Life in Antigua Barbuda

Photo: Jonathan Murphy
in this peaceful oasis, designed by architect J. Fuller of
Bath, England. Tall, bronze, white-painted figures of St.
John the Baptist and St. John the Divine stand atop the
pillars of the iron south gates. This imposing baroquestyle,
twin spired structure still dominates the capital’s
skyline.
ENGLISH HARBOUR AREA
DOW’S HILL INTERPRETATION CENTRE –
Set on the hill on your way to Shirley Heights, this
centre gives a wonderful historic summary of Antigua.
The presentation, ‘Reflections of the Sun’, is a colourful
journey through this island’s history. Well worth a visit.
FORT BERKELEY – is situated on the western
entrance to English Harbour on the narrow spit of land
behind the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel. Built in
three stages between 1704 (21 years before the
Dockyard was built) and 1745, it served as the most
critical defense to this landlocked harbour with 29
large cannons. A superb vantage point to view some of
the world’s most exotic and beautiful yachts under sail.
HIKING TRAILS IN THE NATIONAL PARK,
NELSON’S DOCKYARD – There are five walkable
trails each up to 1-1/2 miles long into the hills around
Nelson’s Dockyard. Set in the National Park, the trails
go through wooded valleys, across hill tops, past old
fortifications with stunning vistas that are seldom seen
by visitors and few Antiguans. To find these trails, start
at the entrance to the dockyard or the museum.
NELSON’S DOCKYARD – This is the only
surviving Georgian naval dockyard in the world. The
museum and several other restored buildings stand as
a memorial to Admiral Horatio Nelson and the Royal
Navy that used it for many years during the Caribbean
wars with the French, Spanish and Dutch in the 18th
and 19th centuries. This National Park houses
restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and gift shops. It is
also the home of leading yacht charter companies and
headquarters for the annual Antigua Sailing Week
Regatta. All buildings have been faithfully restored
with many fascinating facts and history detailed on
mounted showboards.
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