English Harbour

Travel Guide
Mamora Bay featuring general coastal views, a beach and landscape views
Colonial landmarks, white-sand beaches, coral reefs and watersports give this historic town in southern Antigua a true Caribbean flair.

The English Harbour settlement blends British colonial history with quintessential West Indies beaches. This town spreads around a sheltered natural harbor at Antigua’s southernmost tip, where for almost 200 years it served as a base for the British Navy. Visit English Harbour to tour the restored Georgian dockyard, ruined forts and hilltop lookouts. Bask in the glorious sunshine at the laid-back beaches decorating the coastline.

Immerse yourself in colonial heritage at Nelson’s Dockyard, the former naval marina on the harbor’s western shores. Admire the one-time storehouses, restored to their 18th-century appearance and now the site of art galleries, boutique hotels and restaurants. Learn about Antigua’s maritime importance at the Dockyard Museum, housed in a building that was Horatio Nelson’s home from 1784 to 1787. Follow a short trail to the ruined Fort Berkeley and enjoy superb views across the bay to the Pillars of Hercules.

Walk 20 minutes west from the dockyard to Pigeon’s Point Beach, a quiet beach overlooking Falmouth Harbour. The mild, transparent water is great for refreshing swimming and snorkeling. From here another trail leads to secluded Windward Bay Beach.

On the harbor’s eastern side, Galleon Beach offers more swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing opportunities. Marvel at the panoramic island views at Shirley Heights, a lookout, restaurant and old military barracks accessible via the Lookout Trail. The Carpenter Rock Trail is a scenic walking route between the lookout and Galleon Beach. Take a guided tour of the royal residence Clarence House and browse exhibits about the island’s past at Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre.

Indulge in a day of all-inclusive food, massages and watersports at Mamora Bay. In the town center, dine on Caribbean dishes at casual and fine-dining restaurants. Fungee (dumplings of cornmeal and okra) is a popular Antiguan dish.

Arrive in English Harbour on one of the cruise ships that dock at St. John’s. You can also fly to V.C. Bird International Airport from major cities in Canada, the U.S. and neighboring Caribbean islands.

Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites
Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites
3.5 out of 5
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua
The price is $308 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
$308
includes taxes & fees
$259 per night
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in English Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (148 reviews)
"The Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites provided an unforgettable start to our honeymoon in Antigua. The customer service was exceptional—warm, attentive, and incredibly accommodating. The property itself was charming and impeccably maintained, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. We ..."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2024

Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites
Copper and Lumber Store Hotel
Copper and Lumber Store Hotel
3 out of 5
Nelsons Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua
The price is $301 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$301
includes taxes & fees
$251 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in English Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
"We loved our stay! The front desk staff was very accommodating. We enjoyed our breakfast each morning. Highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

Copper and Lumber Store Hotel
South Point Antigua
South Point Antigua
4 out of 5
Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour, Antigua
The price is $599 per night from Nov 28 to Nov 29
$599
includes taxes & fees
$504 per night
Nov 28 - Nov 29
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in English Harbour. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (61 reviews)
"Our stay was amazing. Beautiful property. Clean. Housekeeping was friendly and thorough. Close proximity to other restaurants a supermarket and spa. The staff overall was very nice and super accommodating. I would stay there again. The only thing is the restaurant onsite is overpriced and the wifi ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2024

South Point Antigua
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.
BEACH, BEACH, BEACH + PRIVATE POOL = YIPPEE!
BEACH, BEACH, BEACH + PRIVATE POOL = YIPPEE!
English Harbour
Book a stay at this beach villa in English Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
Best vacation ever!
"Everything in the description is true - no exaggeration. You literally walk out of bed and are within feet of the picnic table and pool. The view is amazing and it was very peaceful. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. It was perfect and exactly what we were looking and hoping for."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2024

BEACH, BEACH, BEACH + PRIVATE POOL = YIPPEE!
STARLIGHT: GORGEOUS VIEWS OF THE BEACH, FORT BERKLEY & MONTSERRAT
STARLIGHT: GORGEOUS VIEWS OF THE BEACH, FORT BERKLEY & MONTSERRAT
English Harbour
Book a stay at this beach apartment in English Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Galleon Beach and Carpenter's Rock ...
STARLIGHT: GORGEOUS VIEWS OF THE BEACH, FORT BERKLEY & MONTSERRAT
Galleon Beach, 5 Bedrooms, Pool, AC, Amazing Views
Galleon Beach, 5 Bedrooms, Pool, AC, Amazing Views
English Harbour
Stay at this villa in English Harbour. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Galleon Beach and Carpenter's Rock Trailhead ...
Galleon Beach, 5 Bedrooms, Pool, AC, Amazing Views
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.

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Reviews of English Harbour

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 53.333333333333336%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 6.666666666666667%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

English Harbour has really gotten better in the past few years. Plenty of new restaurants and places to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I'd go back in nanoseconds! Great weather; great food. Oh, and the wedding I attended was very nice.

4/5 - Good

Russ

Beautiful

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