Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights, English Harbour: Address, Phone Number, Shirley Heights Reviews: 4.5/5
Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights
4.5
About
Hills overlooking the Dockyard on the east, named after the governor who built the fortifications.
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Top ways to experience Shirley Heights
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
40 within 3 miles

Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar
1,133
45 ft$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • Seafood

Incanto Restaurant & Lounge Bar
262
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • International

Hothothotspot
3
0.3 mi

La Brasserie D'Antigua
159
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Seafood • European

Pillars Restaurant
461
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Seafood • International

Boom
331
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • International • Mediterranean

The Copper and Lumber Restaurant
138
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • Seafood

Abracadabra Restaurant and Bar
302
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Colibri
98
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Caribbean • Cajun & Creole

Trappas Bar & Restaurant
604
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • Seafood
Attractions
20 within 6 miles

Galleon Beach
199
0.4 miBeaches

Pillars of Hercules
153
0.5 miGeologic Formations

Nelson's Dockyard
2,334
0.8 miNational Parks

Admiral's House Museum
233
0.8 miSpeciality Museums

Dow's Hill Interpretation Centre
112
0.6 miLookouts • History Museums

Fort Berkeley
30
0.6 miHistoric Sites • Lookouts

Pigeon Point Beach
406
1.5 miBeaches

Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society
231
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Half Moon Bay
548
Beaches

The G
1
1.4 miArt Galleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,736 reviews
Excellent
1,503
Very good
804
Average
304
Poor
78
Terrible
47
Melanie C
Surrey, UK29 contributions
Couples
We visited Shirley Heights both during the day and on a Sunday night for the sunset party. Both visits were well worth it but obviously very different.
The views during the day are spectacular but on a Sunday night, the party really gets going with a steel band, followed by a reggae band and dancing.
Drinks and food are reasonably priced and entrance is $10 each and arrive early enough to watch the sunset.
Book ahead if you can as this gives you access to sit down at a table buy to be honest, we didn't book and had no problem sitting on bench to eat in the grassy area.
A fun, lively, good natured evening!
The views during the day are spectacular but on a Sunday night, the party really gets going with a steel band, followed by a reggae band and dancing.
Drinks and food are reasonably priced and entrance is $10 each and arrive early enough to watch the sunset.
Book ahead if you can as this gives you access to sit down at a table buy to be honest, we didn't book and had no problem sitting on bench to eat in the grassy area.
A fun, lively, good natured evening!
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David H
Bury, UK1,559 contributions
We visited for the Sunday barbeque. Be sure to arrive early during daylight to admire the view, and stay until after dark to see how it changes from day to night.
Entrance fee is reasonable and there is a good choice of drink. The food was reasonably priced but left a lot to be desired!
The steel drums and reggae band go on into the evening and give a good atmosphere. We were lucky to arrive early and got seats under one of the wooden gazebos, as it rained on and off all evening, leaving those outside rather wet.
This is a popular event, so advance booking is essential if you dont want to be turned away.
You can walk to Shirley Heights from English Harbour, but it is a tough walk, and a taxi is much easier and not too costly. Your driver should arrange to pick you up afterwards.
Entrance fee is reasonable and there is a good choice of drink. The food was reasonably priced but left a lot to be desired!
The steel drums and reggae band go on into the evening and give a good atmosphere. We were lucky to arrive early and got seats under one of the wooden gazebos, as it rained on and off all evening, leaving those outside rather wet.
This is a popular event, so advance booking is essential if you dont want to be turned away.
You can walk to Shirley Heights from English Harbour, but it is a tough walk, and a taxi is much easier and not too costly. Your driver should arrange to pick you up afterwards.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cindy
Erie, PA26 contributions
Couples
On trip first week of June ‘22 we went to Shirley Heights Sunday night. They have an island bash there every Sunday and Thursday at sunset. It was the best night of our excellent trip to Antigua. The pics speak or the beautiful view , but no picture can capture the talent of the steel drum band that has been together for 40 years and plays both island music and classical pieces seamlessly. The party atmosphere was great and super hosts sold wonderful BBQ and Jerk Chicken and Pork as well as a full selection of drinks. What a blast! Highly recommend it and suggest you get there 4:30 or 5 if you want to have a table. Party goes well into the night. Best $10.oo (for admission) you will spend on the island. Food and drink prices are reasonable.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PECounty
Ontario Canada7 contributions
Watching the sunset at Shirley Heights on the Sunday night party was recommended by several local residents. We hired a taxi that took us to the entrance and you arrange a pick up time with your driver. You pay at the end of your return trip so your taxi definitely comes back for you. TIP: take a picture of the license plate when you are dropped off as there are many taxis waiting to pick up customers when you leave and it is dark when trying to find your taxi and driver after sunset. The steel drum band starts playing at 5 pm - 6:30. More music after that. There is a bar for drinks for a reasonable price. Get some of the excellent bbq jerk chicken that is sold by church volunteers as their fundraiser - great authentic food, good price and you are supporting their local church. The washrooms are clean. The sunset is amazing and the view over the harbor is beautiful. You can walk down the trail towards the harbor, keep your entry ticket to get back up the trail as proof of paying $10 entry fee. A few local vendors are selling their crafts and wares. It is a nice event for all ages.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
richie
Sidcup, UK4 contributions
Family
Booked last minute while on the island , what a great decision!
6 of us went , it was a 35 minute taxi ride but so worth it .
The views are spectacular and the drinks and food reasonably priced .
We arrived at 430 and the steel band were just getting started , lovely evening and then even better the band took over after sunset and having had several drinks listening to the reggae music for the rest of the evening was fantastic.
Great atmosphere finishing at 830 seemed early but actually was about right
Couldn’t recommend this highly enough and prebook to reserve a table
6 of us went , it was a 35 minute taxi ride but so worth it .
The views are spectacular and the drinks and food reasonably priced .
We arrived at 430 and the steel band were just getting started , lovely evening and then even better the band took over after sunset and having had several drinks listening to the reggae music for the rest of the evening was fantastic.
Great atmosphere finishing at 830 seemed early but actually was about right
Couldn’t recommend this highly enough and prebook to reserve a table
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
redeco
Warren, MA9,357 contributions
Named for Sir Thomas Shirley, Governor of the Leeward Islands, Shirley Heights commands a view dockyard below and is part of the defenses that he installed starting in 1781. The view is spectacular and well worth the visit.
Didn't try the restaurant, but loved talking to the ladies who sold souvenirs on the terrace behind the restaurant. Friendly and obliging, the women, who obviously make their living from selling beads and trinkets, were absolutely charming. I bought more than I needed because I enjoyed them so much. Some of the shell bracelets and pendants were lovely and well-priced. Ok to haggle...they get right into it.
I highly recommend a visit to this splendid lookout. Enjoy!
Didn't try the restaurant, but loved talking to the ladies who sold souvenirs on the terrace behind the restaurant. Friendly and obliging, the women, who obviously make their living from selling beads and trinkets, were absolutely charming. I bought more than I needed because I enjoyed them so much. Some of the shell bracelets and pendants were lovely and well-priced. Ok to haggle...they get right into it.
I highly recommend a visit to this splendid lookout. Enjoy!
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AstroDiver
Minnesota145 contributions
It has a breathtaking view across the south end of the island. We wanted to spend 10 minutes taking some vacation photos but forgot that it was Sunday, their event day, and we were supposed to queue up and pay an entry fee for the evening's entertainment. The staff was reasonable, and we finally talked our way in for a limited stay, provided we wore a white 'wristband of shame'
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles S
Northamptonshire, UK872 contributions
As part of our island tour our guide stopped at Shirley Heights. Fantastic views particularly to Galleon Beach below and English Harbour. We visited in the day so we didn't experience the evening restaurant, bar and staged live music entertainment. We also missed out on viewing the sunset which we were told is quite impressive.
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gibbler1232
Edmonton, Canada70 contributions
We took a taxi up with friends for the Sunday night BBQ.
The views here are absolutely fantastic and even with all the people, we could still get some good photos of English Harbour and the beautiful sunset.
The BBQ was delicious and the Halcyon Steel Orchestra was a pleasure to listen too. We left when the rock band came out but a lot of people were dancing and seemed to be having a great time.
I think this is a must do for anyone visiting Antigua on a Sunday weather permitting and if you can handle crowds in a small space.
The views here are absolutely fantastic and even with all the people, we could still get some good photos of English Harbour and the beautiful sunset.
The BBQ was delicious and the Halcyon Steel Orchestra was a pleasure to listen too. We left when the rock band came out but a lot of people were dancing and seemed to be having a great time.
I think this is a must do for anyone visiting Antigua on a Sunday weather permitting and if you can handle crowds in a small space.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
trueheart
Bruce Peninsula, Canada47 contributions
I know Shirley Heights Sunday night party is apparently a must do on the island but it was seriously packed. There doesn't seem to be any limit on the number on people they allow in; three vans full from our resort alone. The views would have been spectacular if we could have gotten close enough to even see but by the time we got there people were jammed into the best lookouts and not moving. The line up was huge just to buy tickets for food which you then got into another line to get. We thought the prices were high, $15 for jerk chicken and $25 ribs so we just waited to eat back at the resort.
The steel band was good but we couldn't get near it so we just enjoyed it from afar.
As someone else said, definitely take a photo of your transport license plate or you will never find it in the dark after.
I guess my only recommendation would be to go early or perhaps on another night.
The steel band was good but we couldn't get near it so we just enjoyed it from afar.
As someone else said, definitely take a photo of your transport license plate or you will never find it in the dark after.
I guess my only recommendation would be to go early or perhaps on another night.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, are the Sunday night BBQ events still happening? My girlfriend and I will be visiting Antigua next week, and were interested in making a reservation. I saw on the Shirley Heights facebook page that live music has been cancelled due to COVID. However, I have been unable to determine if the restaurant is also closed. Additionally, I have been unsuccessful in reaching anyone via phone/email. If someone could please let me know, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks :)
Lynsie D
168 contributions
How far is this from the cruise port? Cost to get there by taxi?
JoeNathan9249
Saint Paul, MN5,693 contributions
Wow, my experience is quite different from others. I would say Shirley Heights was no more than 10-15 minutes from the cruise ship. I can not estimate cost of a cab. I would suggest contacting customer service on the ship you are on, and asking them to estimate distance and cost of a taxi.
starmc
New York City, NY29 contributions
Hi, will be stopping in Antigua in March on cruise. Trip to Shirley heights offered. What is the best time to go for photos—early am or late afternoon (thinking of sun position). Thnx.
Ray C
shavertown, United States35 contributions
Hello, not sure what days of the week you will be there but if you are there please do yourself a favor and go on Sunday night. It is a party with music and fantastic barbecue. There is a nice indoor bar as well as outdoors and tables to sit and enjoy the bands. The views are spectacular in the evening if you get there in late afternoon and stay until sunset.
cycle9675
Waterloo, Canada44 contributions
Approximately how much would a taxi cost from St John’s and return?
Carolyn R
Bonavista, Canada58 contributions
We booked a tour with Marvin who comes to the Pineapple Beach Club Resort! The driver took us to all the major sites and took us around the island! For four people we paid $160. We found it great and we could move on to the next site when we were ready to go and not have to wait on others!
Krystyn M
Sound beach 34 contributions
Just wondering how much it is to get in sunday nights? What time should we go? How should we dress? How do we get there bus or taxi? Thanks!
Elle P
Washington DC, DC83 contributions
$10 if you arrive by car, 0 if you arrive by foot. I believe it’s per person and not per car. Bbq plates for $10-13 US. Go before sunset to catch the steel drums and stay for the reggae band afterwards! I hired a taxi to take me to and from my hotel and she waited for me, only $10 each way to English Harbour. There were also other taxis there looking for business. No bus available. You could hike up from galleon beach if you leave yourself enough time! But would not plan to hike back down in the dark. Wear whatever- it’s casual. Maxi dress or shorts/top for women and shorts and tees/shirts for men.
DAguillard2014
Grenada13 contributions
What nights other than Sunday and Thursday do they have a steel band?
Richard C
Warrington, UK376 contributions
None
Mark W
Brooklyn, NY19 contributions
Do they play steel drums at Shirley Heights on another night besides Sunday?
GinaSunfish
Hockessin, DE375 contributions
We heard a 40 piece steel drum bands play there on Sunday nights. They charge a fee to attend. They have food trucks on site already no with vendors. Hear it is crowded on most Sunday nights. Locals also said Thursday nights are also a good night to go and we heard it’s a smaller scale than Sunday’s. We opted to go Monday and enjoyed the tranquility without a big crowd.
Steven D
Stoney Creek, Canada321 contributions
Hi, just wondering if it's possible to stop at the lookout briefly for a few pictures during the day while touring the island, and whether it's free to access or if there's a charge for that...
whitesofwidley
Portsmouth, UK43 contributions
Yes you can stop there. There is a charge if you go on an evening that is set up with a BBQ and steel band, but that's only in the evening the rest of the time it's free
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirley Heights
- We recommend booking Shirley Heights tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 23 Shirley Heights tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Shirley Heights:
- Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour (From $85.21)
- Antigua VIP Tours - Private Gold Tour (From $155.00)
- Antigua Round Island Tour (From $85.21)
- Historic Antigua Island Tour (From $128.21)
- Antigua VIP Tours - Private Platinum Tour (From $170.00)
- Hotels near Shirley Heights:
- (0.20 mi) Calypso Villa Galleon Beach 2min walk
- (0.17 mi) Reggae Villa Galleon Beach 2min walk
- (0.47 mi) The Inn at English Harbour
- (0.20 mi) Calypso Villa Galleon Beach 2mins walk
- (0.36 mi) Blue Moon Antigua
- Restaurants near Shirley Heights:
- (0.01 mi) Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant & Bar
- (0.64 mi) Incanto Restaurant & Lounge Bar
- (0.66 mi) La Brasserie D'Antigua
- (0.88 mi) Boom
- (0.86 mi) Pillars Restaurant