Organise a Visit
We welcome visitors to Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat station.
Discover RNLI Exmouth Lifeboat Station
Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station stands as a beacon of safety and community spirit. Our mission is to welcome visitors and educate them about our lifesaving operations. With a rich history and a team of passionate volunteers, we are committed to safeguarding lives along the coast. Our station offers a unique glimpse into the world of maritime rescue, showcasing the dedication and bravery of our crew.
Launch a Memory
AUGUST viewing dates
Every day from August 4th, 10.30am to 3.30pm
SEPTEMBER viewing dates
1st to 14th inclusive then Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am to 3.30pm
OCTOBER viewing dates
Each Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am to 3.30pm
NOVEMBER viewing dates
Each Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Exmouth RNLI’s Shannon Class lifeboat, R and J Welburn, has returned home with its new decals proudly displayed—ready to be viewed by our valued LAM supporters.

We know many people will be eager to see the lifeboat newly returned to Exmouth and proudly displaying the names of loved ones. There are three ways to visit:
- Drop-in viewing – 10.30am to 3.30pm daily from Saturday 26 July until the end of August, subject to operational requirements. No booking required – enjoy limited access to the boathall, where you can view the lifeboat’s decals and find your loved one’s name. An RNLI volunteer will be on hand to help you with the location of your loved one’s name and answer any questions.
- VIP station tour experience – limited availability. For a more exclusive and in-depth visit, pre-book our strictly limited VIP guided tour. You’ll get full access to the station, a behind-the-scenes look at the RNLI’s lifesaving work, and an up-close view of the lifeboat. Book your VIP tour via Eventbrite
- You can also book a more limited tour of the station. See ‘Schools, Groups, Individuals’ below
There is a large sign at the lifeboat station of the wheelhouse roof displaying the names making up the ‘RNLI 13-03’. We will be putting up more permanent displays of the port and starboard decals once we obtain permission.
Exmouth is a busy operational lifeboat station so please be aware that the lifeboat may not be at the lifeboat station when you visit due to operational requirements.
The RNLI’s Launch a Memory campaign offers a lasting tribute to commemorate a loved one or celebrate someone still among us by having their name on an RNLI lifeboat. R and J Welburn, Exmouth’s Shannon-class lifeboat, is the latest Launch a Memory lifeboat. The appeal has raised over £1.08million for the RNLI, which will fund essential equipment and training required for the crews to continue saving lives at sea.
To find the location of a name on the lifeboat, please go to www.launchamemory.rnli.org.uk/exmouth
Schools, Groups, Individuals
All Tours MUST be pre-booked. Before making travel arrangements please wait for the Lifeboat Visits Officer to confirm your booking. This could take up to a week.
A group of dedicated volunteers provide free tours of the Lifeboat Station. These last about 30-45 minutes and take place on weekends, as follows:
SUMMER (April-October). 10:30am to 3:30pm
WINTER (November-March). 11:00am to 3:00pm
Additionally, Tour Guides will be on duty on weekdays at the same times during School Holidays as defined by Devon County Coucil. All tours are subject to Tour Guide availability and a schedule of tours is available in the Shop which is open 10am-5pm during the summer (April – October) and 11am to 4pm in the winter. There are three basic sections to the tour:
- Inshore Lifeboat
- All Weather Lifeboat
- Shannon Launch and Revovery System
The tour guides will take up to 15 people per tour guide on each tour.
- Children aged 0 to 4 years must have an adult for every 2 children.
- Children aged 4 to 7 years must have an adult for every 6 children.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years must have an adult for every 10 children
- Children aged 12 years and above must have an adult for every 15 children
We do not take any responsibility in supervising children.
If you would like to book a tour you can access the booking form by clicking here
Dedicated Group Tours for Schools and other Groups
We offer pre-arranged tours to schools, organisations, social groups and even large groups of family and friends during the week or at weekends, subject to operational requirements and volunteer availability throughout the year. Child/adult ratios must be in line with the safeguarding guidelines shown above.
The minimum number in any group is 6. Schools and groups with more than 6 children please see the Guidelines for schools
Please submit a visitors’ booking form, even at the start of any provisional enquiry.
This makes it much easier to establish what your needs are from the start and that you understand our terms and conditions. Upon receipt of a completed form, we will then contact you to discuss your proposed requirements.
The form is available here
After completing the on-line form click the box ‘Submit‘ and it will automatically be sent to visits@exmouthlifeboat.org.uk.
We have a high demand for Tours in the summer, so please book well in advance.
Please Note: For all visits, parking is available at the large council managed Foxholes car park opposite the Lifeboat Station – parking by the Lifeboat Station is for RNLI personnel only.
Phone
07771 568570
Address
Exmouth Lifeboat Station, Queens Drive, Exmouth, Devon EX8 2AY
Plan Your Lifeboat Station Visit Today
Secure your spot on our popular lifeboat station tours by booking in advance. Join us to learn more about our mission of protecting lives at sea and become part of the RNLI community. We look forward to welcoming you!