Things to Do in Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Longwood HouseMustSaint Helena4.5(144)

Napoleon’s final residence is the island’s essential historical stop and gives the exile story far more texture than a plaque or viewpoint can. Visit it early in a heritage-focused day, then continue to Napoleon's Tomb and the central highlands.

1.3h Walk upGo near opening for the quietest rooms and easiest photography.

Admission is normally arranged on arrival; check opening days locally, as heritage-site hours can be limited.

Pairs with: Napoleon's Tomb · Diana's Peak · Plantation House

#2Diana's Peak (Tourist attraction)MustSaint Helena

The walk to the island’s celebrated high point delivers the lush, cloud-forest side of Saint Helena that Jamestown alone cannot show. It is a defining hike for active first-timers, but deserves flexible timing because visibility changes fast.

3h FreeStart early for cooler conditions and the best chance of a clear view before cloud settles in.

Pairs with: Heart Shaped Waterfall (Tourist attraction) · Longwood House · Lot's Wife's Ponds

#3JamestownMustSaint Helena

Saint Helena’s tiny capital is the place to read its architecture, harbour life and strategic history at walking pace. Wander rather than rush: pair its lanes, public buildings and waterfront with the museum and a climb or look at Jacob's Ladder.

2.5h FreeWalk it in the cooler morning or late afternoon; daytime shade is limited in places.

Pairs with: Museum of Saint Helena · Jacob's Ladder · St James Church

#4Jacob's LadderMustSaint Helena

The steep staircase is Jamestown’s instantly recognizable landmark and makes the town’s dramatic topography tangible. Climb it if fit, or admire it from below and use the upper viewpoint for a different perspective on the valley.

45m FreeGo early or near sunset, avoiding the hottest part of the day.

Pairs with: Jamestown · High Knoll Fort (Tourist attraction) · Museum of Saint Helena

#5High Knoll Fort (Tourist attraction)ShouldSaint Helena

This imposing hilltop fort is worthwhile less for a polished interior visit than for its military landscape and broad views over Jamestown and the surrounding ridges. Use it as a scenic stop when touring the central part of the island rather than making it the sole focus of a day.

45m FreeChoose a clear morning; cloud can erase the views surprisingly quickly.

Pairs with: Jamestown · Jacob's Ladder · Museum of Saint Helena

#6Museum of Saint HelenaShouldSaint Helena4.4(70)

The compact museum is the best orientation to the island’s layered story: settlement, strategic isolation, shipping, slavery and exile all need context here. Start here before exploring Jamestown, especially if you have only a short stay ashore.

1h Walk upVisit soon after opening or in mid-afternoon, when cruise and tour groups are less likely to be inside.

Walk-in admission is usually straightforward, but confirm opening hours around public holidays and ship days.

Pairs with: Jamestown · Jacob's Ladder · St James Church

#7Plantation HouseShouldSaint Helena

The governor’s residence offers an unusual glimpse of the island’s colonial administration and its landscaped setting, including its famous giant tortoises. It works best as a planned visit rather than an assumed drop-in, since access depends on the house’s visitor arrangements.

1h Book aheadBook an early available visit, then continue into the central highlands.

Arrange access through local visitor information or your tour operator before travelling out; public visiting times can be restricted.

Pairs with: Longwood House · Diana's Peak · Napoleon's Tomb

#8Napoleon's TombShouldSaint Helena

The quiet valley where Napoleon was first buried is a powerful companion to Longwood House, even for visitors who are not deeply interested in the emperor. It is a contemplative outdoor stop, not a lengthy museum visit, so combine it with the house and nearby highland scenery.

35m FreeVisit in the morning, when the valley is generally calmer and more comfortable for walking.

Pairs with: Longwood House · Plantation House · Diana's Peak

#9Lot's Wife's PondsShouldSaint Helena

These dramatic coastal rock pools provide one of the island’s best rugged-seascape experiences and reward visitors willing to leave the heritage trail. Conditions matter greatly, so see them with local advice and do not treat them as a casual swim stop in rough weather.

1.5h FreeCheck sea and trail conditions locally before going; calmer weather makes the experience far better.

Pairs with: Diana's Peak · Heart Shaped Waterfall (Tourist attraction) · Jamestown

#10St Helena DistilleryIf timeSaint Helena5(1)

A tasting or short visit adds a contemporary, local-production counterpoint to the island’s military and Napoleonic sites. It is best treated as a small stop on a Jamestown day, particularly if you want a souvenir with a clear island connection.

45m Book aheadArrange it in advance rather than relying on a same-day visit.

Contact the distillery ahead for tasting or tour availability; operations and visitor hours can be limited.

Pairs with: Jamestown · Museum of Saint Helena · St James Church

#11Heart Shaped Waterfall (Tourist attraction)If timeSaint Helena

This is a pleasingly offbeat natural stop for visitors who want scenery beyond the standard heritage circuit. Treat it as part of a guided or self-driven exploration of the island’s wetter interior, and go after rain only if routes are safe.

40m FreeRecent rainfall can improve the waterfall, but check local conditions before setting out.

Pairs with: Diana's Peak · Lot's Wife's Ponds · High Knoll Fort (Tourist attraction)

#12St James ChurchIf timeSaint Helena

In the middle of Jamestown, this historic church is a quick but meaningful stop that helps make sense of the settlement’s long continuity. Drop in while walking the capital rather than planning a separate excursion around it.

20m FreeVisit during daytime opening hours; access can be limited outside services and special events.

Pairs with: Jamestown · Museum of Saint Helena · Jacob's Ladder