Module 1: What to do

For more information on any of the activities below or to view the local calendar of events and public holidays, visit
http://www.falklandislands.com/contents/view/145/what-to-do/events

FOOD & DRINK
Island-wide, Falkland hosts pride themselves in serving home-grown foods and local specialities for travellers and locals alike. In addition to the guest houses, lodges and hotel, there are restaurants, cafes, a diner and several pubs in the town of Stanley.
The quality of the local seafood is excellent - featuring mussels, oysters, scallops and snow crab as well as local sea trout and Atlantic Rock cod (locally called mullet) served in most restaurants. A visit to the Falklands would not be complete without sampling the delights of the local squid caught in deep waters, or the Patagonian toothfish (Mero).

The Falklands are also home to delicious organic meat and are famed for the lamb dishes, Upland Goose pâté and beef and mutton all of which has been reared on the wide plains of the Falkland Islands. These dishes are further enhanced by the flavours from the very fresh and local-grown vegetables, or perhaps combined with the unique Diddle-dee Berry or Teaberry.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
The Falkland Islands have a burgeoning arts and crafts scene, with local artists specialising in photography, painting, spinning, weaving, knitting, felting and jewellery creation. Woollen crafts are experiencing a resurgence of popularity with felt making  especially favoured because of the abundance of natural materials (woollen tops), and the ease with which unique items can be created.

CAMPING
There are many places around the Falklands that make idyllic camping spots, from a backyard in Stanley to wilderness locations around the camp with stunning views and only the wildlife for company. Although fresh water is generally very clean it is wise to treat supplies before drinking. There are no designated campsites or camping facilities -camping generally takes place on private land. Agreement must be sought from the landowner in advance and clarification given of the campers’ intentions, particularly with regard to cooking arrangements. A stove must be used and supervised at all times, never an open fire. Some Stanley accommodation providers will allow camping in their gardens with access to bathroom facilities. Camping equipment needs to be sturdy as winds can be very strong at times.

Contact the Falkland Islands Tourist Board for a list of land owners.  1:50,000 maps of the Falkland Islands can be obtained from the Jetty Visitor Centre.

GOLF
Golfing enthusiasts up for a challenge are always delighted to discover Stanley Golf Club, situated just five minutes from the centre of town. Undoubtedly one of the most southerly (and windiest) links courses in the world, players will enjoy the distant views of the hills around Stanley, and the breaks afforded by treeless fairways! The course is 4,700 yards in length, complete with 18 holes (6 of which have shared greens). There are no club hire facilities; keen players are advised to bring a travel bag and clubs or make arrangements with a local player on arrival. There is an additional 9-hole course at Port Howard.

SPORTING CLUBS
For those wanting to maintain their fitness regime whilst on holiday, The Stanley Leisure Centre boasts a 25m indoor heated pool, a sports hall, squash court and fitness suite. A list of sporting clubs and practice times are published in the weekly newspaper, the  Penguin News. These include, among others, volleyball, netball, short tennis, badminton, DEK hockey and karate.

Outdoor sporting clubs include rifle and pistol shooting, running, ramblers, Hash House Harriers, rugby and soccer/football. Motocross racing has also enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the last two years. SCUBA diving trips and equipment rentals can be arranged with local providers. Of special note, the world’s most southerly certified international marathon takes place in Stanley every year in March.
Contact the Falkland Islands Tourist Board for more information.

DANCING
Dancing is a popular activity in the Falklands. The "May Ball" and "Winter Ball" are the highlights of the year but there are many other opportunities to join in with this traditional activity. The Scottish/local dance group meets every Wednesday at the Infant & Junior School Hall and welcomes visitors, particularly those that can teach a new dance step or two. Other evening events which include dancing are held at various times throughout the year.

HIKING & WALKS
Most destinations in the Falklands offer spectacular scenery, hiking, hill walking and flat terrain or beaches to suit various interests and levels of fitness. As emphasised  earlier, wind/waterproofs, sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. See more about great walking and hiking opportunities in next modules.

TOURS
There are a wide variety of wildlife, local history and battlefield tours available from Stanley and from destinations throughout the islands. Tours range from bus tours to off-road drives, wildlife boat tours to guided walks. Visitors wanting to explore on their own can choose to hire a car or follow a self-guided walk. More about car hire is provided in the Local Transport section.
For a list of tour providers visit http://falklandislands.com/contents/view/163/what-to-do/tours/tour-guides

PHOTOGRAPHY
The Falklands are a paradise for anyone with an interest in photography –whether amateur or a professional. Bring plenty of memory/film as local supplies of both can be limited during high season. Whether shooting old Land Rovers, newly-born elephant seal pups, or the colour and movement of the Christmas horse races in Stanley, the Falklands consistently delivers spectacular images that find their way into international media and homes around the world.

SEA TROUT FISHING
Fishing for Falkland Islands sea trout is recognised as one of the best wilderness fishing experiences in the world. The San Carlos and Murrell rivers on East Falkland and Little Chartres and Warrah rivers on West Falkland are popular bases for fishing trips, but fish are plentiful right across the Islands in a winding network of rivers and streams.

The Falklands sea trout is actually Northern European brown trout,introduced more than 50 years ago. The species has adapted beautifully to local conditions, with fish in excess of 10 pounds regularly caught each season.

The fishing season runs from September through to April, with two distinct runs for sea trout (September/October/mid-November and mid-February/March/April). Licences are not necessary, though certain waterways have specific daily limits. For more information visit http://www.falklandislands.com/contents/view/67/what-to-do/outdoor/fishing

SHOPPING
Visitors after something made in the Falklands will be delighted to find beautifully crafted goods made using local materials such as wool, leather and semi-precious stones. Woollen garments, jewellery and accessories can be found in an assortment of classic and modern colours, whilst individuals seeking something rarer will find outlets offering Falkland Islands stamps, first day covers, coins and medallions. Works of art featuring local scenes are also available at selected outlets, both in painted and photographic form. The local gift shops carry a range of local interest books, fine jewellry, watches, perfume, toys, stationery, T-shirts, outerwear, souvenirs and much more. For general shopping the local supermarkets and grocery stores are well-stocked with well-known brands, as well as a fine selection of international wines, beers and spirits.

ENTERTAINMENT
The local pubs and restaurants are where the majority of social activity takes place, whether it is for a themed dinner, a pub quiz, or a darts tournament, There are dinner dances held throughout the calendar year, usually in support of a local charity or school or club. Local accommodation providers can provide more information to visitors during their stay. The Falkland Islands have their own amateur dramatic society which annually produces a Murder Mystery Dinner, a variety show and a play or pantomime. Concerts by local and visiting musicians or bands are held at different venues and cater to different musical tastes.

WEDDINGS
The Falklands are becoming increasingly popular with couples wanting to celebrate their special day somewhere unique and off the beaten track. Choose a backdrop of wildlife and deserted coastline, or one of the historic churches based in Stanley for the
ceremony. With eight pubs and three restaurants in Stanley, there is plenty of choice for the reception venue. Those wanting to plan a wedding in the Falklands should contact the Registrar General in the first instance +500 27272.