The Admiral's house at Nelson's Dockyard
NELSON'S DOCKYARD MUSEUM has been restructured to tell the story of English Harbour and of the people that toiled and sweated in this famous Georgian naval yard. It will also explain the 20th century return of sailing ships and the aims and aspirations of Nelson's Dockyard National Park. A library, with copies of original documents and database of Caribbean naval history, is available for researchers.
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One of Antigua's definite highlights, the eighteenth-century Nelson's Dockyard (daily 8am–6pm; EC$13, includes admission to Shirley Heights), is the only surviving Georgian-era dockyard in the world and especially British Naval Admiral Horatio Nelson, who served as a leader in the Leeward Islands Navy. Some of his original possessions are here, such as his telescope, maps, charts and a bounty of history. It is the home for the world famous Antigua Sailing Week. The event has been held every year at the end of April since 1967. Thousand's of sailors and party makers converge on Antigua for the world class event. Shopping There are some excellent gift shops and boutiques in which to shop for souvenirs as well as some stylish items of clothing within the Dockyard.
The DOCKYARD MUSEUM in the Naval Officer's House interprets the story of English Harbour and of the people that toiled in this famous Georgian Royal Naval Yard. It also explains the 20th century return of sailing ships and the aims and aspirations of Nelson's Dockyard National Park. There is also a small "Nelson's Room" with a life sized portrait of Nelson researched through archaeological means.
A LIBRARY, with copies of original documents and a database of Caribbean naval history, is available for researchers. Today the Dockyard is part of a large National Park and a historic landmark of the Caribbean. It is administered by the National Parks Authority.
Full view of Nelson's Dockyard Museum
Adjacent to a fine natural harbour, the place developed primarily as a careening station – where British ships had barnacles scraped from their bottoms and were generally put back into shape. It also provided the military with a local base to repair, water and supply the navy that patrolled the West Indies and protected Britain's prized colonies against enemy incursion.
Most cruise ships offer an excursion to the dockyard in English Harbour which is on the southern tip of Antigua and around 45 minute drive from the capital of St John's (the main cruise port). Many scenic island tours / shore excursions (4-5 hours) will include Shirley Heights, lunch at the dockyard and another stopover somewhere on the western coast (Jolly Harbour area) via Fig Tree Drive on the way back to the cruise port.
Contact:
National Parks Authority,
Box 1283,
St. John's, Antigua, West Indies.
Tel: 1 268 460-1379
fax: 460-1516
E-Mail: natp...@candw.ag
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