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

Step back in time at Antigua's first sugar plantation, where restored windmills whisper tales of colonial life and industry.

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Explore Betty's Hope, Antigua's first large-scale sugar plantation, established in 1650. Wander the grounds of this open-air museum, where restored windmills and ruins whisper tales of colonial industry and the lives of those who labored 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

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the expansive grounds, as you'll be walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring cash for the donation box at the entrance.
  • Visit during the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) for pleasant weather.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Betty's Hope is located near Pares Village, in a rural part of Antigua. From St. John's, the capital, take Independence Drive, then turn onto Sir George Walter Highway, heading east. Continue onto Parham Road, following signs for Betty's Hope. The drive is approximately 30 minutes. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    From St. John's, take a public bus towards Pares Village. Buses are infrequent, so check the schedule in advance. The bus will drop you off near Pares Village, from where you can walk to Betty's Hope. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. Bus fare is approximately EC$3 (US$1.11).

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Discover more about Betty's Hope Historic Sugar Plantation

Betty's Hope, located near Pares Village, stands as a poignant reminder of Antigua's colonial past and its reliance on the sugar industry. Established in 1650 by Governor Keynell, it was the island's first large-scale sugar plantation. The Codrington family acquired the property in 1674 and named it Betty's Hope after Christopher Codrington's daughter. For centuries, Betty's Hope thrived as a major agricultural and industrial enterprise, its landscape dominated by sugar cane fields and imposing windmills. Enslaved Africans and their descendants toiled under harsh conditions to cultivate and process sugar, their skills as craftsmen, boilers, and distillers contributing to the plantation's reputation for excellence. Today, Betty's Hope is an open-air museum where visitors can explore the partially restored ruins. See the twin windmills, one with restored sails and crushing machinery, and imagine the bustling activity of the boiling house and still house. The visitor center, housed in a former cotton storeroom, displays artifacts, maps, and models that illustrate the plantation's history. Walking around the grounds, you'll also see stone water catchments and the remains of the manager's house, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked here. Betty's Hope provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and coastline.

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