Fun things to do in Saint Helena

This is the only way to get in and out of St. Helena. Ships will anchor off the coast and the tender service bring passengers ashore. There are plans to build an airport but currently ship traffic is the only way to reach the island. Also all provisions and goods used on the island arrive here.

The museum was opened on the 21 May 2002 during St Helena’s Quincentenary celebrations. The building is situated near the base of Jacob’s Ladder and is managed by the St Helena Heritage Society. Inside there is a ground floor and an upstairs gallery which holds items of great historical interest and have immense value

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The Post Office used to be an officers mess in the past. The building was built in Victorian style. Today one can get the rate St. Helena stamps here. Remember if you post items they will only leave by ship - and a postcard from St. Helena to Europe takes between 6 to 8 weeks.

The Castle was originally built in 1659 when John Dutton became the first Governor. Much of the fabric was destroyed by termites, forcing reconstruction in the 1860's. It is now used for the Government Savings Bank.

Key to Jamestown
1 The Wharf: this is the only way on and off St Helena, and the place where all passengers and provisions are landed
2 Mundens: fortifications named after Sir Richard Munden, who recaptured the island from the Dutch in 1673. Used in the 1950's to house 3 political prisoners from Bahrain.
3 HM Customs House: Mid 18th Century barrelled vaulted building.
4 The Bond Store: originally known as Captain Wade's House, and still a private residence.
5 Barrelled vaulted building once used as a mortuary.
6 Steps leading to the Public Gardens, Castle Terrace and the Sister's Walk
7 The Swimming Pool
8 War Memorial
9 Town Gates: originally built around 1708, t.
10 Mule Yard: Owners would tether their donkeys when in town. Contains numerous stones with faded inscriptions.
11 The Castle: originally built in 1659 when John Dutton became the first Governor.
12 Police Station: in emergency call 999, enquiries 2626
13Court House
14 Library
15 Memorial
16 Jacobs Ladder
17 HM Prison: built in 1827, and home to 2 prisoners. Serious crimes are judged in the UK and prisoners held there.
18 St James Church: built in 1774 near the site of the original Portuguese chapel. The steeple was added in 1843, but removed in 1979 when it became dangerous
19 Site of the Porteous House.This is where Napoleon spent his first night on St Helena
20 Public Gardens
21 Anne's Place: Restaurant
22 Broadway House: Late 18th Century building housing the island museum (open Mon-Fri, 08:30 -16:00)
23 Wellington House Hotel: an early 18th Century Building
24 Post Office: built in Victorian Times as an Officer's Mess. It sells Island Maps, and the Philatelic Bureau is located here. The Bureau sells stamps from St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. Opening hours: 08:30 - 12:30, 13:00 - 16:00. Closed all day Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
25 Essex House: Dating from 1739, this was the private residence of Saul Solomon.

The Wirebird Chardrius sanctae helenae is the last surviving endemic land bird on St Helena. The wirebird is closely related to the Kittlitz's Sand Plover C. pecarius of Africa although it is larger and has a different marking. The bill of the wirebird is also longer.

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There are so many farm animals that appreciate a morsel from a stranger's hand. Pick grass, feed them and enjoy their company!

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Befriend as many of the local people as you can and visit them in their homes. Listen to their stories of the the island. Especially the older folk have such interesting tales to tell!