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An
essential stop on any visit to Antigua, the picturesque area around
Falmouth and English Harbour on the island's south coast
holds some of the most important and interesting historical remains in
the Caribbean and is now the region's leading yachting centre. The chief
attraction is the eighteenth-century Nelson's Dockyard , which
was the key facility for the British navy that once ruled the waves in
the area. Today it's a living museum where visiting yachts are still
cleaned, supplied and chartered. Nearby are several ruined forts as well
as an abundance of attractive colonial buildings on the waterfront,
several converted into hotels and restaurants.
Across the harbour from the dockyard, there is further evidence of the
colonial past at Shirley Heights , where more ruined forts, gun
batteries and an old cemetery hold a commanding position over the water.
The
area also has a handful of spots off the beaten path that repay a trip,
including the massive military complex at Great Fort George ,
high in the hills above Falmouth , and the wonderful
Rendezvous Bay - outstanding in an area with a paucity of good
beaches - a short boat ride or less than an hour's hike from Falmouth.
A
car is invaluable for touring around this area of the south coast. There
are frequent buses between St John's and English Harbour, handy
if you just want to explore Nelson's Dockyard, but to get up to Shirley
Heights you'll certainly need your own transport or a taxi.
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Exploring English Harbour
The
road east from Falmouth leads to the tiny village of Cobb's Cross, where
a right turn takes you down to the small village of ENGLISH HARBOUR
, which today consists of little more than a handful of homes, shops and
restaurants. Another right turn leads down to Nelson's Dockyard ,
to the excellent Pigeon Beach and to the Middle Ground peninsula.
Alternatively, head straight on for the road that climbs up into the
hills to the military ruins at Shirley Heights |
Caribbean guide
Antiqua
Travel Guide
Exploring Antigua
Exploring Antigua
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Barbuda:
Getting there
Beyond
Cordrington
Great Fort George
Falmouth Harbour
River Fort
Cordrington
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Falmouth and
English Harbour
Eating, drinking,
nightlife
Falmouth
 Heights,
Pigeon
Beach
From Runaway Bay
to Half Moon Bay
Eating, drinking,
nightlife
Betty's Hope to Long
Bay
Half
Moon Bay
Runaway &
Dickenson Bay
St.
John's
St John’s
Getting around
Eating
& drinking
Nightlife, casino,
karaoke
Airlines, embassies
Exploring St. John's
Fort Bay
Fort James
Long Street
National Museum
Redcliffe
Quay
St. John's
Cathedral
Antigua
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Money and costs
Getting around
Food and drink
Phones and post
Best of Antigua
Holidays and festivals
Tours
Diving
& snorkeling
Dive operators
 Boats
&
catamarans
Boat operators
Economy, natural hazards
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