Parking restrictions do exist in the capital, but they should not present problems, especially if you are prepared to park a short walk from the main centre.  Failure to comply with the yellow painted parking areas would result in a parking fine, even if the offence is eventually forwarded through the rental car company at a later date.  There are no restrictions elsewhere on the island, being very open and with only light traffic.  However, please do be prepared for the driver of the car in front to suddenly stop, without warning, for a chat with a friend, turn without signalling or park awkwardly; this is simply the characteristic nature of the people and the island, which makes it what it is.  Anyway, what’s they hurry!  Many well known international and local car rental companies are available offering a variety of automobiles, including manual and automatic transmissions, air-conditioned cars and jeep-type four wheel drive vehicles (check they have a spare tyre and jack!).  Naturally, rates differ with size and type of vehicle and with the time of year.  A local temporary 90 day driving licence is required by law.  Easily obtained upon presentation of your own valid driving licence and a fee of EC $50.00. (US$20) through the hire company. 

The following is just a selection of the many places worth visiting either in your rental car or with a taxi and driver/guide.

ST. JOHN’S & AREA

St. John’s Cathedral, Long Street and Newgate Street. An original building made of wood built in 1681 was replaced by a brick one at the beginning of the 18th century. A year after being created a cathedral, it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1843. The present building was built three years later and consecrated in 1848. While the twin spires feature silver cupolas, inside are some interesting memorials and tow bronze figures of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist said to have been captured from one of Napoleon’s ships.

Fort James, NEAR FORT ROAD  Although construction on the fort began in 1707, most of the work was done between 1739 and 1773. There are ten two-and-a half ton cannons and a 17th century kitchen on display.

Museum of Antigua and Barbada  Long Street and Market Street
Exhibits take the visitor from the formation of the island to the present day, including artefacts and interactive displays. There are games for children, a research centre, and shop. Closed on Sundays, there is no admission charge, but a US$2.00 donation is suggested.

Cenotaph  High Street.  The War Memorial to Antiguans who died in the First World War was unveiled in 1919 and Remberance services are held annually to commemorate those who died in both World Wars.

The Court House  Long and Market Streets. Built in 1747, this is the oldest building which is still in use and is home to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. It has had to be renovated twice after earthquakes in 1843 and 1974.

Industrial School for the Blind All Saints Road. This school is over fifty years old, and visitors can watch the craftsmen at work and purchase a variety of merchandise.

National Archives  Factory Road. Here you can find information on the government, education, and family records. There are various exhibits during the year. Open Mon-Thurs 8.00 am – 4.00 pm, and Fri 8.00 am – 2.30 pm.

Police Station  Newgate Street. The street was named after the infamous Newgate prison in London, but the building started out as an arsenal from the middle of the 18th century until 1933. The railings which surround the courtyard are made from musket barrels.

Public Library  Market Street. As the original library was destroyed in the earthquake of 1974, it has been housed above the shop Lolita’s since 1978. There are plans for a new library which will provide seating for over 150 people and over 70,000 volumes.

Public Market  Market Street. Here local merchants display their wares, and local fruit and vegetables can be bought, as well as handicrafts such as pottery and baskets. It is at its liveliest on Fridays and Saturdays.

V.C. Bird Monument   beside the Post Office. Unveiled in 1987, this bust represents Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbada, the ‘Liberator and Father of the Nation.’

Westerby Memorial  High Street. This drinking fountain, erected in 1892, is a memorial to the missionary work of Bishop George Wall Westerby. Historically, it is the point of departure and arrival for all visitors to Antigua.

THE REST OF THE ISLAND

Fig Tree Drive An exceptionally popular and picturesque drive through the lush vegetation of the rain forest, which includes wild mango, guava, orange, coconut and banana trees.

Betty’s Hope For more than 300 years this most prominent sugar plantation, located on the eastern side of the island, has played a leading role in the lives of many generations of Antiguans. Its unique twin mills sit amongst gently rolling countryside and the north mill has now been restored to be the only working sugar mill in the Caribbean. Fascinating history of Antigua and the Caribbean van be gleaned from the Betty’s Hope Visitor Centre

Fort Barrington Atop Goat Hill, on the promontory at the northen beach side of Deep Bay.  An imposing signal station, Fort Barrington reported ships’ movements to Rat Island via flag and light signals, and saw the heaviest military action in Antigua’s history.

Indian Town and Devil’s Bridge  A National Park since the 1950s and site of an archaeological excavation, situation at the extreme eastern point of the island on the road to Long Bay.  Possibly the site of an Arawak settlement, Atlantic breakers sweep in at the end of a 3000 mile fetch from Africa, producing enormous swells and energy.  Over the centuries these powerful foaming breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch called Devil’s Bridge and created blowholes through which geysers of spouting surf crashes with spectacular results.

Nelson’s Dockyard  Nestled in the heart of this most spectacular National Park is Nelson’s Dockyard within the English Harbour area.  It is the only existing example of a small sailing ship.  Georgian Naval Dockyard in the world today and fitting testimony not only to Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson but also to the Royal Navy, which used the site in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Today the old naval vessels have been replaced by stunning yachts.  This setting, straight out of a historical romance, includes restored buildings transformed into inns, restaurants, bars, boutiques, gift shops and a splendid museum (see listing).  This historic possession warrants at least one visit. Don’t miss The Dockyard Museum
Housed within the Naval Officers’ House, within Nelson’s Dockyard, heralded by the distinctive bust of Nelson, is where the history of the English Harbour area narrated.

Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre  Near to Nelson’s Dockyard. This is arguably where you should start your exploration of the Dockyard, as no visit is really complete without the help of the knowledgeable tour guides here and a viewing of the captivating multimedia show.  Comfortable seating in air-conditioned surroundings prepares you for a first class professional show.

Fort George  One of the earliest attempts at fortifying the entrance to Falmouth Harbour, dating from 1689.  Unless you have a good four wheel drive vehicle, you must walk the last mile.  The ruins of the original 699-foot high buildings, water cisterns, magazines and sites for the original 33 cannons can still be appreciated, as well as terrific views of Falmouth Harbour and the surrounding countryside below.

Jolly Harbour  The original archaeological site here revealed the earliest settlement on the island, dating to 1775 B.C.  Now, spread over 500 acres and home to Jolly Harbour, the area accommodates the largest marina, golf and beach resort in the Caribbean.

Parham/St. Peter’s Anglican Church  Parham was the earliest British settlement and the first town in Antigua in the 17th Century, becoming the centre of seabourne trade.  Parham is notable for its spectacular church, St. Peter’s which has been described as ‘the finest church in the British West Indies’.

Potworks Reservoir and Dams Reputed to be the largest expanse of freshwater in the Easter Caribbean; a mile long and half a mile wide, covering 320 acres and holding one billion gallons of water when full.