National Parks

Parks

Nelson's Dockyard

Dockyard Activities

DEVIL'S BRIDGE

A STUNNING, NATURAL RARITY

Devil’s Bridge, located outside the village of Willikies, offers a stunning glimpse into Antigua’s natural formation. Composed of limestone rock, the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge is the result of millions of years of ancient reef formation. For hundreds of thousands of years, the Atlantic’s waves have crashed into the east coast of Antigua creating a natural arch, or bridge. Numerous geysers and blowholes surround the arch as waves continually break against the coastal rocks.

HISTORY

In addition to being a natural phenomenon, Devil’s Bridge also holds cultural importance in Antiguan history. A prehistoric, Amerindian site is located within its vicinity and suggests that prehistoric peoples may have used the area for fishing and settlement. Though popular belief suggests slaves leapt to their death off of the natural arch during the period of slavery in Antigua, these stories have no historical evidence to support them. Still, Devil’s Bridge gets its name from these myths as the stories contend the devil claimed those who leapt off the bridge.

SAFETY

Visitors to Devil’s Bridge do so at their own risk. The limestone formation is often slippery because of the waves and it is advised people do not walk across the bridge. Swimming at Devil’s Bridge is not allowed.

NEWS & EVENTS

Nelson's Dockyard hosts children for summer

Date: 24th June, 2012
The National Parks Authority is in the midst of planning summer activities that will expose children to the history and beauty of the Nelson's Dockyard and its environs.

National Parks Seminar Series Kicks off on Wednesday Feb 29, 2012

Date: 29th February, 2012
The National Parks Authority is pleased to invite the general public to the first of their 2012 seminars intended to focus public attention on the importance and values of the National Parks and other Protected Areas.

Nelson's Dockyard in spotlight with visit of Royal Couple

Date: 29th February, 2012
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, their Royal Highnesses Prince Edward and Princess Sophie visit Antigua this month as part of the Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations.

Christmas and New Years in the Dockyard!

Date: 25th December, 2011
The Dockyard Christmas tradition continues this year with the champagne party in The Dockyard! The Copper and Lumber Hotel is following up the party with a special Christmas Dinner! Multiple courses await you, with a traditional Christmas dinner or other options if you desire. Contact the Copper and Lumber store Hotel for more details! Finish up the year with the New Years party in the Dockyard! Fireworks and live music will see in the new year in sytle.

Boreas Pursuit Race

Date: 20th November, 2011
Nelson once chased the combined fleets of France and Spain across the Atlantic! You won’t have to go that far, but do you think you can keep up with him? Race starts in English Harbour. Prize-giving for the Nelson’s Dockyard Series to follow. Prizes will be awarded for individual race winners, series winner, and a plethora of other categories including most spirited and best costume!

Dockyard Day: 50 Years of Nelson's Dockyard

Date: 14th November, 2011
The 14th November was chosen as the opening day of Nelson’s Dockyard in 1961 because it coincided with Princes Charles’ birthday. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Opening Day of Nelson’s Dockyard, an opening ceremony will be held in English Harbour. Following the ceremony, the Dockyard Museum will unveil its exhibition: 50 Years of Nelson’s Dockyard which highlights the restoration efforts in the 1950s as well as the birth of yachting in English Harbour.