Built in English Harbour in the 1740s and still in operation today, Nelson's Dockyard is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Antigua's top tourist attraction.
Dating back to the early 18th century, Nelson's Dockyard is the oldest continually operating dockyard in the world, now carefully restored and home to historical buildings, a museum, a hotel, restaurants and boutiques.
Located in the sheltered natural bay of English Harbour, Nelson's Dockyard was one of the most important British naval bases in the Caribbean, but after the Royal Navy abandoned it in 1889, it became largely derelict. The site was renovated in the 1950s and named in honor of Horatio Nelson, who was posted here in the 1780s. It is now at the heart of Nelson's Dockyard National Park and a major visitor attraction, as well as a venue for international sailing events such as Antigua Sailing Week.
With berthing facilities on its doorstep and the full-service Antigua Yacht Club Marina in Falmouth Harbour just a short distance away, Nelson's Dockyard is an easy excursion for those visiting the island on a superyacht charter, and is sure to be a highlight of your Caribbean vacation.
Dating back to the early 18th century, Nelson's Dockyard is the oldest continually operating dockyard in the world
A unique destination surrounded by spectacular scenery, Nelson's Dockyard is home to a fine selection of lovingly-restored historical buildings. Visitors will discover more about the site's history at the Dockyard Museum, built as the naval officers' quarters in 1855 and now displaying nautical memorabilia, model ships, figureheads and one of Nelson's telescopes.
A five-star boutique hotel, The Copper and Lumber Store Historic Inn, now occupies a former storehouse dating from the 18th century, and its dockside restaurant is an atmospheric spot for a tasty Caribbean lunch.
There are a few simple cafes and bars around the dockyard, as well as art galleries and shops while on the opposite side of the bay is Clarence House, a grand Georgian villa that was once the residence of the Governors of Antigua. It is now a museum, officially opened by Prince Harry in 2016.
You can begin planning your next superyacht vacation in the Caribbean now, by taking a take a look at all crewed yachts available for private yacht charter in Antigua or, get in touch with a recommended yacht charter broker.
