English Harbour
Dockyard, historyThe village and Nelson's Dockyard, at the foot of Shirley Heights.
Town guide
Things to do in English Harbour
A sheltered harbour on Antigua's south coast with a restored Georgian naval dockyard, superyachts, coastal hikes and the island's famous Sunday sunset party at Shirley Heights.
2–3
Days to do it properly
Nelson's harbour
English Harbour is a deep, sheltered bay on the south coast of Antigua, used by the British navy as its main Caribbean base in the 18th century. Nelson's Dockyard, named after Horatio Nelson, who was stationed here in the 1780s, has been beautifully restored and is still a working marina, with the old stone and timber buildings now housing a museum, restaurants, bakeries and hotels. Together with the fortifications around it, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Next door, Falmouth Harbour is one of the Caribbean's great yachting centres, with superyachts lined up in the marinas. The hills above are covered in old forts and gun batteries, with Shirley Heights, a restored lookout and military complex, at the top. Every Sunday afternoon, it hosts a party with steelpan, then reggae, and one of the best sunset views in the Caribbean.
Give English Harbour two or three days. It is the most atmospheric part of Antigua to stay in, with good beaches and hikes close by, and Half Moon Bay and Devil's Bridge within half an hour. It is busiest during the sailing season, peaking with Antigua Sailing Week in late April and early May.
Where to base yourself
Stay around English Harbour for the dockyard and Shirley Heights, or around Falmouth Harbour for the marinas and restaurants. They are a short walk apart.
Falmouth Harbour
Marinas, restaurantsThe neighbouring bay, with superyachts, restaurants and bars.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in English Harbour
Explore Nelson's Dockyard, the only Georgian naval dockyard still working in the world. Walk among the old capstans, pillars and stone buildings, visit the Dockyard Museum in the former officers' house, and watch the yachts come and go. Entry to the national park is paid at the gate.
Go up to Shirley Heights for the view over English and Falmouth Harbours. On Sundays the lookout hosts a barbecue with a steel band from late afternoon, followed by reggae and dancing after sunset. Arrive before sunset and book a taxi back.
Hike the trails around the harbour: the Middle Ground trail from Galleon Beach climbs to Shirley Heights with views all the way, and the Pillars of Hercules are rock columns carved by the sea at the harbour mouth, reached at low tide. Pigeon Point and Galleon Beach are the closest beaches. Further east, Half Moon Bay is one of the finest beaches on the island, and Devil's Bridge is a natural limestone arch pounded by the Atlantic.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Beaches in Antigua are public and free, including Pigeon Point and Galleon Beach. The hiking trails around the harbour, such as the Middle Ground trail and the walk to the Pillars of Hercules, are free.
Walking around Falmouth Harbour to see the superyachts costs nothing.
Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights are inside the national park, which charges an entry fee.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
English Harbour and Falmouth have some of the island's best restaurants, mostly aimed at yacht crews and visitors, with fresh fish, lobster and international food at high prices.
For cheaper food, look for roti and local plates at roadside stands and small bars in the villages nearby, and the bakery in the dockyard. At Shirley Heights on Sundays, the barbecue serves grilled chicken, ribs and fish.
Try rum punch and English Harbour rum, made on the island.
Nightlife
Going out
Sunday at Shirley Heights is the biggest night of the week on the island, with steelpan, reggae and dancing at the lookout.
During the week, bars around the dockyard and Falmouth Harbour are lively, especially in the sailing season, when yacht crews come ashore.
Roads are dark and winding, so take taxis at night.
Getting around
Getting around
English Harbour and Falmouth are walkable. Buses run to and from St John's West Bus Station in around 45 minutes, but stop in the early evening and barely run on Sundays.
Taxis have government-set fares; agree the price first. A taxi from the airport takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
A hire car is the easiest way to reach Half Moon Bay, Devil's Bridge and the beaches on the south and east coasts.
Costs
What English Harbour costs
English Harbour is one of the most expensive parts of Antigua, especially in the sailing season. Guesthouse rooms and small apartments start around €50 to €90 a night, more in April.
Restaurants are expensive, so look for roadside food and self-catering. National park entry and the Sunday party at Shirley Heights are the main fixed costs.
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted.
Safety
Safety and scams
English Harbour is safe. Take normal care with belongings on beaches and in cars.
The hiking trails are steep and hot, so carry water, wear good shoes and start early. Check the tide before walking to the Pillars of Hercules.
Roads are narrow and dark at night. Take a taxi to and from Shirley Heights. Hurricane season runs from June to November. In an emergency, call 911 or 999.
Worth leaving the harbour for
The east coast, plantations and the capital.
St John's
The capital, its museum and market.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Regattas and Sundays on the hill.
Late April and early May
Antigua Sailing Week
English and Falmouth Harbours
One of the biggest regattas in the Caribbean.
April
Classic Yacht Regatta
English Harbour
Classic and traditional yachts racing before Sailing Week.
Every Sunday
Shirley Heights Sunday
Shirley Heights
Barbecue, steelpan, reggae and sunset.
When to go
December to April is the dry season and the sailing season, sunny, breezy and busy. Antigua Sailing Week, in late April and early May, is the busiest week. Summer and autumn are quieter, hotter and in hurricane season.
Jan
Dry, sailing season
Feb
Dry
Mar
Dry
Apr
Classic Regatta and Sailing Week
May
Sailing Week ends
Jun
Hurricane season starts
Jul
Hot
Aug
Hot
Sep
Peak hurricane risk
Oct
Quiet
Nov
Yachts return
Dec
Dry season, charter yacht show
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Warm all year.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on English Harbour prices.
Treat these as a guide. Sailing Week prices are much higher.
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English Harbour questions
The ones we get asked most.
What is Nelson's Dockyard?
A Georgian naval dockyard, restored and still working as a marina. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What happens at Shirley Heights on Sundays?
A barbecue at the lookout, with a steel band from late afternoon and reggae after sunset. Go before sunset and book a taxi back.
How do I get to English Harbour?
By bus from St John's, around 45 minutes, or by taxi from the airport, around 30 to 40 minutes.
Is English Harbour a good base?
Yes, it is the most atmospheric part of Antigua, close to beaches and hikes.
Can I hike to Shirley Heights?
Yes, on the Middle Ground trail from Galleon Beach. Start early and carry water.
When is Antigua Sailing Week?
In late April and early May. It is the busiest and most expensive time.
Is English Harbour expensive?
Yes, especially in the sailing season. Look for roadside food and self-catering.
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