High Knoll Fort Saint Helena
A historic military fort offering breathtaking 360° views of St. Helena and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
High Knoll Fort Saint Helena
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic military fort offering breathtaking 360° views of St. Helena and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
"Amazing view. Much of the fort is still intact. Worth the hike up the hill."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be windy. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather changes quickly on St. Helena. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Island Views
Summit of the fort
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of St. Helena, from Jamestown to the surrounding landscapes. A photographer's dream!
Intact Military Architecture
Throughout the fort
Explore the remarkably preserved structures of this significant historical military installation. Feel the echoes of the past.
Stargazing Paradise
Open areas of the fort
Witness incredible night skies with minimal light pollution. See planets, galaxies, and constellations like never before.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Unrestricted Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be windy. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather changes quickly on St. Helena. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain.
🔭 Bring Your Telescope
For an unforgettable experience, visit at night for exceptional stargazing.
🚶♀️ Hike from Jamestown
The walk up from Jamestown offers a rewarding experience, though it's a significant trek.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be windy. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather changes quickly on St. Helena. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain.
🔭 Bring Your Telescope
For an unforgettable experience, visit at night for exceptional stargazing.
🚶♀️ Hike from Jamestown
The walk up from Jamestown offers a rewarding experience, though it's a significant trek.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are stunning, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise High Knoll Fort for its spectacular panoramic views and the freedom to explore its well-preserved historical structures. Many highlight the incredible stargazing opportunities and the sense of stepping back in time. Some note that while the fort is largely intact, it could benefit from some upkeep.
"Reasonably well preserved piece of St Helena history. No restrictions so you can ramble and wander anywhere you like. Great views of the island."
Brendan Wilson
"Amazing view. Much of the fort is still intact. Could use a little sprucing up. Should be used for outdoor events. Worth the hike up the hill."
Nate Perrins
"A long walk up from Jamestown, but amazing views."
Tim Gibbs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach High Knoll Fort is by car or taxi, which can navigate the winding roads. For the adventurous, a hike from Jamestown is possible, though it's a considerable trek. Some visitors combine a visit with Plantation House, as they are relatively close.
Public transportation options directly to High Knoll Fort are limited. It's advisable to arrange a taxi or consider a guided tour for convenient access.
Yes, driving is a convenient way to reach High Knoll Fort. The roads are winding but generally accessible by car. Parking is available at the fort.
Exploring the area often involves a combination of driving to the fort and then walking around its grounds. For a more immersive experience, consider guided tours that can provide historical context.
Due to the uneven terrain and historical nature of the fort, full accessibility for individuals with significant mobility issues may be challenging. It's best to assess the conditions upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entry restrictions or tickets required to visit High Knoll Fort. You can explore the grounds freely.
High Knoll Fort is open 24/7 as there are no official opening hours or restrictions. You can visit at any time.
There is no admission fee to enter High Knoll Fort. It is a free historical site to explore.
Yes, you can visit High Knoll Fort at night. It's particularly popular for stargazing due to the lack of light pollution.
While there are no official guided tours, some visitors recommend hiring a local guide for a deeper understanding of the fort's history.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Late afternoon during the golden hour offers beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Clear nights are ideal for astrophotography. 
You'll get spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of St. Helena, including Jamestown, the coastline, and the island's interior. +1
Yes, drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the fort and the island.
Absolutely! High Knoll Fort is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent spot for stargazing, including viewing planets and galaxies.
The highest points within the fort offer the most expansive and unobstructed views for photography.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the well-preserved military structures, enjoy the stunning panoramic views, and experience incredible stargazing at night.
Much of the fort is still intact and reasonably well-preserved, offering a good sense of its historical significance.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable and windy.
There are no facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at High Knoll Fort. It's a natural historical site.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at High Knoll Fort, allowing you to enjoy the views while you dine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on-site. The hike up from Jamestown might be challenging for very young children, so consider driving or taking a taxi. The panoramic views are a great way to teach kids about geography and the island's layout. At night, if your children are up for it, the stargazing can be a magical experience.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be sure to wear appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots and layers of clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and the terrain uneven. Bring ample water and snacks, as there are no amenities at the fort. The opportunity for birdwatching and enjoying the raw, natural beauty of St. Helena is also a significant draw for nature lovers.
🔭 Amateur Astronomers
Bring your telescope and prepare to be amazed by the clarity of the stars, planets, and galaxies visible from this remote vantage point. Plan your visit for a clear night, ideally when the moon is not full, to maximize your stargazing experience. Familiarize yourself with the constellations and celestial objects visible from the Southern Hemisphere. The fort's open spaces provide ample room to set up equipment and enjoy the cosmic spectacle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into St. Helena's Military Past
During its operational period, High Knoll Fort would have housed soldiers and artillery, playing a silent but significant role in maintaining British control over this remote South Atlantic outpost. The fort's relatively intact state today is remarkable, offering a tangible link to the lives of those who served there. Visitors can imagine the daily routines, the vigilance required, and the sheer isolation of life on St. Helena during those times. The fort's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of St. Helena's development as a naval coaling station and later, a place of exile.
While the fort is no longer actively used for military purposes, its historical significance is undeniable. It serves as a powerful reminder of the island's strategic value and the efforts made to defend it. The unrestricted access allows for a personal and immersive experience, encouraging visitors to reflect on the fort's past and its enduring presence on the St. Helena landscape.
Capturing the Magic: Photography and Stargazing
+1 Drone enthusiasts will find the elevated position and vast open spaces ideal for capturing unique aerial shots of the fort and the island's dramatic topography. Beyond daylight, High Knoll Fort transforms into an astronomer's paradise. Its remote location and minimal light pollution create exceptionally dark skies, making it one of the best spots for stargazing in the South Atlantic. Visitors have reported seeing planets like Jupiter and Saturn with their moons, the thin crescent moon, Mars, the Pleiades star cluster, the Andromeda Galaxy, and even the Small Magellanic Cloud.
Bringing a telescope can enhance this experience, allowing for detailed observation of celestial wonders. For the best photographic results, consider visiting during different times of the day and night. Early mornings can offer misty, atmospheric views, while late afternoons provide that coveted golden light. For stargazing, ensure you visit on a clear night, away from any moon phases that might obscure fainter celestial objects. The combination of historical architecture and natural beauty makes High Knoll Fort a truly photogenic and astronomically significant location.
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