Best Tourist Places to Visit in Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Saint Helena, Saint Helena, Africa

Saint Helena is an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, belonging to the British Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island measures a surface area of 121 sq. km, is located between 15°56′ S latitude and 5°43′ W longitude. Jamestown is the capital of Saint Helena. Saint Helena characterizes diverse climatic features, generally experiences arid climate, which can be experienced at the capital Jamestown. St Helena offers a wide range of natural and manmade tourist attractions for visitors like historical churches, beaches, waterfalls and museums.

History of Saint Helena:

Like most African and Asian regions, the Portuguese were the first European to explore Saint Helena in 1502, particularly by the Galician navigator João da Nova, who named it Santa Helena. British settlement began in Saint Helena by the Englishman Sir Francis Drake in the second half of the 16^th century. Since then Saint Helena has remained as a part of the Britain.

Getting St Helena:

There is no airport on Saint Helena, so tourists are needed to board charter flight at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom to military airfield on Ascension Island. Between Ascension Island and Saint Helena Island, ships are the only option to travel.

Alternatively, visitors can choose RMS Saint Helena ship, which runs between Saint Helena and Cape Town in South Africa, Ascension Island and Walvis Bay. There are many car rentals in Saint Helena that charge £10-12 per day for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in St Helena:

As a part of Britain, most people in St Helena speak English as their first language, who belong to the Anglican Communion.

Most upgraded shops and food corners are located in the capital Jamestown. Some recommended hotels in Jamestown in St Helena are as follows:

Cyril’s Fast Food
Anne’s Place
Sally’s Sandwich Bar
Orange Tree Oriental Restaurant

Must see in St Helena:

The Museum of Saint Helena:

The Museum of Saint Helena is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Saint Helena, situated in the capital city Jamestown. It is a nice museum, housed in an early 19th century warehouse, describing the history and natural history of Saint Helena with well preserved artifacts.

Jacob’s Ladder:

The Jacob’s Ladder is an exciting concrete staircase in Jamestown, accounting 699 steps. Constructed in the year 1829, the ladder is famous among both locals and visitors for its construction and historic importance.

Castle in Jamestown:

Constructed by the British in 1659, the Jamestown Castle is used as the seat of government of St Helena. Visitors can visit this historic house with a prior permission only. There is a courthouse near the castle.

The Castle Gardens:

Situated behind the castle, the Castle Gardens houses a wide range of indigenous tropical plants, including endemics species. It is also famous as a great bird watching point.

Heart-Shaped Waterfall:

The Heart-Shaped Waterfall is a surprising attraction for tourists like its name it features heart shape. It is situated on the outskirts of Jamestown. Worth a watch.

What else to see on St Helena?

Lot’s Wife’s Ponds
Sandy Bay
Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Clifford Arboretum
Central Peaks
Plantation House
Longwood House
Saint James Church
Post Office in Jamestown
The Cenotaph

When to travel St Helena?

From January to April is the best time to visit St Helena, when summer season runs on the island.

Accommodation options on St Helena:

St Helena houses a limited number of modernized hotels, of which most are situated in Jamestown, the capital of St Helena. So it is advised for visitors to book hotels well in advance prior to reaching the island through online to get their desired hotels with nice amenities. There are also many self-catering options on the island that well suit budget and mid range travellers. Visitors can also have mouthwatering traditional and international delicacies in such hotels apart from amenities. Some major hotels in St Helena are listed below: