National Parks

Parks

Nelson's Dockyard

Dockyard Activities

VISITING

WELCOME

Welcome to National Parks Antigua, we really hope you enjoy your stay in our beautiful parks. If you are just visiting for the day we have all the information you need right here so you can make an informed choice of what parts of the park you would like to see in the little time you may have. We have designed the site to help you identify what you would enjoy most out of the parks and which features you would find most interesting, entertaining and relaxing.

THE NATIONAL PARKS

First to note is that there are four different National Parks in Antigua for you to visit . Nelsons Dockyard is the largest, well managed and often visited. The islands most famous view is from Shirly Heights in this park. The others are more natural, including the enigmatic Greencastle Hill, always popular Devil's Bridge and the impressive Fort Barrington. Check out our Parks section for more details.

HISTORY

If you have a taste for history, Nelsons Dockyard is a must. It is the only continually working Georgian Dockyard in the world and was of great importance in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Many other historic building dot the landscape around the harbour and you can visit the Dockyard Museum to learn more of the life and times.

NATURE

Antigua is a beautiful island. Picturesque views are around every corner and our beach laden coastline touching the caribbean sea is a pleasure for everyone. Plants and animals abound within the parks and a guide describing different plant species seen during our marked hikes is one activity that may pique your interest.

SPORT

The National Parks have many hikes and trails set out around the area, you can choose your difficulty level and either challenge yourself to climb to the highest point on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, or simply take a nice relaxing stroll amongst the natural and historic sites. A few sport facilities are also located around Nelsons Dockyard, from raquet sports to sailing.

LEISURE

Relaxation is synonymous with the caribbean and Antigua is no exception. From restaurants and shops to beaches and bars there are numerous ways for you to relax and entertain yourself.

ACCOMMODATION

Staying with us for longer? Want the ‘heads up’ on the best places to stay? We've got the details of the best places to book and how to book them. Check our accommodation page for more details.

TOURS AND EVENTS

Many tours through Nelsons Dockyard are conducted daily. We also host some big and exciting international events in the Parks that are not to be missed. For more information see our tours or events page.

PHOTO GALLERIES

Check out all our photo galleries and video footage.

NEWS & EVENTS

Christmas and New Years in the Dockyard!

Date: 25th December, 2011
The Dockyard Christmas tradition continues this year with the champagne party in The Dockyard! The Copper and Lumber Hotel is following up the party with a special Christmas Dinner! Multiple courses await you, with a traditional Christmas dinner or other options if you desire. Contact the Copper and Lumber store Hotel for more details! Finish up the year with the New Years party in the Dockyard! Fireworks and live music will see in the new year in sytle.

Boreas Pursuit Race

Date: 20th November, 2011
Nelson once chased the combined fleets of France and Spain across the Atlantic! You won’t have to go that far, but do you think you can keep up with him? Race starts in English Harbour. Prize-giving for the Nelson’s Dockyard Series to follow. Prizes will be awarded for individual race winners, series winner, and a plethora of other categories including most spirited and best costume!

Dockyard Day: 50 Years of Nelson's Dockyard

Date: 14th November, 2011
The 14th November was chosen as the opening day of Nelson’s Dockyard in 1961 because it coincided with Princes Charles’ birthday. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Opening Day of Nelson’s Dockyard, an opening ceremony will be held in English Harbour. Following the ceremony, the Dockyard Museum will unveil its exhibition: 50 Years of Nelson’s Dockyard which highlights the restoration efforts in the 1950s as well as the birth of yachting in English Harbour.