
Nelson's Dockyard Antigua
Explore Antigua's UNESCO-listed 18th-century naval base, Nelson's Dockyard, with restored buildings, a museum, and a picturesque harbor.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Nelson's Dockyard Antigua
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Antigua's UNESCO-listed 18th-century naval base, Nelson's Dockyard, with restored buildings, a museum, and a picturesque harbor.
"A definite to visit whilst in Antigua - completely restored world heritage site with good facilities, restaurants and stalls."

🎟️ Entry Fee Value
The $15 entry covers Nelson's Dockyard & Shirley Heights museum. Visit both on the same day!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones and trails. Wear comfy shoes!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Georgian Architecture
Various buildings within the dockyard
Wander through meticulously restored 18th and 19th-century naval buildings, showcasing Georgian architecture.

Naval History Museum
Dockyard Museum
Discover the rich maritime history of the British Navy and Admiral Horatio Nelson's connection to the site.

Superyacht Spotting
English Harbour
Admire the impressive collection of superyachts docked in the picturesque English Harbour.

Shirley Heights Lookout
Short drive/hike from the dockyard
Enjoy panoramic views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, especially stunning at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Entry Fee & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Entry Fee Value
The $15 entry covers Nelson's Dockyard & Shirley Heights museum. Visit both on the same day!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones and trails. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Sunset Views
Head to Shirley Heights for breathtaking sunset views over the harbor.
🍽️ Dining Options
Explore restaurants and bars within the dockyard for a meal or drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Entry Fee Value
The $15 entry covers Nelson's Dockyard & Shirley Heights museum. Visit both on the same day!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones and trails. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Sunset Views
Head to Shirley Heights for breathtaking sunset views over the harbor.
🍽️ Dining Options
Explore restaurants and bars within the dockyard for a meal or drinks.
⛵ Yacht Spotting
The harbor is a hub for superyachts; great for boat enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nelson's Dockyard for its historical significance and well-preserved architecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into naval history. The picturesque harbor filled with yachts and the option to visit Shirley Heights for stunning views are major draws. Some find the site a bit commercialized and note that the entry fee covers multiple attractions.
"Very interesting historical site with several well preserved buildings, a small museum, harbour mouth fortifications and a hiking trail.
The Copper & Lumber Store Hotel is a business on its own, but its possible to get inside and visit a part of it while walking around the dockyards.
There are quite a few pretty boats to see as well, but I suppose that varies with who's visiting."
Tomasz Jankowski
"This place was absolutely amazing. Antigua is a beautiful island. We spent 7 days here and had so many adventures. The sailing was great, snorkeling was phenomenal, and the people were kind and helpful. We have already booked a return trip! Nelson’s Dockyard has a lot to offer in the way of tourism. So much to see and do. Make sure to visit Shirley Heights and the Blockhouse when you are on this side of the island!"
Amanda Castle-White
"Beautiful. Amazing culture to be found and we found wonderful restaurants, Pillars and Boom Hotel. This place was amazing even in the quiet season. I dont think we'd have got a seat in high season so we were very lucky to go at the time we did"
Nicole Waumsley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nelson's Dockyard is located in English Harbour on the southern coast of Antigua. Taxis are readily available from St. John's and other parts of the island. If you're renting a car, follow signs for English Harbour. The drive offers scenic views.
While not as direct as a taxi, local minibuses run from St. John's towards English Harbour. You may need to walk a short distance or take a short taxi ride from the bus drop-off point to the dockyard itself.
Many visitors combine a visit to Nelson's Dockyard with Shirley Heights and Falmouth Harbour. You can walk between these locations, or use taxis for convenience.
Yes, you can drive to Nelson's Dockyard. There is parking available, though it can get busy during peak times. The roads leading to English Harbour are generally well-maintained.
Nelson's Dockyard is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the cruise port in St. John's. Taxis are the most convenient option for cruise ship passengers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is $15 USD per person. This fee typically includes access to Nelson's Dockyard and the Shirley Heights museum and overlook if visited on the same day.
The fee grants you access to explore the historic buildings, the Dockyard Museum, and the grounds of Nelson's Dockyard. It also covers entry to Shirley Heights.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket booth. The fee is generally considered good value for accessing two significant historical sites.
Nelson's Dockyard is generally open daily from morning until early evening. Specific hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official Nelson's Dockyard National Park website or inquire locally.
Access to the general harbor area and shops may be possible without an entry fee, but to explore the museum and historical buildings, the $15 USD fee is required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the restored 18th and 19th-century naval buildings, visit the Dockyard Museum, admire the superyachts, enjoy shops and restaurants, and take in the harbor views.
Yes, there is a Dockyard Museum that showcases the site's rich naval history and its connection to Admiral Horatio Nelson.
The entire dockyard offers picturesque views. Key spots include the waterfront with docked yachts, the historic buildings, and the view from the upper levels looking down onto the harbor.
Yes, there are hiking trails, including a path to Shirley Heights and the Blockhouse, offering stunning coastal and harbor vistas.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, formerly a key British naval base, strategically important for its protected harbor. It's named after Admiral Horatio Nelson.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Nelson's Dockyard has several restaurants and bars, offering a range of dining experiences from casual to more upscale.
You can find a mix of local Antiguan cuisine and international dishes. Many establishments offer waterfront dining with views of the yachts.
Dining prices can vary. Some places are more tourist-oriented and can be pricier, while others offer more moderate options. It's advisable to check menus before committing.
Absolutely! There are several bars where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, often with a view of the harbor.
While primarily known for restaurants, you can often find cafes or smaller eateries offering snacks and lighter fare.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon leading into sunset provides dramatic lighting, especially when viewed from Shirley Heights.
It's ideal for architectural photography of the historic buildings, maritime scenes with yachts, and scenic harbor landscapes.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and historical sites. It's best to check with the Nelson's Dockyard National Park authorities for current regulations.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide harbor shots and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens is useful for the expansive harbor views.
The waterfront promenade offers classic views of the docked boats and buildings. For a broader perspective, the trails leading up to Shirley Heights provide stunning panoramic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚓ History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
🛥️ Yachting Community
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Naval History of Nelson's Dockyard
The site's preservation is remarkable, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the bustling activity of naval life centuries ago. The museum within the dockyard further elaborates on this history, detailing naval strategies, daily life for sailors, and the significance of the Caribbean fleet. Exploring the dockyard is not just about admiring old buildings; it's about understanding a crucial chapter in naval and colonial history.
Experiencing Nelson's Dockyard Today
Beyond the historical structures, the surrounding area offers more to explore. A short drive or hike leads to Shirley Heights, renowned for its panoramic views and Sunday evening parties featuring live music and barbecue. The Copper & Lumber Store Hotel offers accommodation within the historic dockyard itself, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the ambiance. The combination of history, stunning scenery, and modern amenities makes Nelson's Dockyard a multifaceted destination.
Visiting Nelson's Dockyard with a Yacht
The dockyard's historical context adds a unique charm for visiting yachts. While modern amenities cater to the needs of large vessels, the backdrop of 18th-century naval architecture provides an unparalleled aesthetic. Many yachting companies and charter services highlight Nelson's Dockyard as a key destination in their Caribbean itineraries, emphasizing its beauty and historical significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit