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Nelson's Dockyard: A Georgian Era Naval Base

Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a beautifully restored Georgian dockyard, active marina, and a window into Antigua's naval past.

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Nelson's Dockyard, located in English Harbour, Antigua, is a beautifully restored Georgian-era naval dockyard and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was stationed here from 1784 to 1787, it offers a glimpse into Antigua's rich maritime history. Today, it functions as a working marina and cultural attraction, featuring historic buildings, a museum, shops, and restaurants.

A brief summary to Nelson's Dockyard

Local tips

  • Purchase a day pass to access Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Clarence House, and Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre.
  • Visit during the dry season (December to April) for sunny weather.
  • Explore the Dockyard Museum to learn about the site's history.
  • Take a stroll to Fort Berkeley for idyllic views of yachts moored in English and Freeman's Bay.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From St. John's, take the #17 bus to Nelson's Dockyard. The bus departs from the West Bus Station every 15 minutes and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. The bus stops a 4-minute walk from Dockyard Drive. The cost is approximately $2 USD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from anywhere in Antigua. A taxi from the cruise ship dock to Nelson's Dockyard is approximately $24-$30 USD and takes about 22 minutes. A taxi from the Antigua Airport (ANU) to Nelson's Dockyard costs $50-$65 USD and takes about 26 minutes.

  • Driving

    Driving to Nelson's Dockyard from St. John's takes approximately 40 minutes via All Saints Road. There is a free car park directly outside the entrance to the dockyard. Parking within the Dockyard requires a valid parking card.

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Discover more about Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson's Dockyard, nestled in English Harbour on the island of Antigua, is a unique historical site that once served as a vital base for the British Royal Navy in the Caribbean. Established in 1725 and developed from the 1740s, the dockyard provided a safe harbor and strategic advantage during the age of sail. It is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who, despite disliking his time in Antigua, played a significant role in the dockyard's history. Recognized as the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard in the world, Nelson's Dockyard offers visitors a captivating journey back in time. The meticulously restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings now house a variety of attractions and services, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and the Dockyard Museum. The museum, located in the former Naval Officer's and Clerk's House, showcases the dockyard's history through exhibits and artifacts. Beyond its historical significance, Nelson's Dockyard is a vibrant hub for yachting and sailing. The marina bustles with impressive vessels from around the world, and the dockyard hosts prestigious events like Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting. Visitors can explore the dockyard's various buildings, stroll along the waterfront, and soak in the atmosphere of this unique blend of history and maritime activity. A short walk along the Middle Ground Trail leads to Fort Berkeley, offering scenic views of English Harbour. The Dockyard is part of Nelson's Dockyard National Park, which also includes Shirley Heights, Clarence House and Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre. A single admission fee covers all of these sites.

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