Holidays in Antigua & Barbuda

Named after the admiral who ushered in the colonial period in Antigua, Nelson’s Dockyard is the jewel in the island’s proud maritime heritage. In operation since 1745, it’s the only surviving Georgian marina and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. Fully restored to its original splendour, buzzing restaurants and shops now sit inside the quaint 18th-century buildings, presided over by a number of colonial forts that pock the hillside. The interesting museum there charts Antigua’s seafaring history, life on the dockyard and boasts a number of fascinating artefacts, including a telescope once used by Nelson himself.

Everywhere you look in Antigua is postcard-perfect – it doesn’t have an ugly side. So why not absorb all its beauty in one eye-popping panorama? That’s why we love Shirley Heights, a military lookout and battery perched atop a lush peak. The restored complex and parade ground is well worth a wander but peer past its walls for epic, sweeping views of English Harbour and the glittering Caribbean Sea beyond. It’s a sight that really takes your breath away.

Antigua’s 365 beaches may take the plaudits but the island’s tasty cuisine is a fusion feast that feels like it has almost as many flavours. Dining out in one of the many restaurants that are spread across the island is the perfect way to savour Antigua’s spectacular views. Eat delicious French food on a pristine beach near English Harbour at Catherine’s Café or head to the north coast to soak up incredible ocean views while trying the fresh seafood at Cecilia’s in Dutchman’s Bay. The finest of Caribbean cuisine can be found among the friendly beachside surroundings of Coconut Grove in Dickenson Bay, while Gallic gourmet has been a speciality of Le Bistro for over 30 years. Yum!

You can’t fully grasp the culture of Antigua & Barbuda until you witness the locals’ passion for cricket. There’s no better place than at the national arena, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, named after the country’s most famous cricketing son. Time your holiday right and you’ll have a chance to watch a premier international match here and the exhilarating atmosphere truly makes this a bucket-list experience.

If your toes are itching to get off the beach for a few hours, then a dune buggy safari is the best way to explore Antigua’s wild interior. Drive through historic local villages, lush grasslands, unspoiled beaches and sugar plantations that you probably wouldn’t see otherwise. It’s an exciting adrenaline-fuelled adventure that shows a hidden side of beautiful Antigua.

No vaccinations are recommended for Antigua & Barbuda but the country is regarded as having a risk of contracting the Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The time difference is GMT -4 hours.

The flight time from London to St John’s is around 9 hours.

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, although US dollars are also widely accepted.

UK nationals don’t need a visa to travel to Antigua & Barbuda.