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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Shirley Heights
See what travellers are saying
  • PJD65
    2,165 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do
    Every 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 November 2023
  • SammiSunshine
    New York271 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great views of Antigua
    Booked 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 December 2023
  • Dawn K
    Cheshunt, United Kingdom98 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the visit for the views alone
    Fantastic 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 January 2024
  • lithlith
    918 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shirley Heights
    Shirley 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 January 2024
  • Michelle W
    Ridgetown, Canada38 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sunday Funday
    The 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 February 2024
  • angie b
    Oconomowoc, Wisconsin30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    🤩
    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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 February 2024
  • LC4kids
    Flower Mound, Texas38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 February 2024
  • nicola h
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 February 2024
  • Heidi B
    Berkhamsted, United Kingdom1,267 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely views
    Beautiful 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 February 2024
  • geokyr
    Streetsville, Canada32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do in Antigua
    A 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,851 reviews
Excellent
1,576
Very good
829
Average
311
Poor
83
Terrible
53

trueheart
Bruce Peninsula, Canada53 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!!
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
2.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
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
2.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

Showing results 1-10 of 2,651
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

SHIRLEY HEIGHTS (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

All English Harbour HotelsEnglish Harbour Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in English Harbour
All things to do in English Harbour
Spas & Wellness in English HarbourDay Trips in English Harbour
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday homesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire