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Plantation House & Jonathan

4.8
·26 reviews·, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Meet Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise, and explore a historic plantation house on the remote island of St. Helena.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Tortoises are most active

CrowdMedium
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Gas and plantation store

Plantation House & Jonathan

Best Time

Daytime

Tortoises are most active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Meet Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise, and explore a historic plantation house on the remote island of St. Helena.

4.8
(26 reviews)

"Debbie, our tour guide was fabulous! So friendly and funny. And the another lady who plays piano.."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo with Jonathan

You can take photos with Jonathan! A small fee may apply to access the grounds for interaction. :camerawithflash:

☕ Afternoon Tea Surprise

Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with coffee, tea, and scones. An unexpected treat during your visit! :tea:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jonathan the Tortoise

Jonathan the Tortoise

Plantation House Grounds

Meet the world's oldest living land animal, a gentle giant over 190 years old. A truly unique and unforgettable encounter.

Plantation House Tour

Plantation House Tour

Plantation House

Step back in time with a fascinating guided tour of this historic plantation house, filled with stories and artifacts.

Giant Tortoise Interaction

Giant Tortoise Interaction

Plantation House Grounds

Beyond Jonathan, interact with other friendly giant tortoises like David, Emma, and Frederick. A delightful experience for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Meet Jonathan: The Ancient Tortoise

Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, is the star attraction. Visitors can interact with him and other giant tortoises on the grounds. Plan your visit to ensure you have ample time to spend with these gentle giants.

Explore Historic Plantation House

The Plantation House offers a glimpse into the island's past with its well-preserved architecture and historical artifacts. Guided tours provide in-depth knowledge, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Tortoises are most active
Crowd
Medium
When
During a guided tour
Why
In-depth history and stories
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#sainthelena #History #historytok #blackhistory #BlackTikTok #worldhistory #africa #africanhistory #napoleon
@ooopolish
93K likes • 451.5K views

📸 Photo with Jonathan

You can take photos with Jonathan! A small fee may apply to access the grounds for interaction. :camerawithflash:

☕ Afternoon Tea Surprise

Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with coffee, tea, and scones. An unexpected treat during your visit! :tea:

Oldest preserved plantation house in America.. #foryoupage #plantation #realestate #properties
celebrityhome
15.9K likes • 715.1K views
Plantation House Studio & Shop Open Monday-Saturday : 11am to 5pm Closed on Sunday www.plantationhouseshop.com #plantationhousestudioshop #supportsmallshopsaroundtheworld #loveplantationhouse #plantationhouseindia #plantationhouse #artisanalfashion #stealthluxury #utilitarianfashion #naturalfibre #handwoven #handmade #keepingtraditionsalive #ageoldweavingtechnique
plantationhouseindia
129 likes • 5.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't just see the house; wander the attractive grounds and enjoy the company of the other tortoises. :walking:

🗣️ Engaging Tour Guides

The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and funny, making the history come alive. Ask questions!

Plantation House 📍Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana Resort living in Ghana 🔥🤌 The name 'Plantation House' is intended to capture the essence of a tropical paradise, highlighting lush greenery, vibrant flora, and a relaxing atmosphere. It's all about embracing the beauty of nature and creating a welcoming environment🌴 Long term rental - 2 & 3 bedroom apartments available. • • • • #takoradiprop...
plantationhouse.takoradi
47 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo with Jonathan

You can take photos with Jonathan! A small fee may apply to access the grounds for interaction. :camerawithflash:

☕ Afternoon Tea Surprise

Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with coffee, tea, and scones. An unexpected treat during your visit! :tea:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't just see the house; wander the attractive grounds and enjoy the company of the other tortoises. :walking:

🗣️ Engaging Tour Guides

The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and funny, making the history come alive. Ask questions!

🛍️ Souvenir Stall

A small stall outside offers mementos. Perfect for a small keepsake from your visit. :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Plantation House for its unique combination of historical significance and the unforgettable experience of meeting Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise. The engaging guided tours and the unexpected delight of afternoon tea are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While the focus is often on the tortoises, the well-maintained house and grounds add to the overall charm.

"The best tour in Santa Helena.
We had a great time with a big group in Plantation House. Well decorated and beautiful place to visit. Debbie, our tour guide was fabulous! So friendly and funny. And the another lady who plays piano..
They prepared coffee, tea and scones for us. So we met nice people in the tour and of course, we took a photo with Jonathan!"

Aymee Mariah B. Braglia

"I have too much to recommend about this place. I visited here twice in one week. There are two famous and much loved people here. Jonathan the tortoise who is super nice despite his age and eyesight. Then there is Debbie the house favourite of them all who will give you the most detailed tour you will ever experience in any st Helena attraction. This house is the most well kept historical building on St Helena. The grounds are also attractive, do not miss an opportunity to go here when you visit St Helena. I will shortly be posting content on my visit there. find me #asaintabroad for more."

Johnny Clingham

"The giant tortoises are amazing! They are so friendly and energetic! The tour is also great, giving in depth knowledge of the house. Great for anyone visiting or living on the island :) Pictured is David but there is also Johnathan, Emma and Frederick"

Juliette Angell

What People Like

Meeting Jonathan the tortoise
Fascinating house tours
Friendly and informative guides

What People Dislike

Limited dining options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plantation House is located on the island of St. Helena. Access to the island is typically via flights to St. Helena Airport. Once on the island, local transport or taxis can take you to Plantation House. TikTok

The airport is on St. Helena, and Plantation House is a well-known attraction on the island. Local transport options are available to reach it from the airport or your accommodation. Reddit

Options include taxis, car rentals, and guided tours. For reaching Plantation House, a taxi or a pre-booked tour is recommended for convenience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an admission fee, especially if you wish to access the grounds to interact with the tortoises. The fee is typically a few GBP. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours for tours and tortoise interaction. It's advisable to check locally for the most current times. Instagram

You can access the grounds to see the tortoises for a fee, but a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history of the house. Reddit

While Jonathan is the main attraction, the fee generally covers access to the grounds where all the giant tortoises reside, including Jonathan. Reddit

Information on group discounts is not widely available online, but it's worth inquiring directly with Plantation House if you are planning a large group visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The best way is to visit during the day when he is most active. You can interact with him and take photos on the grounds of Plantation House. Reddit

While you can get close and take photos, it's important to be respectful of his age and condition. Guides will advise on appropriate interaction. Reddit

The guided tour is highly praised for its in-depth historical information and engaging storytelling by knowledgeable guides. Reddit

Yes, besides Jonathan, you can meet other friendly giant tortoises like David, Emma, and Frederick on the grounds. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the grounds and the house. Dress for the local climate. :athletic_shoe:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, visitors can enjoy an afternoon tea with coffee, tea, and scones, which is often included or offered as a delightful surprise during the visit. Reddit

Dining options on St. Helena are limited but available. It's best to check local recommendations for restaurants near Plantation House or in the main town. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally polite to consume your own food and drinks away from the main historical areas. The afternoon tea is a recommended experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed on the grounds for personal use, especially with the tortoises. Check for any specific restrictions inside the house. Reddit

The grounds with the tortoises, especially Jonathan, offer iconic photo opportunities. The historic architecture of the house itself is also picturesque. Reddit

For professional shoots or commercial use, you would likely need to seek permission in advance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plantation House is a fantastic destination for families. The main draw for children will undoubtedly be Jonathan and the other giant tortoises. Kids are often fascinated by these slow-moving giants and love the opportunity to see them up close and even take photos. Reddit The grounds offer space for children to explore safely, and the interactive nature of seeing the tortoises can be very engaging. The guided tour of the house, while informative, might be better suited for older children who can appreciate historical narratives. Consider focusing on the tortoise interaction for younger ones. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Plantation House is a must-visit. The guided tours offer deep dives into the island's colonial past, detailing the lives of its inhabitants and the historical significance of the property. Reddit The well-preserved architecture and artifacts provide tangible links to bygone eras. Beyond the house, the presence of Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, adds a unique historical dimension, connecting visitors to centuries of natural history. TikTok

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find ample opportunities at Plantation House. The iconic shots of Jonathan the tortoise are a primary draw, especially during the golden hours when the light is soft. Reddit The historic architecture of the house and the lush grounds also provide beautiful backdrops. Capturing the interaction between visitors and the tortoises can lead to heartwarming and memorable images. Remember to check for any specific photography restrictions inside the house. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Jonathan: A Living Legend

Jonathan the tortoise is not just an attraction; he's a symbol of longevity and a living piece of history. Believed to have hatched around 1832, he is the oldest known living land animal in the world. His presence at Plantation House has made it a pilgrimage site for those fascinated by natural history and extreme longevity. Visitors often describe him as gentle and surprisingly energetic, despite his advanced age and declining eyesight. Interacting with him, even just observing him bask in the sun, is a profound experience that connects you to a bygone era. Reddit

His care is a priority, ensuring he lives out his days in comfort. The grounds are designed to accommodate his needs, and visitors are encouraged to be respectful of his environment. Meeting Jonathan is often cited as the highlight of any trip to St. Helena, offering a unique perspective on the passage of time and the resilience of life. TikTokReddit

The History of Plantation House

Plantation House itself is a significant historical landmark, offering a window into the island's past. While the exact construction date varies in historical accounts, it's understood to be a well-preserved example of colonial architecture. The house has served various purposes throughout its history, and today it stands as a testament to the island's heritage. Instagram+1

Guided tours are essential for understanding the stories held within its walls. Guides share detailed accounts of its former inhabitants, its role in the island's development, and the lives of those who lived and worked there, including the enslaved people who were part of its history. Reddit The grounds are also historically significant, providing a serene backdrop for the house and a habitat for its most famous resident, Jonathan. Instagram

Experiencing St. Helena's Charm

Visiting Plantation House offers more than just a glimpse of a historic home and an ancient tortoise; it's an immersion into the unique charm of St. Helena. The island itself is remote and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle of modern life. TikTok The friendly nature of the locals, like the tour guides at Plantation House, adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

The experience at Plantation House, including the unexpected delight of afternoon tea and the opportunity to connect with nature and history, encapsulates the essence of St. Helena. It's a destination that rewards those who seek out its quiet wonders and appreciate its rich, albeit sometimes somber, past. Reddit

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