The most famous view in Antigua has to be the view from the lookout at Shirley's Heights, which gives a spectacular view of the yachts anchored at English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard. On a clear day the island of Guadeloupe is visible to the South and the still erupting volcano on Montserrat to the South West. The lookout was built in 1781 by the Governor of the Leeward Islands, Sir Thomas Shirley, and is 490 feet above sea level in the Southernmost part of the island. From the lookout, French ships sailing from Guadeloupe to the South could be seen from many miles away giving the British advance warning of any attack. There are still stone structures that were used for barracks and gun emplacements around this area.

Image by sharkbait

Sunset is spectacular seen from Shirley's Heights and don't forget your camera to capture the superb view. Nowadays the lookout is a popular spot for tourists and locals who come to enjoy the entertainment held on Thursday and Sunday evenings throughout the year. You can enjoy Steel Pan bands until sunset followed by local bands that play reggae, soca or calypso until late into the evening. Eat at the barbecue but be careful of the local rum punch as it is reputed to have more rum than punch! Vendors will sell you locally made jewelry or buy a hat made from coconut leaves.

The whole area is a National Park today which has been left to grow wild and is inhabited by goats and hummingbirds. There are a great many Century Plants, so called because they only flower occasionally. Despite the name, Century Plants live for around 28 years and die immediately after flowering.  

If you are interested in the History of Antigua the Dow Interpretation Centre, located on the road up to Shirley's Heights, is a place to visit. Hotels all organise trips to Shirley's Heights or any taxi driver will take you there and come back for you later. Your trip to Antigua is not complete without visiting this historic and popular spot.