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Resorts & Excursions |
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Antigua and Barbuda,
Resorts & Excursions Antigua: An excursion to Great Bird Island can be made from Dickenson Bay. Many hotels offer excursions in glass-bottomed boats for a leisurely view of the reef. A restored pirate ship sails around the island and takes passengers for day or evening trips; food, unlimited drink and entertainment are included. Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is one of the safest landlocked harbours in the world. It was used by Admirals Nelson, Rodney and Hood as a safe base for the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Clarence House, overlooking Nelson’s Dockyard, was once the home of the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV. It is now the Governor General’s summer residence and is periodically open to visitors. Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre provides visitors with a good overview of the island’s history including information on the early Amerindians and the impact of slavery on Antigua’s culture and economy. Shirley Heights and Fort James are two examples of the efforts made by the British to fortify the colony during the 18th century. Shirley Heights was named after General Shirley, later Governor of the Leeward Islands in 1781. One of the main buildings, known as the Block House, was erected as a stronghold in the event of a siege by General Matthew in 1787. Close by is the cemetery, containing an obelisk commemorating the soldiers of the 54th Regiment. St John’s Cathedral appears on postcards and in almost all visitors’ photographs. The church was originally built in 1683, but was replaced by a stone building in 1745. An earthquake destroyed it almost a century later and in 1845 the cornerstone of the present Anglican cathedral was laid. The figures of St John the Baptist and St John the Divine, erected at the south gate, were supposedly taken from one of Napoleon’s ships and brought to the island by a British man-of-war. The Market is in the west of St John’s and makes a lively and colourful excursion, especially on busy Saturday mornings. Indian Town, one of Antigua’s national parks, is at the northeastern point of the island. Breakers roaring in with the full force of the Atlantic behind them have carved Devil’s Bridge and have created blow-holes with foaming surf. Half Moon Bay is very popular, now a national park, and Long Bay is protected by a reef, and ideal for holidaying families. A lake now monopolises the countryside in the centre of Antigua. The result of the Potworks Dam, it is Antigua’s largest artificial lake, with a capacity of one thousand million gallons. Fig Tree Drive is a scenic route through the lush tropical hills and picturesque fishing villages along the southwest coast. Taxis will take visitors on a round trip. At Greencastle Hill there are megaliths said to have been erected for the worship of the Sun God and Moon Goddess. Parham, in the east of the island, is notable for its octagonal church, built in the mid-18th century, which still retains some stucco work. |