Verified Facts

Official NameSaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
CapitalJamestown
Population5,651
Area394.0 kmΒ²
LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyPound sterling (Β£), Saint Helena pound (Β£)
TimezoneUTC+00:00
RegionAfrica / Western Africa
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with top things to do including visiting the Longwood House, exploring the Saint Helena National Trust Museum, and hiking to the High Knoll Fort.

Top Attractions

AttractionLocationTypeWhy Visit
Longwood HouseLongwoodHistorical HouseNapoleon's exile residence
Saint Helena National Trust MuseumJamestownMuseumIsland history and culture
High Knoll FortHigh KnollHistorical FortPanoramic views and historical significance
Jacob's LadderJamestownHistorical StairwayUnique engineering and scenic views
The CastleJamestownHistorical BuildingFormer governor's residence and museum
Saint James' ChurchJamestownHistorical ChurchOldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere
Plantation HouseSaint Paul'sHistorical HouseFormer governor's residence and gardens
Napoleon's TombSane ValleyHistorical SiteFinal resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte
Heart Shape WaterfallSaint Paul'sNatural AttractionUnique waterfall and scenic views
Lot's Wife's PinnacleJamestownNatural AttractionUnique rock formation and scenic views

Unique Experiences

  • Take a donkey ride through the island's scenic trails and historic sites
  • Go whale watching in the surrounding waters, home to humpback, sperm, and pilot whales
  • Explore the island's unique flora, including the Saint Helena ebony and the wirebird orchid
  • Learn about the island's historic whaling industry at the Saint Helena National Trust Museum
  • Experience the island's traditional cuisine, including fish cakes, coconut rice, and pumpkin fritters
  • Attend a local festival, such as the Saint Helena Festival or the Jamestown Carnival
  • Take a boat tour to the nearby island of Ascension Island or Tristan da Cunha

Outdoor & Nature

  • Explore the Diana's Peak National Park, home to unique flora and fauna
  • Hike to the High Knoll Fort, offering panoramic views of the island
  • Visit the Heart Shape Waterfall, a unique and scenic natural attraction
  • Go birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds on the island, including the wirebird and the Saint Helena plover
  • Take a scenic drive along the island's coastal roads, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape
  • Explore the Saint Helena Marine Reserve, home to a diverse array of marine life

Cultural Experiences

  • Visit the Saint Helena National Trust Museum, showcasing the island's history and culture
  • Explore the Longwood House, Napoleon's exile residence and a significant historical site
  • Attend a local church service, including the Saint James' Church, the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Take a historical walking tour of Jamestown, including the Jacob's Ladder and the Castle
  • Learn about the island's traditional crafts, including woodcarving and weaving
  • Visit the Plantation House, a former governor's residence and gardens

Hidden Gems

  • The Saint Helena Distillery, offering tours and tastings of the island's unique spirits
  • The Saint Helena Coffee Plantation, offering tours and tastings of the island's coffee
  • The Deadwood Plain, a unique and scenic natural attraction
  • The Prosperous Bay Plain, a scenic and historic area with unique flora and fauna
  • The Rupert's Valley, a scenic and historic area with unique flora and fauna

Day Trips

  • Take a day trip to the Diana's Peak National Park, offering scenic views and unique flora and fauna (distance: 10 km, travel time: 30 minutes, highlights: scenic views, unique flora and fauna)
  • Visit the Saint Helena Marine Reserve, home to a diverse array of marine life (distance: 5 km, travel time: 15 minutes, highlights: marine life, snorkeling, and swimming)
  • Explore the Longwood House and the surrounding area, including the Napoleon's Tomb (distance: 10 km, travel time: 30 minutes, highlights: historical significance, scenic views)
  • Take a day trip to the Prosperous Bay Plain, a scenic and historic area with unique flora and fauna (distance: 15 km, travel time: 45 minutes, highlights: scenic views, unique flora and fauna)
  • Visit the Plantation House, a former governor's residence and gardens (distance: 10 km, travel time: 30 minutes, highlights: historical significance, scenic views)

Planning Tips

Suggested itineraries:

3-day itinerary: visit the Longwood House, explore the Saint Helena National Trust Museum, and hike to the High Knoll Fort

7-day itinerary: explore the island's scenic trails, visit the Diana's Peak National Park, and attend a local festival

14-day itinerary: take a boat tour to the nearby island of Ascension Island or Tristan da Cunha, explore the island's unique flora and fauna, and learn about the island's historic whaling industry

Key tips for booking and prioritizing: book accommodations and tours in advance, prioritize visiting the island's top attractions and experiences, and be prepared for variable weather conditions