Antigua lies right in the heart of the Caribbean, known as the ‘gem of the Caribbean’, located 1,425 miles from Miami. Boasting idyllic climate, carefree way of life and legendary white sand beaches with sparkling, turquoise waters it is easy to see why this island is the playground for the rich and famous.
English is Antigua’s official language, although the locals often speak a dialect that can sometimes be a challenge to understand. An atmosphere of warmth and good humour prevails, as well as a ‘no problem’ attitude. Everyone quickly adapts to the unhurried pace of the island.
Antigua’s reputation as a sailing centre is unsurpassed throughout the Caribbean. The centre of yachting tourism in the Caribbean which all began after the end of World War 2 with the arrival of Cmdr. Desmond Nicholson RN and his family on the sailing yacht Mollyhawk.
Antigua is home to a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard, which is the only working Georgian naval dockyard in the world. The historic dockyard bustles with activity daily as the museum, bakeries, restaurants and gift shops swing into operation.
Nelson’s Dockyard is split in two parts, the original naval yard which is now Antigua Slipway, a repair and yacht storage yard which houses a fuel dock and restaurants.
The English harbour put Antigua on the international nautical map long ago and retains it’s traditional atmosphere to this day. The harbour was originally established to provide the British Royal Navy with a shipyard where they could keep their vessels in good repair and maintain their dominance in the Caribbean against other European powers.
England’s most famous naval hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, spent his formative years in Antigua, arriving at the age of 26 in 1784.
Thanks to the location and facilities of Nelson’ Dockyard, Antigua was never conquered by any other European powers. It was the ideal port to protect the fleet in troubled times, the enclosed harbour of Freeman’s Bay was almost invisible from the open waters. The narrow entrance to the harbour was protected by Fort Berkeley constructed on the peninsula above the Dockyard and completed in 1744.
A short 10-minute walk from Nelson’s Dockyard to Fort Berkeley with a slight incline is the perfect length for young Kidsetters. The views are spectacular of neighbouring islands. Well worth the walk !
We strolled among the restored 18th century buildings of Nelson’s Dockyard surrounded by fleets of beautiful yachts. Our 8 year old Kidsetter had fun letting his imagination run free, pretending to be a pirate invading the harbour.
Antigua is wonderful island full of surprises, rich heritage and culture and friendly people.
