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Betty's Hope: A Window into Antigua's Sugar Past

Explore Betty's Hope, Antigua: A historic sugar plantation offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past and the lives of its people.

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Betty's Hope, established in the 17th century, stands as a poignant reminder of Antigua's sugar plantation history. Visitors can explore the partially restored ruins, including the twin windmills, and learn about the lives of those who lived and worked 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

  • Visit during the week when the site is less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience.
  • Check the opening hours of the visitor center in advance, as they can vary.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking on uneven ground.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From V.C. Bird International Airport, a taxi to Betty's Hope costs approximately $27-$35 USD and takes about 20-30 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

  • Public Transport

    From St. John's, take bus #20 towards Pares. Ask the driver to drop you off near Betty's Hope. From the drop-off point, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the site. The bus fare is around $1 USD.

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Discover more about Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

Betty's Hope, located near Pares Village, is one of Antigua's most historically significant sites, offering a glimpse into the island's past as a major sugar producer. Founded in 1650 by Sir Christopher Codrington, it was one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua and remained in operation until 1921. Today, visitors can wander through the partially restored estate, imagining life during the plantation era. The most iconic features are the twin windmills, one of which has been fully restored and is operational, demonstrating the process of grinding sugar cane. The visitor center provides historical context, displaying artifacts and information about the Codrington family and the enslaved Africans who were forced to work the land. Exploring the ruins, you'll find the remnants of the boiling house, where sugar cane juice was processed into sugar, and the distillery, where rum was produced. The adjacent museum displays artifacts recovered from the site, providing insight into the daily lives of both the plantation owners and the enslaved workers. Betty's Hope serves as a place for reflection on the complex history of Antigua and the impact of the sugar trade.

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