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Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Jamestown, St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean, United Kingdom (UK) [Updated-2026]

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November 10, 2025

Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Jamestown, St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean, United Kingdom (UK) [Updated-2026]

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Jamestown, St. Helena: Your Ultimate Guide to the UK’s Most Remote Island Capital

Tucked away in the vast, blue expanse of the South Atlantic Ocean, lies a sliver of land so remote, so steeped in history, it feels like a secret the world has kept for itself. This is St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory, and at its heart lies Jamestown—a captivating Georgian town that serves as the island’s historic capital and vibrant gateway.

Jamestown isn’t just a destination; it’s an arrival. It’s the culmination of a epic journey by air or sea to one of the most isolated inhabited islands on Earth. Founded by the English East India Company in 1659, its story is woven from threads of colonial ambition, imperial exile, and trans-oceanic trade. Walking its streets is like stepping into a living museum, where the past isn’t preserved behind glass but is etched into the very fabric of the sun-baked stone and the warm, welcoming spirit of the “Saints,” as the islanders are known.

This comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking the treasures of Jamestown. We’ll explore every historic nook, conquer its famous staircase, delve into the legacy of its most famous prisoner, and discover the unexpected adventures that await in its crystal-clear waters.

1. First Impressions: The Gateway to St. Helena

Arrival at the Jamestown Wharf

Your first encounter with Jamestown is dramatic. Whether you arrive on the RMS St. Helena (a legendary ship in its own right) or fly into the newly built airport, your journey ends at the Jamestown Wharf. This bustling hub is the island’s lifeline, where containers are unloaded, fishermen mend their nets, and visitors take their first steps onto St. Helena soil.

The wharf is flanked by towering, rugged cliffs, a signature feature of the island’s volcanic origins. Immediately, you’ll see the town itself, a linear settlement crammed into a deep, narrow valley, or “gorge,” that cuts inland from the coast. The architecture is uniformly Georgian—simple, elegant, and resilient, built from local dark volcanic rock.

The “Castle” and the Tourist Office

A short walk from the wharf brings you to The Castle. Don’t expect medieval turrets; this is the administrative heart of St. Helena, housing the government secretariat. More importantly for visitors, it’s home to the excellent St. Helena Tourist Office. Your first stop should be here. The friendly staff provide invaluable maps, book tours, and offer insights you won’t find in any guidebook. Pick up your St. Helena passport stamp—a cherished souvenir for any intrepid traveller.

2. Conquering the Icon: Jacob’s Ladder

No visit to Jamestown is complete without confronting its most famous landmark. Jacob’s Ladder is a breathtaking, and somewhat daunting, 699-step staircase that scales the steep hillside from Jamestown to Ladder Hill Fort.

A History of Haulage: Built in 1829 as an inclined plane, it was originally used to haul manure down from the military barracks above and send supplies up. The tracks are still visible on either side of the steps.
The Challenge: Climbing it is a rite of passage. The steps are steep, and the ascent is a serious workout. Take it slow, pause to catch your breath (and enjoy the ever-expanding view), and remember—what goes up must come down! The descent can be just as challenging on the knees.
The Reward: At the top, you are greeted with a panoramic view of Jamestown, the wharf, and the endless South Atlantic Ocean that is simply unparalleled. It’s the perfect photo opportunity and a moment of genuine accomplishment.

Pro Tip: Attempt the climb early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun. And for those who can’t manage the steps, the view from the bottom is still impressive.

3. A Walk Through History: Exploring Jamestown’s Main Street

Jamestown’s main street is a mile-long historical narrative. A leisurely stroll from the Wharf to the end of town takes you past virtually all its key sites.

The Museum of St. Helena

Housed in the former East India Company power station, the Museum of St. Helena is a gem. It expertly guides you through the island’s rich tapestry, from its volcanic birth and unique ecology to its role as a vital staging post for ships sailing to the East. Key exhibits detail the island’s most famous chapters, including the Boer War prisoners and, of course, Napoleon Bonaparte. It provides the essential context that brings the rest of the island to life.

St. James’ Church

Believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere, St. James’ Church is a serene and beautiful stop. Its tranquil churchyard, with headstones telling stories of sailors, soldiers, and settlers from centuries past, is a poignant reminder of the island’s long and isolated history.

The Cenotaph and Market

At the heart of town stands the Cenotaph, a war memorial honouring St. Helena’s fallen from both World Wars. Just across the way is the Market, a lively spot, especially on Saturday mornings. It’s where locals buy fresh produce, and you can soak up the friendly, community atmosphere.

The Archives & The Philatelic Bureau

For true history buffs, the St. Helena Archives hold a wealth of documents chronicling over 350 years of island life. For a different kind of collection, visit the Philatelic Bureau. St. Helena’s stamps are famous for their beauty and rarity, featuring unique endemic species and historical events. They make for a beautiful and lightweight souvenir.

4. In the Footsteps of an Emperor: The Napoleon Connection

St. Helena’s name is forever linked with Napoleon Bonaparte. After his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the British government chose this remote island as the place of his final exile. He lived on St. Helena until his death in 1821, and his presence is deeply felt in Jamestown.

The Napoleonic Tour

Start your exploration at the two key properties associated with him, both cared for by the French government.

The Briars: Located just outside Jamestown, this is where Napoleon spent his first two months on the island. The pavilion in which he lived is preserved as a museum, offering an intimate look at the beginning of his exile.
Longwood House: This is Napoleon’s main residence for the majority of his exile. Located in a damp, windy part of the island, it was a place of great frustration for him. Today, it is a French national monument, meticulously restored to its 1821 condition. Walking through the rooms, including his bedroom where he died, is a profoundly moving experience.

His Final Journey: The Tomb

Although Napoleon’s remains were repatriated to France in 1840, his original tomb in the tranquil Sane Valley (often called Geranium Valley) is a site of pilgrimage. The empty tomb, set in a beautiful, secluded spot, is incredibly peaceful and evocative.

5. Beyond the Town: Adventures Accessible from Jamestown

While Jamestown is the hub, it’s also the perfect base for exploring the wider island.

Hike to Heart-Shaped Waterfall

One of the most popular hikes starts right from Jamestown. The trail leads up the valley behind the town, through lush vegetation, to the Heart-Shaped Waterfall. While it’s often more of a trickle than a torrent (St. Helena’s climate can be arid), the hike itself is beautiful, and the unique geological formation is fascinating to see.

Dive or Snorkel in the Crystal Clear Waters

The waters around St. Helena are phenomenally clear, with visibility often exceeding 30 metres. From Jamestown Wharf, you can join diving and snorkelling trips to explore a vibrant underwater world. The biggest draw? From approximately December to March, you can have the unforgettable experience of snorkelling with majestic Whale Sharks. These gentle giants, the largest fish in the sea, are regularly spotted in the bay, making for a truly bucket-list encounter.

Visit Plantation House

A short taxi ride from Jamestown brings you to Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor. While the house itself is interesting, the main attraction is in the grounds: Jonathan the Tortoise. Jonathan is a Seychelles giant tortoise and is officially the oldest known living land animal in the world, estimated to have been born around 1832. Meeting this venerable creature is a must-do.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Getting There:

By Air: The St. Helena Airport (HLE) offers weekly commercial flights from Johannesburg, South Africa. The approach and landing are an adventure in themselves!
By Sea: The RMS St. Helena now operates primarily as a cargo vessel but may occasionally offer passenger berths, providing a truly classic way to arrive.

Getting Around:

On Foot: Jamestown is very walkable.
Car Rental & Taxis: To explore the rest of the island, renting a car or using the friendly and knowledgeable local taxi drivers is recommended.

Where to Stay & Eat:

Jamestown offers a range of accommodation, from self-catering apartments to charming guesthouses like the Consulate Hotel. For dining, don’t miss:

The Coffee Shop: For a light lunch and excellent coffee.
Ann’s Place: A local favourite serving hearty, home-cooked meals.
The Standard: For a drink in a historic pub setting.

Best Time to Visit:

The climate is mild year-round. The summer (December-March) is warmer and the best time for whale sharks. The winter (June-September) is cooler and often windier.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Dot on the Map

Jamestown, St. Helena, is not a typical holiday destination. It is a journey back in time, a physical challenge, a natural wonder, and a lesson in resilience. It’s the feeling of standing at the top of Jacob’s Ladder, the quiet reflection at Napoleon’s tomb, the thrill of spotting a whale shark, and the warmth of a conversation with a Saint.

In our hyper-connected world, the remote beauty and profound history of Jamestown offer a rare gift: the chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in a story that has been unfolding in the middle of the South Atlantic for centuries. It’s a place that doesn’t just change your passport; it changes your perspective.

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Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Jamestown, St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean, United Kingdom (UK) [Updated-2026]

Jamestown, St. Helena: Your Ultimate Guide to the UK’s Most Remote Island Capital

1. First Impressions: The Gateway to St. Helena

Arrival at the Jamestown Wharf

The “Castle” and the Tourist Office

2. Conquering the Icon: Jacob’s Ladder

3. A Walk Through History: Exploring Jamestown’s Main Street

The Museum of St. Helena

St. James’ Church

The Cenotaph and Market

The Archives & The Philatelic Bureau

4. In the Footsteps of an Emperor: The Napoleon Connection

The Napoleonic Tour

His Final Journey: The Tomb

5. Beyond the Town: Adventures Accessible from Jamestown

Hike to Heart-Shaped Waterfall

Dive or Snorkel in the Crystal Clear Waters

Visit Plantation House

Practical Information for Your Visit

Getting There:

Getting Around:

Where to Stay & Eat:

Best Time to Visit:

Conclusion: More Than Just a Dot on the Map

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