Nelson's Dockyard National Park: A journey through history and natural beauty

No trip to Antigua & Barbuda would be complete without a visit to our captivating Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. When stepping onto this hallowed ground and inhaling the rich heritage of centuries past, visitors immerse themselves in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s legacy. Nelson’s Dockyard is the jewel in the crown, not only of our National Parks Authority but also of the island itself. But this isn’t a museum frozen in time. The waterway known as Nelson’s Dockyard Marina stands as the world’s sole continuously operational Georgian-era dockyard, offering a safe haven amidst the Caribbean’s most breathtaking and secure natural anchorages. With each passing season, between November and May, a flotilla of vessels calls Nelson’s Dockyard home, attracted by the island’s reputation as one of the premier places for sailing in the region. Over two centuries of Royal Navy history converges with pristine beaches and world-class modern conveniences like fine dining establishments and bars, making it the island’s foremost yachting hub for cruisers and superyachts alike. The Dockyard Museum located in the former Admiral’s House, the charming and historic Cooper & Lumber Store Hotel, the stately Clarence House, the enlightening Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre and the formidable Blockhouse each narrate a chapter of our park’s well-preserved history.

The Naval Dockyard and its Related Archaeological Sites feature a cluster of Georgian naval structures encased within protective walls. Today, as well as a historical gem, it’s a vibrant and buzzing place, bustling with hotels, charming shops, inviting cafés, gourmet restaurants and lively nightlife, all catering to the thousands of yachters and visitors who come to this iconic spot.

Not only that, each year, the Dockyard, Antigua’s top tourist attraction, is transformed into a whirlwind of excitement, becoming the epicentre of the island’s most important and prestigious events, such as the world-renowned Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December, the Superyacht Challenge, Oyster Rally and the Atlantic Challenge.

And if that’s not enough, our park’s breathtaking coastal scenery boasts some of Antigua’s loftiest cliffs alongside steep hills and valleys, including the towering Sugar Loaf Hill. The view from Shirley Height’s Lookout Point must be the most famous vista on the whole island, and its twice-weekly parties with food, rum and music are one of the most popular gatherings in Antigua.

Safeguarding this sweeping landscape, stretching from Carlisle Bay to Mamora Bay, is a source of pride for us at the National Parks Authority. We are committed to fostering an understanding of the park’s biodiversity among locals and visitors alike to instill a sense of reverence and protection for this natural and historical gem, whether from the land or the sea. Every visitor leaves a mark. Not just in footprints but in the ongoing preservation of this cherished historical treasure.

Article written by Ann Marie Martin, the Commissioner of Nelson's Dockyard National Parks.