Attractions to Visit
Must Sees in Jamestown:
The Cenotaph
A war Memorial displaying names of islanders who lost their lives in World War II, and a plaque listing names of those who lost their lives on the RFA Darkdale.
Castle Gardens
Some of the island's endemic plants can be seen here including the rediscovered island ebony.
The Archives
Island Records dating from 1673.
Jacobs Ladder
The most iconic feature of Jamestown: 699 steps built in 1829 , embedded into a steep cliff face leading from the floor of the valley, on which the town is built, to the top of Ladder Hill. Visit the Museum of St. Helena below for a certificate to record your climb.
St James Church
The oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere dates from 1774. Built near the site of the original Portuguese chapel and replaced earlier churches.
The Museum of St. Helena
Beautifully restored in a late 18th century building; opened 21st May 2002 to mark St. Helena's 500th anniversary.
The Run
This delightfully names channel, walled and concreted and no doubt continuously imrpoved at every period of history, is presumed to follow the line of the original stream which watered the avlley of Jamestown. The Run was paved with stone in 1857 and was built with a dual purpose - as a sewer for the town and to accommodate the water course. It offers an alternative view of Jamestown.
Must Sees in the Country:
The Castell Collection
The Castell Collection is located at Princes Lodge, and the collection consists of a very interesting and vast collection of old lithhograms and prints of St Helena. Pre-arranged viewings are essential with an admission of £1.
Plantation House
Residence of the Islands governor built in 1792 by the East Indian Company. Today it retains its charm which is enhanced by the beautiful surrounding forest, on the grounds lives the oldest inhabitant Jonathan, the giant tortoise which is apparently the oldest in the world at 175 + years old.
Tours can be booked for Plantation House by arrangement only at the Tourist Office.
St Paul's Cathedral and Cemetery
Built in 1851 surrounded by burial places for Anglicans, past Governors, bishops and clergy as well as military personnel dating back hundreds of years, and other religious denominations.
Prince Andrew School
The only comprehensive school for 12-18 year olds on the island. Visits are by arrangement only.
Diana's Peak National Park, The Central Peaks
Diana's Peak rises 823 metres above sea level and is the highest point on St Helena. It is here in the National Park that many of the island's endemic plant species find refuge. The endemic blushing snail also lives here. On a clear day the views from the Peaks is magnificent.
Deadwood Plain
The site of Boer Prisoners of War camp, and home to the Islands only Endemic bird the Wirebird.
Millennium Forest
Almost 5000 gumwood trees were planted as a conservation initiative to mark the millennium. You can help to make this forest the Great Wood it once was by planting a Gumwood Tree. For more details call the St Helena National Trust Office. Tel: +290 2190
Boer Cmetary, Knollcombes
Cemetery of the Boer Prisoners that were imprisoned on St. Helena and died between 1900 and 1902 during the Anglo Boer war in South Africa. There is also a Baptist chapel whose cemetery has the grave of St Helena's first local governor, Hudson Janisch.
Halley's Observatory
Site of Edmund Halley's observatory who arrived in 1673 to map the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. Provides great views of Longwood.
Maskelyne's Observatory
Site of Dr. Neville Maskelyne's observatory. He came to to island in 1760 to study the transit of Venus over the Sun's disk. He was later Astronomer Royal.
Sandy Bay Beach
Interesting geological features as well as buildings of historical intersest including our only accessible lime kiln.
SHAPE Centre
St Helena's Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE). Opened in late 2008, this centre is the HQ of a new initiative which employs people with disabilities to produce local, quality crafts. All money made from sales is put back into the enterprise thus making it self-sustaining.