St. Helena

Enjoy a scenic drive through lower Jamestown via Sidepath Road. A brief photo stop will be made at Two Gun Saddle, where the guns on Saddle Battery were used to protect Rupert’s Bay and the coast. From here, you can view the heart-shaped Waterfall, Briars Pavilion, James Bay and lower Jamestown.

Stroll down a pleasant shady path to Napoleon’s Tomb, where Bonaparte was laid to rest in 1821. After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Napoleon’s last residence, Longwood House, which has now been set aside as a Museum. The Gardens were designed by Napoleon and contain sunken paths, a pond and gazebo.

A photo stop will be made at Sandy Bay Ridges, well known for its spectacular scenery. The viewpoint leads to the Governor’s residence, Plantation House, where you can meet the island’s oldest inhabitant, Jonathan the tortoise, who is reputed to be around 180 years old.

The last part of your journey takes you through Half Tree Hollow to arrive at Ladder Hill, at the top of Jacob’s Ladder, built in 1829 and Jamestown’s signature landmark.

The isolated island of St Helena claims to be Britain’s second oldest colony, and has a 500 year history. You will be met at the Wharf by a local guide, where the walking tour will begin. Enter the town square through the archway, where hidden behind the fortified walls guarding the entrance to the town, is a wealth of island history, from the Castle, first built in 1659, to St James Church, the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit the famous Jacob’s Ladder, which was built in 1829 as an inclined plane. The stairs rise 600 feet high and have 699 steps. The walk takes you through the castle gardens to one of the town’s historical Georgian hotels, where refreshments of tea and coffee will be served, before finishing your tour at the Museum.

Depart Jamestown via the road leading to the western side of the island travelling through the historic Ladder Hill Fort and the arid dryness of Half Tree Hollow.

Continue to the top of the hill onto High Knoll Fort before a five minute walk to the High Knoll Gate where you will be met by the Director of the National Trust who will give a guided tour of the Fort.

The impressive Fort offers spectacular views around the island and has an interesting history from the days that it was built as a safe haven for islanders through to recent times when it has hosted concerts and played a key role in international and local communications.The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes and there will be an opportunity to enjoy the views and take photos.

Proceed on to Plantation House, the official residence of the island’s Governor. Inside the grounds of the house visitors will be able to see the oldest inhabitant of St Helena, Jonathan the Giant Tortoise, who is reputed to be over 180 years old – possibly the world’s oldest living animal and a real celebrity on St Helena.

From here, continue down the hill to the final photograph stop at Ladder Hill. The site offers panoramic bird’s-eye views of the harbour and Jamestown. The top of Jacob’s Ladder, a steep incline of 699 steps reaching 600 foot high, offers great photo opportunities for those who have a head for heights.

The route then proceeds back to Jamestown via Ladder Hill Road and returns to the lower part of Jamestown.