Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights
4.5
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
About
Hills overlooking the Dockyard on the east, named after the governor who built the fortifications.
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- PJD652,165 contributionsA must doEvery time I visit Antigua, I pop up here for a bit of music and a few beers. Shirley Heights jump up is a well known event and worth a visit although for some it does get a little overcrowded. If you just want to take in the sunset, don’t go on Sunday or Thursday!!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 November 2023
- SammiSunshineNew York271 contributionsGreat views of AntiguaBooked a tour here through my resort. Shirley Heights has spectacular views from up high. I recommend the walking trail, but use caution as the ground is not level in certain spots. There are areas to get drinks and food. Unfortunately during my visit, it was packed with people! I waited in line over an hour for drinks.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 December 2023
- Dawn KCheshunt, United Kingdom98 contributionsWorth the visit for the views aloneFantastic views over English & Falmouth Harbours, and other parts of the island. Tickets to access Nelson’s Dockyard ($15 pp when we went) include access to Shirley Heights. You will need a car or be in a taxi to get up there!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 January 2024
- lithlith918 contributionsShirley HeightsShirley Heights is a great view point in Antigua. You'll get some great photos here. We stopped here for 10 minutes as part of our cruise ship excursion. There were some local vendors and a small restaurant there.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 January 2024
- Michelle WRidgetown, Canada38 contributionsSunday FundayThe views were spectacular, we opted to go down the paths instead of staying in the chaos at the Sunday night Party. The steel drums were enjoyable and gave a rhythmic island vibe. The rum was flowing and thee bands kept thee party going. Its very busy, the lines were long. We went with some locals who were able to take care of us. Highly recommend Keith from Jolly Beach as he arranged the taxi, and made sure we all had a good time.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 February 2024
- angie bOconomowoc, Wisconsin30 contributions🤩We went for Sunday fun day. It was a lot of fun! Very crowded so if you don’t like crowds, don’t go on Sunday. The views were unbelievable! The rum punch is awesome and the nutmeg with it was superb! I had three and our driver asked me how I was still standing. It will sneak up on ya! 🤤Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 February 2024
- LC4kidsFlower Mound, Texas38 contributionsYou can’t visit Antigua and not go to Shirley heights!You can’t go to Antigua and NOT go to Shirley heights! Go early and get your seats and food tickets which will make the crowds way more tolerable. We took a cab from our hotel and arrived a little after 4. The steel band was setting up and food prepping. We got great seats and were comfortable all night long despite the crowds. The food views and band are amazing! Must do! FYI: The food Portions are very large and we were able to split a plate.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 February 2024
- nicola h3 contributionsGreat views worth a visit.Great experience. Get there early, around 4 pm, and queue up to get food immediately. The queue can become mega—great pictures of the island. We drove; however, please ensure you are a competent driver, as the roads are windy, especially if you have had a drink. Steel pan drums are the star of the show. You can grab a table near where they are playing if you can. The show is insane as it progresses. After the show, the singers had great voices, although the music was slightly commercial. Think laidback BBQ vibes. Bring spray; there are tons of insects, especially as the sun goes down.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 February 2024
- Heidi BBerkhamsted, United Kingdom1,267 contributionsLovely viewsBeautiful look out point. We didn’t stay for the BBQ, but enjoyed the views & a little walk around. We iPad the entrance of -$15 & could have returned later for the BBQ without paying again, but ended up doing something else.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 February 2024
- geokyrStreetsville, Canada32 contributionsA must do in AntiguaA must if you're staying in Antigua. Go on a Thursday or Sunday for the BBQ and dance party. The sunset pictures are epic and the band played everything from Bob Marley to Justin Bieber to Queen. So much fun!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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trueheart
Bruce Peninsula, Canada53 contributions
Feb 2020
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 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Ashington, UK121 contributions
Feb 2020
We hired a private transfer for Sunday evening at Shirley Heights.
Yes, $10 each for entry, but the music made it well worth the fee. The steel band played for well over an hour while we watched the sunset, enjoyed the food & cocktails (try their dark & stormy) Then the reggae band took over - great music & atmosphere!!
Yes, $10 each for entry, but the music made it well worth the fee. The steel band played for well over an hour while we watched the sunset, enjoyed the food & cocktails (try their dark & stormy) Then the reggae band took over - great music & atmosphere!!
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R&RwithT&R
Denver, CO38 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This place has nice views if you go in the day but Sunday night it’s extremely crowded with tourists (not locals as they claim around the island). It’s expensive to get there and with all the people it’s impossible to enjoy a romantic sunset. Plus you end up stuck there for a few hours until the shuttle takes you back to the resort.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie C
Surrey, UK59 contributions
Feb 2022 • 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 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
us3rushes
8 contributions
Apr 2019
There are HUGE gatherings here on Sunday nights...so be prepared for crowds. The Steel drum band is NOT TO BE MISSED and worth the price of admission. The food is not worth it, so plan to have dinner somewhere else. Sunsets are spectacular. I believe you can go on other nights but the band won't be there.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
Bury, UK1,633 contributions
Feb 2022
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 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clarkwhite
Ipswich, UK77 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Great view and a historic place. Sunday evening bbq is well worth going to, the food is ok, but the view watching the sunset and the steel band playing is a memory you won’t forget.
Get there before 4 to reserve your seat on the wall overlooking the harbour.
Steel band plays 4pm-7pm, then reggae band until 10
Get there before 4 to reserve your seat on the wall overlooking the harbour.
Steel band plays 4pm-7pm, then reggae band until 10
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah D
Coulsdon, UK136 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
I was looking forward to this visit on the recommendation of friends who had been before and said to get there early for the sunset.
You have to pay $10 each for what I do not know as you don’t get a ticket for a drink only a coloured wrist band!
There are bars inside the building and outside and you can buy a ticket for food which we failed to do and thought we would get it later.
What a mistake! We tried to get a ticket for food after sunset and the queue was long with people pushing in from the side or just walking straight up to the counter.
We gave up after queuing for 30 mins and headed back to our hotel in time for dinner.
Great for the sunset pictures, but be warned the Instagram influencers jump in front of you to get their ideal sunset picture and risk their lives by going on the rocks where it is clearly signed not to go!
The steel band was fantastic and had the crowd dancing.
You have to pay $10 each for what I do not know as you don’t get a ticket for a drink only a coloured wrist band!
There are bars inside the building and outside and you can buy a ticket for food which we failed to do and thought we would get it later.
What a mistake! We tried to get a ticket for food after sunset and the queue was long with people pushing in from the side or just walking straight up to the counter.
We gave up after queuing for 30 mins and headed back to our hotel in time for dinner.
Great for the sunset pictures, but be warned the Instagram influencers jump in front of you to get their ideal sunset picture and risk their lives by going on the rocks where it is clearly signed not to go!
The steel band was fantastic and had the crowd dancing.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
991Sherrie_Lee
belnan32 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We attended the Sunday night festivities in January. The view is beautiful and sunset above English Harbour was amazing. The atmosphere was fun, we were told locals attend but honestly only to sell food, souvenirs and play the music. It’s very much a tourist attraction. The taxi dropped us off around 6 pm the drumming was about 2 hours and the Reggae music started around 730 and out arranged by hotel taxi picked us up for 8. We honestly were ready to leave and so were the other couples that were in our shuttle taxi.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JP
Raleigh, NC307 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Shirley heights is a must if you are vacationing in Antigua! Our resort (cocobay) offered a shuttle to go on a Sunday afternoon. There was a great mixture of families, couples, friend groups etc and from all over the world! The beer and liquor selection were robust and ranged from $4 (beer) to about $8-$10(cocktails). It was a bit crazy right at sunset and a few people broke out into verbal arguments because they were trying to get photos which definitely took away from the absolute beauty of the area however it quickly resolved when the sun went down and there was nothing left to argue about. The steel drums orchestra played earlier in the night and played some super fun sing alongs as well as traditional carribean music and later in the night an awesome band/ dj played and really got people dancing partying. There is food to purchase also and souvenirs. Overall a must do experience.
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you need a reservation for Thursdays at Shirley Heights ?
Written 13 October 2024
I'm taking my Dad to Shirley heights on a Sunday. Is it okay to take folding chairs. Or is there seating.
Written 25 February 2023
There are plenty of picnic benches or low walls you can sit on. There’s odd also a grass area where you could put seats if you need or want to.
Written 26 February 2023
We will be cruising to Antiqua in December 22. How far, aprox., from cruise port to the hiking trail to Shirley Heights?
Written 5 December 2022
First, Shirley Height’s absolutely is a don’t miss and it is on Sunday and Thursday nights. Sunday is bigger and better. It’s a festival of musical and eating/ drinking and dance. Getting there is 30 minute drive from port in St John’s. Might suggest you look at travel sites for transportation, or contact directly resorts in St John’s area which might give you ideas on how to get there. Plan to stay into the evening if cruise schedule allows as the activity really grows as and well after sun sets. Great place to meet folks from all over. The steel drum band has been a fixture there for forty years and plays a wide range of music, some classical, some rock and also reggae (of course). A beautiful memory for us. Don’t miss it.
Written 5 December 2022
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 :)
Written 15 March 2021
How far is this from the cruise port? Cost to get there by taxi?
Written 15 February 2020
Varied answers I see. This time I went with an organised tour. A few years ago went by taxi to Shirley Hights, and two other sights including Nelsons Dockyard. Much cheaper than a tour. I would estimate around 45mins each way.
Written 16 February 2020
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.
Written 2 November 2019
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.
Written 7 November 2019
Approximately how much would a taxi cost from St John’s and return?
Written 4 August 2019
Hello! A taxi from St. Johns to Shirley heights would cost you depending on what do you expect from it. If you just want them to drop you there it would be something around 25 and 30.
Look for Antigua taxi rates in google and you can find most of them.
Written 4 August 2019
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