Things to do in English Harbour

Top Things to Do in English Harbour

Things to Do in English Harbour


Book these experiences for a close-up look at English Harbour.

Top Attractions in English Harbour

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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What travellers are saying

  • geokyr
    Streetsville, Canada29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must if you're staying in Antigua. Go on a Thursday or Sunday for the BBQ and dance party. The sunset pictures are epic and the band played everything from Bob Marley to Justin Bieber to Queen. So much fun!
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Seamus
    Oakville, Canada1 481 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This really is the main attraction in the entire country, located near Falmouth in English Harbour at the extreme south end of the island. About a 45 minute drive from Dickenson Bay, this national heritage site is the only remaining Georgian naval dockyard in the world. Great for walking and learning about life in the navy back around the Golden Age of Piracy. The harbour itself is a fantastic place to see the many exotic yachts that make their way from all over the globe. The $15 USD admission also gets you into the nearby Shirley Heights fort, with its magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea. You can spend the afternoon on the beach at Halfmoon Bay, also nearby.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • retireeVancouver
    Vancouver, Canada1 836 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After our short visit to Nelson's Dockyard, our ship excursion included a one hour visit for a swim in Pigeon Point Beach on a Saturday afternoon. The beach had a mix of locals and other cruise passengers who most likely had bought an excursion to Nelson's Dockyard and the beach like us. It's not a beach used by cruisers due to the distance from the port so the beach area isn't crowded.

    There is a nice, clean washroom across from the parking lot. This facility has sinks and toilets, but no showers. A lady takes your entrance money to use the facilities. We had a cruise ship voucher so paying for this use was not an issue.

    There is shade from small trees at the beach, but no loungers/chairs for rent from the small restaurant at the beach near the parking lot. The white sand is soft and extends into the water. It is a clean beach with no sea weed in the water. There is minimal surf as the water gently laps onto the beach. The drop off from shore into the water is gradual - just right for swimmers who like to touch the bottom while paddling around, but also deep enough further on for swimmers who dislike shallower water. There also is a good stretch of sand to walk along as the tide laps gently at the shoreline. The beach is in the vicinity of a harbour so beachgoers can occasionally see ships passing by the shore.

    We spent about 45 minutes in the water with my hubby and me taking turns being in the water while one of us sat on the towel beside our belongings. It was enough time to feel refreshed and to have good memories of this beach should we buy another excursion to Nelson's Dockyard.

    Take 2 towels along pp - one to sit on and one to dry off.
    Written 20 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria S
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beach is a lovely little find, very close to English Harbour.
    There’s a couple of attractive hotels lining the beach and we used their restaurant which overlooks the beach, for lunch.Loose Cannon served wonderful food, cocktails and friendly service .
    The complex is very sympathetic to its surrounding, bungalows scattered in the hills behind the bay .
    While spending the day here we explored the tiny desert island beach just a short walk through the woods which lead on to the Pillars of Hercules. We had fabulous weather so snorkelled round to the rock formations .
    We spotted, lobster, stingray and shoals of amazing coloured fish . The previous day turtles had been spotted .
    No sun beds available to hire here.The soft sand will act as a cushion .
    Written 3 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3 477 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located at the entrance to English Harbour, the Pillars of Hercules is a spectacular geological formation of limestone rock that rises straight out of the ocean. It is a good diving and snorkeling spot, and many such tours stop her by boat which is probably the bast way to experience the Pillars. I was able to see it from a distance when hiking to the top of the Middle Ground Trail from Fort Berkeley to Pigeon Point Beach. It can also be reached by hiking the rocky trail from Galleon Beach which involves climbing over some boulders and also getting your feet wet. I wish I had done this when I was at Galleon Beach but was scared off as it sounded rather daunting. Also keep in mind that it is described that the seas can be rough at this spot, so only strong swimmers or those with a snorkel vest and fins should attempt.
    Written 24 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • linkakk
    CT136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We are staying on Monk’s Hill and decided to do this hike, mans it was SO worth it. It’s about 25 minutes up from the last house and a totally doable walk. In the morning, most of the path is fully shaded. If you are driving to the hike, find a spot to park off the side of the road past Casa Musica then start walking up. Bring water with you.
    Written 30 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3 477 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located at Nelson's Dockyard and included in the US$15 entrance fee to the Dockyard. It is a small but interesting museum displaying the history of the famous dockyard which was headquarters of the British Navy in the Caribbean in the 1700-1800s when Britain was trying to hold onto its American Colonies and when it was at war with France and Napolean. Well worth 20-30min when visiting the Dockyard.
    Written 22 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN3 477 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Dow Interpretive Center is included when you purchase the US$15 admission to Nelson's Dockyard. It is a 10 min drive from the Dockyard. It offers a 20 min multimedia show that tells the history of Antigua from native inhabitants, colonization, slavery, independence and modern Antigua. It felt more geared for grade school children, but it was interesting enough. Shows every half hour. It closes at 5pm but the last showing is at 430pm. The best part of the visit is the views from Dow's Hill which offers a commanding view of English Harbour and the southern coastline of the island. This is where the British built fortifications and where senior officers were housed and where the governor of the Leeward islands resided. All of that was destroyed in an earthquake in 1834 and never rebuilt but the views remain. However, I would say that the views from Shirley Heights which are not as distant are the best.
    Written 24 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SaffaSafari
    London, UK62 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    History really comes alive here. Very little has changed since it was built in the 1700s. Great views of the sea from these walls. Bring water if it's hot. I would recommend hiking over the Middle Ground trail to Pigeon Beach after exploring the fort. 3 more forts can be found along the trail. The views are some of the best in Antigua.
    Written 2 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • elizabeth w
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything in this shop is stunning. The artist was recognized by Buckingham Palace! There are large and small carvings, as well as an assortment of other cool things.
    Written 10 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Derrill C
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great local micro brewery in Antigua, went there for an hour after spending my birthday walking round Falmouth Harbour/English Harbour/Nelson’s Dockyard. Met the three Owners (2 brothers and an English lady) they were all very friendly. I first of all had a sample tray of 3 beers and my favourites were the Pale Ale and the Amber Ale. I also visited the Yacht Club where they have 2 of the 2SIX8 brewery beers permanently on draft. I bought a 2SIX8 tee shirt and wore it all around Antigua and other Caribbean islands I visited on this holiday.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Katarina L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Suzy was a wonderful guide for what was an absolutely breathtaking trail! Once in a lifetime experience to swim with horses in such beautiful waters.
    Written 29 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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