

Port Lockroy is a charming historic British base that holds a special place in history

Wildlife

As a historic site and monument, Port Lockroy is also a place of scientific interest, with researchers monitoring the local gentoo penguin colony and their breeding habits since 1996.

Port Lockroy Highlights

• Send a postcard from the Penguin Post Office.
• Visit Bransfield House museum.
• Observe the gentoo penguin colony.