Famed as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, English Harbour sits towards Antigua’s southern tip, and makes for a beautiful holiday base. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from old-school inns to chic beach hotels catering to a whole host of tastes and budgets. With sailing, superb scenery and fabulous food near the top of most travellers’ itinerary, the best places to stay in English Harbour are perfectly poised to delight on all counts.

With Antigua and Barbuda under English control from 1632, English Harbour was chosen as the ideal site for a well-protected naval base, facing neighbouring French-dominated Guadeloupe. Fort Berkeley was built on the coast at the turn of the 18th century, and the Dockyard — known as Nelson’s Dockyard for its association with Admiral Horatio Nelson’s formidable navy — was constructed later. Today, Fort Berkeley is well worth visiting, and UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard & Museum are particularly popular. There are some wonderful hikes in the surrounding Nelson's Dockyard National Park, too. Nearby Shirley Heights offers a spectacular lookout point over the harbour, and a further insight into the area’s history. 

Head out onto the water for world-class sailing, as well as snorkelling and diving opportunities. The tranquil ocean waters are perfect for windsurfing, water-skiing, kayaking and boat trips to hidden coves and sandy beaches, too. If you’re dreaming of sunbathing and sandcastle-building, Pigeon Point Beach and Galleon Beach are the places to go. English Harbour’s sailing culture has given rise to a plethora of excellent sailing schools — hone your skills or sign the children up for a week’s worth of lessons. There can be few more enchanting places to learn to sail!

Glitzy and trendy, English Harbour draws a returning crowd during the winter months. Book your stay well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in English Harbour, and speak to your hotel about reserving a spot in the marina if you’re arriving by boat.

The Best Places to Stay in English Harbour

For a Beach Break

• The Inn at English Harbour is a charming beachfront gem, with 28 rooms and suites featuring period furnishings, mahogany four-posters and superb sea views. Unwind on the private beach, hit the tennis courts, paddle around the heated pool, or head to the gym and spa before kicking back in the chic Italian restaurant. A pretty, elegant spot within easy reach of all the English Harbour action and attractions. For couples or families.
• South Point offers 23 swish suites and apartments, many of which have space for families or groups. Overlooking Falmouth Harbour — next to English Harbour — this is a wonderful choice for those seeking some extra independence. There is a superb restaurant on site, but South Point's accommodation is all self-catering. Expect glorious sea views from stylish rooms and the shared pool, as well as a small private beach.

For Great Value

• Admiral's Inn is a characterful 19-room harbour hotel, perfect for sailors and history buffs. Think exposed beams, wooden floors and four-poster beds, as well as a sunny terrace overlooking Nelson's Dockyard and a waterfront restaurant. Stay here to experience Antigua's history — and to watch boats bobbing in the harbour from the swimming pool. Excellent value.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to VC Bird International Airport, a major Caribbean airport with excellent connections across Europe and North America. The drive from the airport to English Harbour takes around 40 minutes. There are taxis and car hire options at the airport, as well as regular buses — though you can expect to make frequent stops and slow progress if you choose to hop aboard! Cruise ships dock at St John’s.
• Antigua is perfect for exploring by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Set close to the equator, Antigua experiences less seasonal change than many of its Caribbean neighbours — and it's also less humid. Expect temperatures of around 28°C from December to March (peak season). The hurricane season — best avoided — runs from June to November. Outside those months, you can expect lots of sunshine. Travel outside school holidays if you're looking for a tranquil getaway and great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Antigua.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.