Nelson's Dockyard National Park
English Harbour, Antigua
One of the best historical sites on Antigua, Nelson's Dockyard National Park has been at the center of Antiguan activity since the first settlers arrived in 500 BC. Today, the centerpiece of the park is the actual dockyard itself, originally developed as a base for the British Navy in 1725. It is now home to old ships and numerous historical artifacts.
Named for Horatio Nelson, commander of the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, Nelson's Dockyard is the only Georgian dockyard that still exists in the world. During your visit, be sure to stop by the Dockyard Museum, which offers a full history of the English Harbour and the people who toiled there throughout the years. Check out the park's many restored colonial-era buildings, which served the sailors and officers who occupied the harbor during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the buildings have been preserved to reflect their original historic purpose, while others now contain shops and restaurants. Learn more about the park’s history on a guided tour of Antigua, which are available by boat or SUV.
- In addition to the dockyard, the park contains numerous forts and military posts including Shirley Heights, Fort Berkeley, Fort Charlotte, and Fort George that are accessible by hiking trails.
- Travelers recommend trying the pastries from the on-site bakery.
- The dockyard is wheelchair accessible.
- This is a must-see for sailing enthusiasts and history buffs.
Located in English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard National Park is on the southern tip of Antigua and is about a 30-minute drive from the airport and from the cruise ship dock at Heritage Quay. If you’re traveling by car from St. John’s, continue along All Saints Road to reach English Harbour and the dockyard.
To avoid crowds, visit the dockyard when cruise ships aren't in port, if possible. Also, yacht chartering is an important part of Antigua’s tourism industry, with most of it concentrated in and around the dockyard. Visitors flock here during Antigua Sailing Week, which takes place at the end of April, and for the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December.
Located on the other side of the island, about a 45-minute drive away from the dockyard, Fort James offers another look back at Antiguan history. Built by the British to defend against the French, the fort overlooks St. John's Harbour, offering views of the Caribbean that draw plenty of visitors. There are also remnants of the fort including cannons.
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