Nelson's Dockyard National Park
Nelson's Dockyard National Park: A Georgian Era Gem
Fort Berkeley: Guardian of English Harbour
Explore Antigua's Fort Berkeley: a historic sentinel offering panoramic views of English Harbour and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.
Explore Fort Berkeley, the oldest fortification in English Harbour, Antigua, dating back to 1704. Wander through its partially restored ruins, discover remnants of its storied past, and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and coastline.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Fort Berkeley
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
263P+QMP, Fort Berkeley, Antigua, and Barbuda, AG
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Fort Berkeley
Getting There
Walking
From Nelson's Dockyard, Fort Berkeley is approximately a 10-minute walk. Follow the clearly marked Fort Berkeley Trail along the peninsula. The path is mostly flat but can be uneven in places. No entrance fee is required.
Public Transport
From St. John's, take bus #17 to Nelson's Dockyard. The bus stops near the entrance to the dockyard. From there, follow the walking directions to Fort Berkeley. The bus fare from St. John's to Nelson's Dockyard is approximately EC$2.25. (US$1).
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from anywhere in Antigua. A taxi from V.C. Bird International Airport to Nelson's Dockyard (near Fort Berkeley) costs approximately US$21. From the airport, the taxi ride to Fort Berkeley is about 30-45 minutes. From Nelson's Dockyard it is a 10-minute walk to Fort Berkeley.
Local tips
✓
Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain within the fort can be uneven.
✓
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and to avoid crowds.
✓
Bring water and snacks, as there may be limited facilities on-site.
Discover more about Fort Berkeley
Fort Berkeley, standing sentinel at the entrance to English Harbour in Antigua, is a historic military fort dating back to 1704. Constructed by the colonial government, it was initially manned by hired gunners rather than soldiers. As English Harbour grew in importance, particularly with the expansion of the Dockyard in the 1740s, Fort Berkeley underwent a significant expansion.The expansion, however, was fraught with disagreements between the colonial government and the Royal Navy, resulting in distinct architectural styles in different sections of the fort. Fort Berkeley was officially handed over to the Crown in 1784 following the American Revolution, after which the British military assumed control. In 1807, they added a gunpowder magazine to the fort.Today, visitors can explore the partially restored ruins of Fort Berkeley via a short nature trail. The site offers stunning views of English Harbour, Galleon Beach, and the Pillars of Hercules. Key features include the powder magazine, guardhouse remnants, and a cannon dating back to 1805. The fort is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A brief summary to Fort Berkeley
Use Fort Berkeley as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Codrington
Discover Codrington, Barbuda’s tranquil capital, where pink sand beaches, rich wildlife, and a charming local culture create the perfect tropical getaway.
Tell me more about Codrington
