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Fort Barrington: A Sentinel Over Deep Bay

Explore Antigua's history at Fort Barrington, offering stunning views of Deep Bay and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

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Fort Barrington, perched atop Goat Hill, offers panoramic views of Deep Bay and St. John's Harbour. Built in 1779, this historic fort played a crucial role in Antigua's defense during the colonial era and is the only fort on the island to have seen military action. Today, its ruins provide a glimpse into the past and stunning photo opportunities.

A brief summary to Fort Barrington

  • 44H7+VFF, Deep Bay Beach St John Antigua, and Barbuda, AG
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for the short but steep hike to the fort.
  • Bring your camera to capture the panoramic views of Deep Bay and St. John's Harbour.
  • Combine your visit with a swim or snorkeling at Deep Bay Beach.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during cruise ship season.
  • Watch out for manchineel trees along the path, as their sap is toxic.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Deep Bay Beach, head northeast along the coastline. Follow the signs leading to Fort Barrington. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes and offers scenic views of the bay. There are several steep but short paths leading to the fort.

  • Public Transport

    From St. John's, take bus #61 towards West End - Five Island Village. The bus ride takes approximately 55 minutes. Get off at the Antigua State College stop, which is a short walk from Deep Bay Beach and the trailhead to Fort Barrington. The bus fare is approximately $2 EC.

  • Taxi

    From St. John's, a taxi to Deep Bay costs approximately $23 - $28 USD and takes about 23 minutes. The taxi can drop you off near the entrance to Deep Bay Beach, from where you can walk to the Fort Barrington trailhead. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Fort Barrington

Fort Barrington, originally known as Goat Hill Fort, Cripplegate Battery, and Queen's Battery, stands as a testament to Antigua's colonial past. Constructed in 1779 and named after Admiral Samuel Barrington, the fort was strategically positioned to protect St. John's Harbour from potential French invasions. It also served as a vital signal station, alerting forces across the island of impending attacks. Throughout its history, Fort Barrington has witnessed military action, distinguishing it as the only fort in Antigua to have done so. In 1652, Prince Rupert captured the fort, attempting to claim Antigua for the Royalists. The French briefly captured it in 1666. The fort was reinforced in 1790 to prevent further French attacks. Today, visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved ruins, including a powder magazine and a gun platform that once held eight guns. The site offers panoramic views of Deep Bay, St. John's Harbour, and the Caribbean Sea. The fort is accessible via steep but short paths, and exploring the ruins is free. Deep Bay itself is a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling, with calm waters and a shipwreck, the Andes, lying in the middle of the bay. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Fort Barrington and Deep Bay a must-visit destination in Antigua.

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