5 things to do when visiting St. Helena island

St Helena Island offers history, art and fun. Picture: St Helena Tourism

St Helena Island offers history, art and fun. Picture: St Helena Tourism

Published Jul 29, 2017

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St. Helena island, part of the British Overseas Territory also encompassing Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands, is a remote volcanic outpost in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Here are some things to do:

Napoleon:

Did you know that the French Emperor was exiled at St Helena from 1815 until he died in 182. Visit the The Napoleonic properties – Longwood House, the Briars Pavilion and Napoleon’s Tomb On May 5 1821, Napoleon passed away at Longwood House and buried in Sane Valley on 9 May 1821. To commemorate this occasion, a Moment de Memoire is attended by islanders at his Tomb on, or near the 5 May each year. There are many artefacts that can be seen.

Plantation House:

Plantation House was built on St Helena in 1792 as a country residence for the Governor of the Honorable East India Company. Plantation House is now the seat of the Governor of St Helena and its two dependencies, the Islands of Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.The house has 35 rooms, many of them are very large and connected by passages with archways. It is also the home of the world’s oldest living animal, a giant tortoise who is around 180 years old.  There are occasional tours of the house, although the paddock (where the tortoises live) is open during the day.

Castle Gardens

This is one of the most beautiful places on the island. Some of the island’s endemic plants can be seen here, including the rediscovered island ebony.

Jacob’s ladder

Built in 1829, as an inclined plane, which was used to haul manure up from town and send goods down. The ladder is 600ft high and has 699 steps. Once you have completed the ladder, make sure you buy your souvenir certificate from the museum.

Heart shaped waterfall

The waterfall is located at the top of James Valley.  There has been a trail set up through the wild mango and scrub that provides access to the foot of the waterfall. The trail starts from Drummond’s Point on the Barnes Road track.  

Source: St Helena Tourism

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