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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, featuring restored windmills and historic ruins.

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Explore Betty's Hope, Antigua's first large-scale sugar plantation, established in the 17th century. Wander the grounds of this open-air museum, where restored windmills and ruins whisper tales of colonial industry and the lives of enslaved people 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 and exploring the ruins.
  • Bring cash for the entrance donation, payable via donation box.
  • Visit during the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) for the most pleasant weather.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from most locations on Antigua. A taxi from St. John's to Betty's Hope takes approximately 30 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Expect to pay around $30-$40 USD for a one-way trip.

  • Car

    Betty's Hope is located near Pares Village and is accessible by car. From St. John's, take the Sir George Walter Highway and follow the signs to Betty's Hope. The drive is approximately 30 minutes. Parking is available on-site. Car rentals are available at the airport and in St. John's.

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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 the sugar industry that once dominated its economy. Founded in 1650 by Governor Keynell, it was the island's first large-scale sugar plantation. The estate was later acquired by the Codrington family in 1674 and named after Christopher Codrington's daughter. For centuries, Betty's Hope flourished, 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 ruins and remnants of this once-thriving industrial complex. See the twin windmills, one of which has been carefully restored to working order. Wander through the remains of the still house, where rum was produced, and the boiling house, where cane juice was processed. The on-site visitor center offers exhibits detailing the history of the plantation, the sugar production process, and the lives of those who lived and worked here. Betty's Hope offers a glimpse into the lives of both the plantation owners and the enslaved people who toiled in the fields. It serves as a place of learning and memory, encouraging reflection on the complex legacy of colonialism and slavery in the Caribbean.

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