Jamestown and Jacob's Ladder

Jamestown, the tiny capital of remote St Helena in the mid-Atlantic, is one of the most charming and unusual towns in the world, squeezed into a narrow, steep-sided valley that spills down to the sea. A beautifully preserved Georgian time capsule, its single main street is lined with elegant old buildings, a church, castle and museum, guarded by historic fortifications, for this was long a vital stop on the sailing routes between Europe and the East. Rising dizzyingly up the valley wall is Jacob's Ladder, a straight staircase of 699 steep steps climbing some 200 metres to an old fort, a lung-bursting challenge and the town's most famous feature. Quaint, historic and utterly distinctive, Jamestown is a delight.

What to look for

• Jacob's Ladder - the straight 699-step staircase up the cliff.
• The Georgian street - the elegant old main street and buildings.
• The fortifications - the historic castle and defences.
• The valley setting - the town wedged in its steep chasm.

When to go

Year-round; St Helena's mild subtropical climate makes Jamestown pleasant to explore in any season, though it can be warm at sea level in the valley. Early morning or late afternoon is best for tackling Jacob's Ladder before the heat of the day.

Practical notes

St Helena is one of the most remote inhabited islands on earth, reached by a weekly flight or occasional ship, so getting there is a genuine journey, and Jamestown itself is tiny. As a beautifully preserved Georgian town wedged in a dramatic ocean valley, crowned by the astonishing Jacob's Ladder, though, Jamestown is a genuinely charming and unforgettable capital.

Nearby

Napoleon's Longwood House and the island's green interior lie beyond.