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

Discover Antigua's colonial past at Betty's Hope, a historic sugar plantation with restored windmills and poignant reminders of its complex history.

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Explore the ruins of Betty's Hope, Antigua's first large-scale sugar plantation, established in the 17th century. Wander through the historic site, envisioning life during the sugar boom and reflecting on the lives of those who labored here. See restored windmills and learn about the island's colonial past.

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 walking around the expansive grounds.
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee donation box.
  • Visit during the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) for the best weather.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Devil's Bridge or Stingray City.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From St. John's, take bus 33 or 56 towards Pares. Ask the driver to stop near Betty's Hope. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 13-minute walk to the entrance. Bus fare is around EC$3 [check local rates]. Note that bus schedules can be infrequent.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. John's and other major tourist areas. A taxi from St. John's to Betty's Hope will cost approximately US$20-US$30 , depending on your negotiation skills. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Agree on the fare before starting your journey.

  • Car

    From St. John's, follow the A1 towards the east. Look for signs indicating Betty's Hope. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. There is free parking available on-site. Be aware that roads in Antigua can have potholes, so drive carefully.

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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 sugar-producing past. Established in 1650, it was one of the island's first and largest sugar plantations. Founded by Governor Keynell, the estate was later acquired by the Codrington family in 1674 and named after Christopher Codrington's daughter. For centuries, Betty's Hope thrived as a major agricultural and industrial enterprise, heavily reliant on the labor of enslaved Africans. The plantation's operations included cultivating sugarcane, extracting its juice using windmills, boiling the juice to crystallize sugar, and distilling rum. The remains of these processes are still visible today, including the twin windmills (one restored), the boiling house, and the still house. Today, Betty's Hope serves as an open-air museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Antigua's colonial history and the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantation. Visitors can explore the grounds, view the restored windmill, and learn about the plantation's history at the visitor center. The site provides a powerful reminder of the impact of slavery on Antigua and the Caribbean.

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