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St Helena Diana Peak cloud forest
St Helena Island James bay

Top 10 things to do in St Helena

These are top things we would recommend you do on St Helena!

1

Jonathan the tortoise

Meet Jonathan the tortoise

Estimated to be between 170 and 200 years old, Jonathan is St Helena’s oldest Saint, and the oldest living land creature in the world!

A national treasure Jonathan is one of several giant tortoises that live in the grounds of Plantation House. Thought to have arrived on the Island in 1882, in lives at Plantation House with David and Emma (who arrived in 1969), and Myrtle and Fredrika, (arriving in 1972).

More about Jonathan the Tortoise →

2

Magma Way Tours

Go on a tour with Mr George

Mr George runs Magma Way Tours, offering historical town walks, botanical and scenic tours across St Helena. With his specialist knowledge and humor, Mr George gives an insight into St Helena and the people of this remarkable island.  A tour not to be missed!

More about Magma Way Tours →

3

Climb Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder is a run of 699 steps, up from Jamestown in the floor of the valley to the fort at Ladder Hill on the western valley slope. It is one of the 7 Wonders of St. Helena and one of the first things you see when arriving into James Bay.  Walking it is an amazing experience.

Watch our video to learn more →

4

St Helena Diana Peak cloud forest

Walk to the top of the Cloud Forest

Known as Diana’s Peak National Park, Diana’s Peak is is highest place on our island.  It offers stunning views across the St Helena.  Primarily an area for natural wildlife, 393 invertebrate species which have been recorded on the Central Peaks, 217 of which exist only in St. Helena, representing more than half of the total number of species across the whole Island.  The National Park is made up of 3 summits – Diana’s Peak, Cuckold Point and Mount Actaeon.  All of which you can walk to quite easily for spectacular views across the island.

More about Diana’s Peak National Park →

5

st helena whale shark

Go Dolphin and Whale Shark Watching

St Helena offers the chance to see dolphins in the wild and at arms length is a rarity and should not be missed. Watch them cavort and dance as nature intended!

Whale sharks and whales are common around St. Helena, and can often be seen from the island. If you are lucky you may be able to get close to one.  There are many operators who offer dolphin and whale watching tours.

More about Dolphin and Whale Watching →

6

Longwood house

Visit Longwood House

One of the 7 Wonders of St. Helena, Longwood House was the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, during his exile on St. Helena from 10th December 1815 until his death on 5th May 1821. Situated in the district of Longwood, it offers a fantastic Museum, gardens and is a most peaceful and beautiful place to visit.

More about Longwood House →

7

heartshaped waterfall st helena

Walk Heartshaped Waterfall

One of the 7 Wonders of St. Helena.  This is the most loved waterfall on St Helena, it runs mostly in the winter and early spring, fed by the winter rains. In summer it is frequently dry.  Owned by the St Helena National Trust, you can enjoy a pleasant afternoon stroll from Jamestown, under the shade of some trees and refreshing breeze at the end by the waterfall.

More about Heart Shaped Waterfall →

8

St Helena Coconut Fingers

Eat some Coconut Fingers

Of course you must!  Coconut fingers are a traditional celebration cake.  It would be unthinkable to for any St Helenian celebration and there not be any coconut fingers.  Usually iced in pink, they are a sponge cake covered in coconut.  Delicious!

See the recipe and more about Coconut Fingers →

9

St Helena Coffee

Enjoy some St Helena Coffee

St Helena Coffee is one of the best in the world. The Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica bean was brought to the island in the 18th Century and has remained pure and unchanged since that time.  With the IUCN officially listed Arabica Coffee as a globally-endangered species, St Helena Coffee has brought more important.

More about St Helena Coffee →

10

st helena distillery

Visit the St Helena Distillery

It is the most remote distillery in the world, the ‘St Helena Distillery’ is one of St Helena’s secrets.  Run by Head Distiller Paul Hickling using German-made Holstein spirit distilling equipment imported and installed in 2006 it offering a selection of locally made drinks.  They include a local rum called White Lion, a liqueur made with the fabulous local coffee called Midnight Mist, a Lemon liquor and a local gin called Jamestown Gin – made from Bermuda Juniper the only place in the world to do this.  It all tastes great!!

More about St Helena Distillery →

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