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Nelson's Dockyard: A Georgian Era Naval Base

Step back in time at this beautifully restored Georgian dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and working marina in Antigua's English Harbour.

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Explore Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard in the world. Wander through meticulously restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings, now housing shops, hotels, restaurants, and a museum, all while surrounded by an active marina filled with impressive yachts.

A brief summary to Nelson's Dockyard

Local tips

  • Purchase a day pass for US$15, which grants access to Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Clarence House, and Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre.
  • Explore the Dockyard Museum to delve into the site's history and naval life during the British colonial period.
  • Take the Middle Ground Trail for a 10-minute walk to Fort Berkeley and enjoy idyllic views of English Harbour.
  • Visit during the dry season (December to April) for sunny weather, but book accommodations and activities in advance.
  • Check for special events or guided tours to enhance your visit.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From St. John's, take the #17 bus towards English Harbour. The bus departs from the West Bus Station every 15 minutes and costs approximately US$2. The journey takes about 1 hour. The bus terminates near the entrance to Nelson's Dockyard.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from most points in Antigua. A taxi from St. John's to Nelson's Dockyard is approximately US$24-30 and takes about 22 minutes. Ensure you book with a licensed driver, ideally through your resort or hotel.

  • Walking

    If you are already in English Harbour, the entrance to Nelson's Dockyard is a short 10-minute walk from the Antigua Yacht Club. Follow the road along the waterfront, and you'll easily reach the dockyard entrance.

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Discover more about Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson's Dockyard, nestled in English Harbour, Antigua, is a captivating blend of cultural heritage and maritime activity. As the world's only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard, it offers a unique glimpse into naval history. Originally established in 1725 as 'His Majesty's Yard in English Harbour,' it later became known as Nelson's Dockyard, named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who served here from 1784 to 1787. Ironically, Nelson himself reportedly disliked the post, calling English Harbour an 'infernal hole'. The dockyard's construction began in the 1740s, primarily by enslaved laborers. It served as a strategic base for the British Royal Navy, particularly during conflicts with France. The site grew to include a capstan house, storehouses, workshops and quarters for officers. By the late 19th century, however, advancements in naval technology rendered the dockyard obsolete, and it was closed in 1889. After decades of neglect, restoration efforts began in the 1950s, transforming the site into a beloved tourist attraction. Today, Nelson's Dockyard is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing historical and natural sites. Visitors can explore the Dockyard Museum, housed in the former Naval Officer's and Clerk's House, wander along the marina, and visit nearby Fort Berkeley. The park also includes Shirley Heights, Clarence House, and Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre, offering a comprehensive experience of Antigua's rich naval history.

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