Fort Recovery
The oldest standing structure in the British Virgin Islands, a Dutch round tower of the 1660s.
Updated 2 September 2026
Fort Recovery on Tortola's western shore is a round stone tower generally dated to the 1660s, built during the Dutch period before the English took the islands, and it is the oldest structure still standing in the British Virgin Islands. It is small, a single circular gun tower on the water with walls around two metres thick, and it now sits within the grounds of a small resort, which allows visitors to look at it.
The main sights
- The round tower - a Dutch gun tower of the 1660s on the shore.
- The thick walls - the masonry around two metres through.
- The oldest structure - the earliest surviving building in the territory.
- The waterside position - the tower built directly on the shore.
When to go
December to May is the season. The tower is on resort property and access depends on the hotel. Hurricane season runs June to November.
Practical notes
The tower stands in a resort's grounds and access is at their discretion. It is small and the visit takes fifteen minutes. There is no interpretation.
Nearby
Soper's Hole is north, and Road Town is east.
What to pack for Fort Recovery
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
