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Betty's Hope: Echoes of Antigua's Sugar Past

Discover Antigua's colonial past at Betty's Hope, the island's first sugar plantation and a testament to its complex history.

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Explore Betty's Hope, Antigua's first large-scale sugar plantation, established in the 1650s. Wander through the ruins of windmills, still houses, and the interpretation center to uncover the history of sugar production and its impact on the island, including the lives of enslaved Africans who labored here.

A brief summary to Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

  • Monday 9 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-3 pm
  • Friday 9 am-1:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the expansive grounds.
  • Bring cash for the donation box at the entrance.
  • Visit during the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) for the best weather.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Devil's Bridge or Stingray City.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Betty's Hope is located near Pares Village, in a rural part of Antigua. From St. John's, the capital, the drive is approximately 30 minutes. Take the main road east towards Pares. Once in Pares, follow the signs to Betty's Hope. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    Public buses run from St. John's to Pares Village. From Pares, it's a short taxi ride or a 20-30 minute walk to Betty's Hope. Bus fares are typically around EC$3.00 per person. Taxis from Pares to Betty's Hope should cost approximately EC$20-30.

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Discover more about Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

Betty's Hope, located near Pares Village, stands as a poignant reminder of Antigua's colonial past and its reliance on the sugar industry. Founded in the 1650s by Governor Keynell, it was the island's first large-scale sugar plantation. The estate was later granted to the Codrington family in 1674 and named after Christopher Codrington's daughter. For centuries, Betty's Hope thrived, driven by the labor of enslaved Africans who endured harsh conditions. Today, Betty's Hope is an open-air museum where visitors can explore the partially restored ruins. See the twin windmills, one of which has been fully restored with working machinery. Explore the remains of the still house, where rum was produced, and the cistern complex, which once provided water for the estate. The interpretation center, housed in a former cotton storeroom, features exhibits about the plantation's history, artifacts, and models of the site. Visiting Betty's Hope offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantation, both the European managers and the enslaved laborers. It's a place to reflect on the complex legacy of sugar production and its impact on Antigua's landscape and people.

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