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Fort Barrington National Park: A Coastal Fortress with a View

Explore historic fort ruins with stunning Caribbean views at Fort Barrington National Park, a blend of history and natural beauty in Antigua.

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Perched atop Goat Hill, Fort Barrington National Park offers a blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. Explore the ruins of an 18th-century fort while enjoying panoramic views of St. John's Harbour, Deep Bay, and the Caribbean Sea.

A brief summary to Fort Barrington National Park

  • Beach Trail, AG
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for the sometimes steep and rocky climb to the fort.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade on the trail and at the fort.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Deep Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Be cautious of Manchaneel trees near the trail's base; avoid touching them.
  • Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From St. John's, taxis are readily available. A taxi to Fort Barrington National Park takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The taxi will drop you off at the entrance to the park on Beach Trail. Expect to pay around $20-$25 USD for a one-way trip.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses (often minivans) depart from St. John's Market Street towards the North Sound area. Inform the driver you wish to get off near Beach Trail. The bus ride takes roughly 20-30 minutes. From the bus stop, walk along Beach Trail for about 5-10 minutes to reach the park entrance. The bus fare is approximately $1 USD.

  • Walking

    If you are staying at the nearby Royalton Antigua resort, you can walk to Fort Barrington National Park. Exit the resort and follow the road towards Deep Bay. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. Follow Beach Trail until you reach the entrance of the park.

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Discover more about Fort Barrington National Park

Fort Barrington National Park, situated on Antigua's western coast, is a captivating destination where history and scenic vistas converge. The park's centerpiece, Fort Barrington, was strategically built in 1779 by the British to defend St. John's Harbour from potential French attacks. Originally known as Goat Hill Fort, Cripplegate Battery, and Queen's Battery, the fort was renamed in honor of Admiral Samuel Barrington, who commanded the Leeward Islands station during its construction. The fort played a crucial role in Antigua's defense, serving as a signal station to alert forces across the island of impending attacks. It's believed to be the only fort on Antigua that saw military action, having been captured and liberated from the French multiple times. Today, visitors can explore the partially overgrown ruins of Fort Barrington, including the circular battery, a small magazine, and remnants of barracks. The brief but steep climb to the fort rewards you with panoramic views of the harbor, Deep Bay, and the open sea. Deep Bay itself is a beautiful beach, accessible from the resorts in the Five Islands area, and is known for the wreck of the Andes, a popular snorkeling site. While exploring the park, be mindful of the Manchaneel trees at the base of the trail, as contact with their sap can cause skin irritation. Despite the lack of extensive signage or park rangers, Fort Barrington National Park offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate Antigua's rich history and stunning coastal scenery.

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