Nelson's Dockyard

Nelson\'s Dockyard showing a lake or waterhole
Walk in the footsteps of Admiral Lord Nelson and visit the cafés, galleries and museum located inside the restored Georgian houses of this boatyard.

Nelson’s Dockyard is a marina that is almost 300 years old and is the world’s oldest operating Georgian boatyard. It forms part of the UNESCO-protected Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, which shelters antique houses, forts, lookouts and museums. Established in the 18th century, Nelson’s Dockyard was the home of the celebrated naval leader Horatio Nelson from 1784 to 1787. Enjoy the ambiance of the marina, which evokes images of Antigua’s colonial years and British maritime heritage.

Many of the dockyard’s buildings are 1950s restorations of the original residences and warehouses. Where once dockers worked tirelessly to repair ships, today visit the art galleries, cafés, hotels, a museum and souvenir shops that have moved into the spaces and welcome curious visitors. At the waterfront, naval ships have been replaced by opulent yachts and lavish sailboats.

Spend an hour at the Admiral’s House Museum (also known as the Dockyard Museum), located in the Naval Clerk’s House and former residence of Admiral Nelson. Find artifacts that retell stories of the marina and Antigua’s colorful seafaring past. Look for cannons, model ships, navigational tools and Nelson’s personal telescope. The former storehouse for copper and lumber is now a British-style pub and boutique hotel, with rooms named after Nelson’s Ships.

Visit the other attractions of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. A 10-minute stroll to the south is Fort Berkeley. The defensive walls present outstanding views of Freeman’s Bay and the limestone columns called the Pillars of Hercules. A side trail leads from the fort to Pigeon’s Point Beach on Falmouth Harbour.

Travel by foot or taxi to Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre. Watch a video and study exhibits that showcase Antiguan history since the Amerindian period. Nearby is Clarence House, a former home of British royalty and naval commanders. Walk the Lookout Trail from Galleon Beach to Shirley Heights and enjoy some of the best panoramas of English Harbour and Antigua’s southern coastline.

Enjoy a visit to Nelson’s Dockyard, the beating heart of the port town of English Harbour. It is close to the majority of the town’s hotels and restaurants.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Nelson's Dockyard

Reviews of Nelson's Dockyard

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
137
" "5 - Excellent 59.05172413793103%
4 - Good
78
" "4 - Good 33.62068965517241%
3 - Okay
16
" "3 - Okay 6.896551724137931%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 9, 2020

The only place to get good diving in is the English Harbor area. Went to them all. Call dock yard divers captain Tony.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 6, 2019

VERY INTERESTING BUT DOES COST $8

4/5 - Good

Jennifer
Mar 5, 2019

Great history with pretty grounds and buildings to tour and fabulous yachts to look at!

5/5 - Excellent

K.A.
Feb 19, 2019

loads of restaurants offering free water taxi service

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 15, 2019

Fun time seeing all the amazing yachts and sailboats, local restaurants to try plus a great beach shop under Cloggy’s.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 18, 2018

It's sort of a ghost town during the off season

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.