Welcome to Antigua & Barbuda

The skyline of the capital of St. John’s is dominated by the twin towers of St. John’s Cathedral, the parish church. In 1681, the church was originally a small wood structure until the English rebuilt it in brick around 1720. In 1842 the Diocese of Antigua was created, thus expansion was in order to uphold the new title. The new cathedral was consecrated in 1848, and today the two 70 ft. towers are so impressive, especially for those arriving by sea, that they have earned the cathedral the reputation for being “the most imposing of all Cathedrals in the West Indies.” 

Betty’s Hope Plantation was Antigua's pioneer sugar plantation, established in the 1650s by Governor Christopher Kennel. Betty's Hope became one of the most prosperous plantations for over 250 years. The Estate was given to Colonel Christopher Coderington in 1674 and his family retained ownership until 1944. Sadly, with the decline of sugar, it was allowed to go to ruins and many of the stones in the great house were removed to use in local construction. In the late 1980's, as the value of this historic site was realized, a conservation project was initiated to preserve this heritage. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda allocated a part of the former estate as a heritage site and an open air museum has been developed. One very unique feature about Betty's Hope is that it had twin windmills and although other large plantations also had this, these are the only twin towers remaining today on Antigua.

Devils Bridge is an interesting limestone rock formation on the sea which, when the tide is right, becomes a stunning blowhole. It can be difficult to find this natural treasure which is located near The Verandah Resort and Spa. Take the road that runs behind the resort and follow it until it dead ends. There is an area for parking. Sadly, island lore claims his was the site of many slave suicides related to their oppressive conditions.

The Barbuda Express is a great way to get over to Antigua’s sister-island, Barbuda. Check the sea before you go, the two hour ride can be choppy on rough seas. Once there, explore the 19 mile beach and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

Perhaps the only Georgian dockyard remaining in the world, Nelson’s Dockyard, played an important part in the history of the island. British ships used this as refuge from storms, where today’s yacht crowd uses English Harbor as its party headquarters. Climb the trail behind the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel to take in the views from the ruins of Fort Berkeley. There are a number of interesting buildings, museums and shops to visit in English Harbor as well.

While you are climbing and exploring, check out Shirley’s Heights, particularly on a Sunday evening when the place turns in to one big reggae party. The views of Antigua’s coastline are amazing and so is the rum punch!