Wingfield Estate
Wingfield Road, Old Road Town, St. Kitts
In the foothills of St. Kitts’ central mountain range, Wingfield Estate is a 17th-century sugar plantation originally owned by Sam Jefferson, the great-great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. It was the first working estate on the island for tobacco, sugar and rum, and while here, you may inspect the ruins and visit the rum distillery to learn how sugar was converted into rum back in the day.
The Basics
The first land grant the King of England issued, in the entire English-speaking West Indies, Wingfield Estate is now an active archeological and historical site. While here, guides demonstrate the traditional methods used to cultivate the land hundreds of years ago, showing the sugar-crushing process, the use of animal power, water wheels, and a steam engine. Take a conventional tour or make the visit more active by exploring on an ATV. During this off-road excursion, ride through Wingfield and the neighboring Romney Manor, through rolling sugar cane fields andxa0 over volcanic hillsides. Afterward, visit a local beach to relax and swim.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wingfield Estate is an ideal spot for history and nature lovers.
- Wheelchair users are welcome at the estate.
- Remember sun protection and water for hydration.
How to Get There
Wingfield Estate is located along Old Road on the west coast of St. Kitts, about a 20-minute drive from Basseterre’s city center. Drive or take a taxi, since buses don’t reach Old Road Town. Parking is available on site.
When to Get There
The estate is open irregularly, dependent on demand. Call ahead or go as part of a tour that would set up arrangements for you. Peak season runs from December to April, during which time the biggest event of the year, National Carnival (also known as Sugar Mas), ignites the island in the run up to Christmas and New Year. For a more quiet time, visit between May and July when crowds dwindle and temperatures are not as hot and humid.
Romney Manor
Next door to Wingfield Estate is another former sugar plantation. The 17-century Romney Manor has been given new life as one of the island’s most beloved local craft shops, Caribelle Batik, where you may shop for gorgeous hand-dyed batik fabrics and apparel and watch women artisans at work, demonstrating their signature batik dyeing process.. While here, make time to explore the grounds featuring gorgeous tropical botanical gardens and a host of ancient Carib petroglyphs on lava rocks.
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