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Betty's Hope: Echoes of Antigua's Sugar Past

Step back in time at Antigua's first sugar plantation, explore the ruins, and learn about the island's rich colonial history.

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Explore Betty's Hope, Antigua's first large-scale sugar plantation, established in the 1650s. Wander through the ruins of windmills, boiling houses, and the museum to learn about the island's colonial history and the lives of those who labored here.

A brief summary to Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the expansive grounds and exploring the ruins.
  • Bring cash for the entrance donation, as there may not be facilities for electronic payments.
  • Visit during the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) for the most pleasant weather.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Devil's Bridge or Long Bay Beach for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From St. John's, take bus #33 or #56 towards Pares. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off near Betty's Hope; from the bus stop, it's about a 13-minute walk to the site. Bus fare is approximately $1 USD (or $2.67 XCD).

  • Taxi

    From St. John's, a taxi to Betty's Hope costs approximately $17-21 USD and takes about 11 minutes. Taxis are readily available in St. John's and can be a convenient option for reaching the plantation. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

  • Car

    From St. John's, drive east towards Pares. Follow the signs to Betty's Hope. The journey is approximately 11.6 km and takes about 11 minutes. There is a parking lot available for visitors at the site.

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Discover more about Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

Betty's Hope, located in the tranquil rural area of Pares, Antigua, offers a profound glimpse into the island's colonial past and the sugar industry that shaped its identity. Founded in the 1650s by Governor Keynell, it was Antigua's first large-scale sugar plantation. The estate was later granted to the Codrington family in 1674 and remained in their possession until 1944. Named after Christopher Codrington's daughter, it became one of the most successful and largest estates on the island. Betty's Hope is now an open-air museum where visitors can explore the partially restored ruins and learn about the history of sugar production and the lives of the enslaved Africans and laborers who worked the land. The site includes the remains of two mill towers, one of which has been carefully restored, offering a glimpse into the technology used to extract juice from sugarcane. The former cotton house has been converted into a visitor center and museum, displaying artifacts, estate plans, and historical information. Visitors can wander the sprawling grounds, observe the stone water catchments, and imagine the bustling activity of this once-thriving agricultural and industrial enterprise. The site serves as a memorial to the hardships endured by those who lived and worked here, and provides insight into the complex social structure of the time. The peaceful rural location offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in Antigua's history.

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