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Nelson's Dockyard National Park: A Georgian Era Gem

Discover Antigua's naval history at Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Georgian architecture and Caribbean views.

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Explore Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Antigua, offering a unique blend of naval history and natural beauty. This meticulously restored Georgian-era dockyard, still operational, houses museums, shops, hotels, and restaurants, set against the backdrop of stunning Caribbean scenery.

A brief summary to Nelson's Dockyard National Park

Local tips

  • Purchase a day pass for US$15, which includes access to Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Clarence House, and Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the dockyard and hiking the trails to nearby Fort Berkeley and Shirley Heights.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a serene atmosphere.
  • Check the local event schedule for cultural events and festivals often hosted in the park.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From St. John's, take the #17 bus towards English Harbour. The bus departs from Belmont station every 15 minutes and costs $2. The ride to Cobbs Cross takes approximately 42 minutes. From Cobbs Cross, it's a short walk to the park entrance. Alternatively, the #17 bus via West Bus Station to English Harbour takes 1 hour and 8 minutes and costs $2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from anywhere on the island. A taxi from St. John's to Nelson's Dockyard costs approximately US$24-29 and takes about 21 minutes. Agree on a fare before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    From St. John's, follow All Saints Road, which will take approximately 40 minutes. Follow the road signs to English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Parking is available near the entrance, though a parking fee may apply.

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Discover more about Nelson's Dockyard National Park

Nelson's Dockyard National Park is a 16-square-mile protected area that encapsulates Antigua's rich naval history and stunning natural beauty. The park's centerpiece, Nelson's Dockyard, is the world’s only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard. Established in 1725 as a Royal Navy base, it played a pivotal role in Caribbean naval history, particularly during conflicts with France. The dockyard is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who served in Antigua from 1784 to 1787. Ironically, Nelson himself was not fond of the post, calling English Harbour an "infernal hole". Despite his personal feelings, the dockyard thrived, expanding significantly between 1780 and 1820. However, with advancements in naval technology, the dockyard closed in 1889. After a period of neglect, restoration efforts began in the 1950s, and the dockyard reopened as a historic site in 1961. In 1984, Nelson's Dockyard National Park was established, and in 2016, it earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, the park offers a blend of historical attractions, scenic hiking trails, and vibrant marina life. Visitors can explore the Dockyard Museum, housed in the former Admiral's House, showcasing the dockyard's history and archaeological research. The park also includes Shirley Heights, Clarence House, and Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre, all accessible with a single admission. Luxury yachts and motor vessels now dock where warships once did. The buildings, once used by officers, shipwrights and enslaved Africans, have been transformed into restaurants, boutiques, pubs, and hotels. Visitors can hike to Fort Berkeley, the oldest fortification protecting English Harbour, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

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