Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson's Dockyard, on the sheltered inlet of English Harbour in Antigua's south, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest historic sites in the Caribbean, the only continuously working Georgian naval dockyard in the world. Built by the British in the eighteenth century to service and protect their fleet, and associated with the young Horatio Nelson who served here, its beautifully restored stone warehouses, sail lofts and officers' quarters now house museums, hotels, restaurants and shops around a marina filled with gleaming yachts. Above it, the Shirley Heights lookout offers a breathtaking panorama over the harbour and, on Sundays, a famous party.

What you actually see

• The Georgian dockyard - the restored stone naval buildings.
• The museum - the story of the dockyard and Nelson.
• Shirley Heights - the panoramic lookout and Sunday party.
• The marina - the historic harbour filled with yachts.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the best weather; the dockyard is a highlight year-round, and the famous Shirley Heights Sunday-evening party, with steel band, barbecue and sunset views, is a beloved institution. The area buzzes during the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week in spring, when yachts fill the harbour.

Honest expectations

The dockyard is a restored heritage site and working marina rather than a raw ruin, geared partly to yachting tourism and dining, and it can be busy, though its history and setting remain genuine and beautiful; the Shirley Heights party, while fun, is popular and crowded. As a superbly preserved and unique Georgian naval dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of real history in a gorgeous harbour setting, crowned by breathtaking lookout views, though, Nelson's Dockyard is a genuine highlight.

Nearby

The beaches, the capital St. John's and the south coast are within reach.