Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is a unique historic and environmental wonder, with the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard, brimming with history and adventure. Enjoy a tour of the Park led by knowledgeable and welcoming guides is a must. You will experience what it was like to be an officer at the Dockyard or a soldier stationed at one of the Forts.

The Dockyard Museum was built in 1855 as the Officer’s Quarters and now houses a collection of exhibits on the British Colonial site and also on current archaeological research. The Victorian building was restored in the 1970s and served as offices for the National Parks before opening its doors as a museum in 1997. It now houses several items belonging Admiral Lord Nelson including his famous telescope, as well as an area dedicated to the military history of English Harbour

Rum in the Ruins is a weekly history and archaeology talk about Antigua, English Harbour and the Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Situated at the Dow’s Hill Fortification and Interpretation Centre above Nelson’s Dockyard, you will experience a historic tour by our Heritage expert, Dr. Christopher K. Waters PhD, like none other in Antigua and Barbuda. Every week features new topics and new stories as we explore the ruins of the Dow’s Hill fortification and the surrounding landscape.  The tour comes with our own twist on the historic Planter’s Punch rum drink. Fridays, 5.00 pm at the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre – $20USD/$50XCD per person inclusive two drinks

Walking through Clarence House, you will retrace the footsteps of Royal Navy Officers, Governor Generals, and Royalty as they passed along the galleries, observing Nelson’s Dockyard below.  This historic building, newly restored to its former glory, is now the interpretive jewel in the National Parks’ crown, showcasing the lives of 19^th and 20^th centuries military and civilian elites.  Set atop Clarence Hill, the details from the renovations are a master class in heritage preservation, while the antique furniture elides Caribbean gentility. Tours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30am or 3pm – $20USD/$50XCD per person, maximum 6 people

Fort Berkeley is the oldest fortification in English Harbour, dating to 1704 and was constructed by the colonial government and manned by gunners and matrosses hired by the government—not soldiers. As English Harbour became more important with the expansion of the Dockyard in the 1740s, more fortifications were constructed to protect the naval installation. Fort Berkeley was officially handed over to the Crown in 1784 after the end of the American Revolution, and the British military took the station over. The military added the gunpowder magazine in 1807. Today the fortification is accessible along a short nature trail.

Want to get closer to history? Interested in local flora and fauna? Just like exercising in beautiful places? Nelson’s Dockyard National Park boasts many kilometers of hiking trails, taking you through some of the most scenic places in Antigua and Barbuda. The trails, maintained by volunteers from the Royal Naval Tot Club, wind around historic ruins, complex geological features, and different vibrant ecosystems. You can find out more about the various trails in the are by clicking here

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