Bonnetts Abroad

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With over 365 beaches, there is a slice of white sand heaven for every day of the year – even a leap year – on the idyllic Caribbean holiday island Antigua. Antigua played host to Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet in the late 1700's. Nelson's Dockyard now bustles with crew and guests from yachts and cruise ships sailing these waters for pleasure rather than for King and Country. The main port, St John's, is also the capital and a vibrant hub for shopping as well as being within easy range of some of the best beaches – at Fort James, Deep Bay, Galley Bay and Hawksbill.

A must is a visit to Nelson's Dockyard, the only Georgian dockyard in the world – where you'll also find Clarence House, which was built for future King William IV when he served under the great British naval leader. Just above the dockyard is Shirley Heights, a partly restored fortification with great views of Montserrat and Guadeloupe. 

Almost perfect weather conditions and low humidity, due to the warm prevailing trade winds, allows Antigua to boast of being the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean islands with the lowest annual rainfall. It is also the largest of the English–speaking Leeward Islands although it is only 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. Still, with a population of less than 70,000, this means there are lots of wide open spaces – especially on those gorgeous beaches.

Cruise passengers disembark into the pastel–painted Heritage Quay, which has shops and a tourist office, and then straight into the grid–iron streets of St John's, a small bustling Caribbean town. Close by is Redcliffe Quay, with restored trading buildings and traditional houses containing more shops and restaurants. The Antigua Museum and local vegetable market are five minutes' walk.

Visit The Cathedral in St John's Antigua

It was built in 1845 to replace the one that was destroyed in an earthquake. The interior woodwork has recently been restored in all its former glory.

It's on a high hilltop with a wonderful view of St John's Antigua. You can see the dock and any cruise ships parked up there.

Enjoy Some History at the Antigua and Barbuda Museum

If you'd like to learn more about the history of the island, then you should head for the Antigua and Barbuda Museum. It's located in an old courthouse which was built in 1750's.

You'll get a chance to learn more about the origins of the island all the way through to its independence in 1981.

Trip Booked

Antigua Island Sights

Take in some of Antigua's best vistas and explore the historic and charming Nelson's Dockyard.

The crumbling Blockhouse Ruins perch 446 feet above the sea on a sheer cliff face and, from here, you'll enjoy a captivating view that sweeps across Indian Creek and the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Montserrat.

At Shirley Heights, marvel at the mesmerising bird's–eye view over Galleon Beach, English Harbour and almost the entire east coast of Antigua before you drive down to Nelson's Dockyard. Your guide will reveal their local knowledge on a brief tour of the quaint colonial–style village, then you're free to wander round at your leisure.

Admire the yachts bobbing in the Georgian harbour, browse the little shops for souvenirs, visit the museum and enjoy a fruity rum punch at the Galley Bar.

Duration: 3:15 Hours

If time after trip walk to Cathedral and Museum

Depart