Top Sights on the Nevis Heritage Trail

From Charlestown Methodist Church to Hamilton Estate, here are the top sites.

2 min read•Mar 06, 2019•By Karen Gardiner

Hi, I'm Karen!

Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.

The tiny Caribbean island of Nevis was the birthplace of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and home of British Naval officer Horatio Nelson. Centuries of colonial occupation can be traced via the Nevis Heritage Trail, made up of 25 historic sites, which starts in the capital of Charlestown. Here are a few of the highlights.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Montpelier Plantation

Montpelier Plantation amid the palms. | Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

Montpelier’s history dates back to 1687, but it is most famous as the setting for the 1787 marriage of Horatio Nelson to Frances "Fanny" Nisbet, niece of Nevis’ president, John Herbert. Today the plantation is a luxury hotel.

Charlestown Methodist Church

Charlestown Methodist Church and its stained glass. | Photo Credit: Charlestown Methodist Church / Tripadvisor

In the heart of Charlestown, this ornate Methodist church features beautiful stonework. Built by emancipated slaves in 1844, it continues to hold services today.

Hamilton Estate

Outside the estate on a sunny day. | Photo Credit: Hamilton Estate / Tripadvisor

The ruins of this sugar plantation, owned by the Hamilton family until the 1950s, are just outside of Charlestown. Set atop a hill, the site offers great views of the capital and across to St. Kitts.

Fort Charles

Fort Charles is on the trail. | Photo Credit: Fort Charles / Tripadvisor

Fort Charles, which dates from 1698, was once the island’s largest fort. It was built to protect Charlestown from the French and Spanish. Abandoned in 1854, it now lies largely in ruins.

New River and Coconut Walk Estates

The grounds of the estates. | Photo Credit: New River and Coconut Walk Estates / Tripadvisor

A stop at Coconut Walk Estates offers a chance to see the island’s largest windmill alongside the remnants of Nevis’ last working sugar factory. The ruins, on the island’s east coast, slope out to the sea, offering views toward Redonda Island and Montserrat.