Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites
Location: Antigua Island, Antigua and Barbuda
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
Overview: The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites consists of a group of historic structures and archaeological sites located in English Harbour, on the southern coast of Antigua Island. The dockyard was constructed by the British Navy in the 18th century to provide a safe haven for their ships during the hurricane season. It is considered one of the best examples of British colonial architecture in the Caribbean, and is also a testament to the technological achievements of the period.
Prominent Features: The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites is home to a number of historic structures and archaeological sites, including:
History: The Antigua Naval Dockyard was built by the British Navy in the late 18th century, and served as a base for the Royal Navy's Caribbean fleet until the mid-19th century. The dockyard was strategically located to protect British interests in the region, and played a key role in the British effort to maintain control of the Caribbean during the colonial period. The dockyard was abandoned in the 19th century, but was later restored in the mid-20th century as a tourist attraction.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the historic structures and archaeological sites of the Antigua Naval Dockyard, take a guided tour of the area, and learn about the history of the British Navy in the Caribbean. There are also a variety of restaurants and shops in the area, as well as boat tours of English Harbour.
Fun Fact: The dockyard was named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who served in the British Navy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Nelson's Dockyard is one of the most well-preserved examples of British colonial architecture in the Caribbean.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the activities and services you wish to access. Guided tours of the area start at around $20 USD per person, while boat tours of English Harbour start at around $50 USD per person.
How to Reach It: The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites are located on the southern coast of Antigua Island, and can be reached by car or taxi from the capital city of St. John's. The dockyard is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city center. There are also a variety of boat tours available that depart from St. John's and other parts of the island. The nearest airport is VC Bird International Airport, which is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of St. John's.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around the Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites. Here are a few suggestions:
The Inn at English Harbour: This luxury hotel is located on the south coast of Antigua, about a 20-minute drive from the dockyard. It offers spacious rooms and suites, a spa, a beachfront restaurant, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Admiral's Inn: This historic hotel is located within the Antigua Naval Dockyard itself and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. It's a great option if you want to stay close to the action.
Copper and Lumber Store Hotel: Another historic hotel located within the Antigua Naval Dockyard, the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
South Point: This luxury boutique hotel is located on the south coast of Antigua, about a 20-minute drive from the dockyard. It offers spacious suites, a beachfront restaurant, and stunning views of Falmouth Harbour.
Catamaran Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Falmouth Harbour, about a 5-minute drive from the dockyard. It offers simple rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
There are also many vacation rental options in the area, including apartments, villas, and cottages.
Next Stop: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history;
Overview: The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites consists of a group of historic structures and archaeological sites located in English Harbour, on the southern coast of Antigua Island. The dockyard was constructed by the British Navy in the 18th century to provide a safe haven for their ships during the hurricane season. It is considered one of the best examples of British colonial architecture in the Caribbean, and is also a testament to the technological achievements of the period.
Prominent Features: The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites is home to a number of historic structures and archaeological sites, including:
- Naval Hospital
- Officer's Quarters
- Gunpowder Magazine
- Naval Storehouse
- Copper and Lumber Store
- Nelson's Dockyard
- Fort Berkeley
- Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre
History: The Antigua Naval Dockyard was built by the British Navy in the late 18th century, and served as a base for the Royal Navy's Caribbean fleet until the mid-19th century. The dockyard was strategically located to protect British interests in the region, and played a key role in the British effort to maintain control of the Caribbean during the colonial period. The dockyard was abandoned in the 19th century, but was later restored in the mid-20th century as a tourist attraction.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the historic structures and archaeological sites of the Antigua Naval Dockyard, take a guided tour of the area, and learn about the history of the British Navy in the Caribbean. There are also a variety of restaurants and shops in the area, as well as boat tours of English Harbour.
Fun Fact: The dockyard was named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, who served in the British Navy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Nelson's Dockyard is one of the most well-preserved examples of British colonial architecture in the Caribbean.
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on the activities and services you wish to access. Guided tours of the area start at around $20 USD per person, while boat tours of English Harbour start at around $50 USD per person.
How to Reach It: The Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites are located on the southern coast of Antigua Island, and can be reached by car or taxi from the capital city of St. John's. The dockyard is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city center. There are also a variety of boat tours available that depart from St. John's and other parts of the island. The nearest airport is VC Bird International Airport, which is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of St. John's.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around the Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites. Here are a few suggestions:
The Inn at English Harbour: This luxury hotel is located on the south coast of Antigua, about a 20-minute drive from the dockyard. It offers spacious rooms and suites, a spa, a beachfront restaurant, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Admiral's Inn: This historic hotel is located within the Antigua Naval Dockyard itself and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. It's a great option if you want to stay close to the action.
Copper and Lumber Store Hotel: Another historic hotel located within the Antigua Naval Dockyard, the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
South Point: This luxury boutique hotel is located on the south coast of Antigua, about a 20-minute drive from the dockyard. It offers spacious suites, a beachfront restaurant, and stunning views of Falmouth Harbour.
Catamaran Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Falmouth Harbour, about a 5-minute drive from the dockyard. It offers simple rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
There are also many vacation rental options in the area, including apartments, villas, and cottages.
Next Stop: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park