Longwood House Saint Helena
Step into Napoleon's final exile at Longwood House, a preserved estate on Saint Helena, offering a profound historical journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Longwood House Saint Helena
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Napoleon's final exile at Longwood House, a preserved estate on Saint Helena, offering a profound historical journey.
"Essential viewing while on St. Helena, a great piece of well-maintained history."
🎧 Essential Audio Guide
Don't skip the audio guide; it's vital for context as signs are scarce. :iphone:
💰 Bring Cash
Entrance fees and gift shop purchases are cash-only. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Napoleon's Residence
Longwood House
Walk through the rooms where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile. Feel the weight of history in this preserved estate.
The Gardens
Longwood House Grounds
Explore the grounds where Napoleon once walked. While not as grand as some famous gardens, they offer a peaceful respite.
Briar Pavilion
Near Longwood House
Visit the initial dwelling Napoleon occupied before Longwood House was ready. A smaller, more intimate historical site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Essential Audio Guide
Cash Only Payments
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Essential Audio Guide
Don't skip the audio guide; it's vital for context as signs are scarce. :iphone:
💰 Bring Cash
Entrance fees and gift shop purchases are cash-only. :moneybag:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 90 minutes to explore the house and grounds thoroughly. :clock:
🇫🇷 French Touches
Note the French flag and bilingual tickets, a nod to its French ownership. :flag_fr:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Essential Audio Guide
Don't skip the audio guide; it's vital for context as signs are scarce. :iphone:
💰 Bring Cash
Entrance fees and gift shop purchases are cash-only. :moneybag:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 90 minutes to explore the house and grounds thoroughly. :clock:
🇫🇷 French Touches
Note the French flag and bilingual tickets, a nod to its French ownership. :flag_fr:
🛍️ Souvenir Postcards
Find unique Napoleon-themed postcards and stamps with a Longwood House postmark. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Longwood House is a deeply significant historical site, offering a poignant glimpse into Napoleon Bonaparte's final years of exile. Visitors praise its well-maintained interior and the essential audio guide that brings history to life. However, some find the lack of signage and the cash-only payment system inconvenient, and a few reviews mention a less-than-welcoming atmosphere or a need for facility upkeep.
"This is probably what you came to St. Helena to see—where Napoleon lived in exile.
The French government bought Longwood House and Briar Pavillion (where Napoleon lived for the first two months on St. Helena while Longwood House was being readied for him) and maintains it. Two little pieces of France in St. Helena, complete with a French flag and tickets in French as well as English.
I love history and it took me 90 minutes to go through the house while listening to the audio guide (2 pounds). There are few signs so the audio guide is essential. It goes into incredible detail about some paintings and artifacts which you can safely skip. More on the context of St. Helena at the time would have been more interesting and welcome. Thus I removed one star.
For example, the large slave population of St. Helena and the extreme measures the British took to prevent Napoleon’s escape, such as taking possession of Ascension and Tristan. But you’ll have to go to the Museum in Jamestown to learn about that.
The only place I found on the island selling Napoleon themed postcards and you can even get Napoleon stamps with a Longwood House postmark.
Essential viewing while on St. Helena. Take note of restricted opening times."
Karin Sinniger
"A must visit when in St Helena. A great piece of well maintained history. I visited this place as a kid and what a difference it is now the team here must spend hours preserving this important piece of island history, it also has a small gift shop, the interior is immaculate, this place only takes an entrance fee in cash which I think it would benefit from some form of electronic payment because I would have thought some visitors would only have visa or some form of bank card. There are no guided tours however very informative audio numbered excibed commentary is available."
Johnny Clingham
"I visited here 10 years ago but I don't think that should influence my review for the timeless heritage this place has. I felt I was in the presence of Europe let alone a single man. It was awe-inspiring and fascinating."
Jack Larkin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Longwood House is located inland on Saint Helena. The most common way to reach it is by car or taxi from Jamestown, the capital. The drive takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Public transportation options on Saint Helena are limited. It's advisable to arrange a taxi or consider renting a car for flexibility in reaching Longwood House and other island attractions.
Many visitors opt for guided tours that include Longwood House, or they rent a car. Taxis are also readily available.
From Jamestown, head inland following signs towards Longwood. The roads are generally well-maintained but can be winding.
Longwood House is approximately 5-7 miles (8-11 km) inland from Jamestown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times can vary, so it's essential to check the official schedule before your visit. Restricted opening times are noted by visitors.
There is an entrance fee to visit Longwood House. Visitors have noted it's a small fee, around 2 pounds for the audio guide.
Currently, tickets for Longwood House are typically purchased on-site. It's recommended to have cash ready for the entrance fee.
While there are no guided tours, an informative audio commentary is available for an additional fee, which is highly recommended. +1
Advance booking is generally not required for Longwood House, but it's always wise to check for any special events or holiday hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the rooms where Napoleon lived, learn about his exile through the audio guide, and wander the grounds. It's a deep dive into a significant historical period. +1
Absolutely. The audio guide is essential as there are few signs, and it provides crucial historical context and details about the artifacts.
Most visitors spend about 90 minutes to 2 hours exploring Longwood House and its grounds, especially with the audio guide.
Basic facilities are available. Some reviews mention that the facilities could be better maintained, suggesting a need for upkeep.
Longwood House is historically significant as the residence of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte during his final years of exile on Saint Helena from 1815 until his death in 1821. 
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there is a small gift shop at Longwood House that sells souvenirs, including Napoleon-themed postcards and stamps.
There are no extensive dining facilities directly at Longwood House. Visitors often bring their own refreshments or plan to eat in Jamestown.
Dining options are primarily in Jamestown. Some visitors suggest checking nearby restaurants for a less expensive option than on-site dining if available.
Yes, the gift shop is noted as a place to find Napoleon-themed postcards and stamps with a Longwood House postmark.
The gift shop offers items like postcards and stamps related to Napoleon and Longwood House.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary, but generally, flash photography is prohibited inside historical buildings to protect artifacts. Check for specific signage.
The exterior of the house and the surrounding gardens offer picturesque views. Capture the historical ambiance of the estate.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and national monuments. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
While general photography is usually permitted, always be mindful of others and avoid intrusive filming, especially if it disrupts the visitor experience.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the interiors and grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for children, focus on the 'exile' aspect and the idea of a famous general living in a remote house. The gift shop might offer some small souvenirs that could interest them. It's best suited for families with older children or teenagers who have an interest in history.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the historical context provided by the audio guide, which can offer a more nuanced understanding of Napoleon's situation and the broader geopolitical landscape of the early 19th century. The preservation of the house and its artifacts offers a direct connection to this pivotal historical figure.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Napoleon's Exile on Saint Helena
+1The conditions at Longwood House were reportedly damp and uncomfortable, a stark contrast to Napoleon's former imperial residences. Despite the limitations, Napoleon continued to exert influence through his writings, shaping his own historical narrative. The house itself has been restored and preserved, offering visitors a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in European history.
Visiting Longwood House provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and contemplate the life of one of history's most famous figures in his final, solitary setting. The experience is enhanced by the audio guide, which details the daily life, political machinations, and eventual demise of the former emperor.
The Role of the Audio Guide
Visitors can choose to listen to the entire commentary or selectively engage with specific points of interest. The guide offers insights into the daily routines, the political climate, and the personal struggles Napoleon faced during his confinement. It's particularly useful for understanding the nuances of the artifacts and the layout of the house, transforming a simple walkthrough into an immersive historical experience.
While the audio guide comes with a small fee, most visitors agree it's a worthwhile investment. It allows for a deeper appreciation of the historical weight of Longwood House and provides a more comprehensive understanding than simply observing the preserved rooms.
Preservation and Ownership
The meticulous preservation efforts are evident in the immaculate interior, which aims to recreate the atmosphere of Napoleon's final residence. The French flag flying at the site further emphasizes its status as a piece of French heritage located on British territory.
This dedication to preservation allows visitors to experience a remarkably intact historical site, offering a direct link to a significant period of history. The ongoing care ensures that Longwood House remains a vital destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit