Short Trips Out of Old Road Town
Because Old Road Town sits midway along the west coast of Saint Kitts, most of the island’s big sights lie within a short drive. Here they are in order of how far you have to travel, nearest first, with the time you should set aside for each.
At a glance
| Trip | Distance or time | Allow |
|---|---|---|
| Brimstone Hill Fortress | about 10 minutes by road | 2 to 3 hours |
| Basseterre | 10 to 11 km, 15 to 20 minutes | half a day |
| Mount Liamuiga | north-west slopes near St Paul’s | a full day |
| Scenic Railway | from Needsmust near Basseterre | about 3 hours |
| Nevis | ferry from Basseterre, about 45 minutes | a full day |
| Southeast Peninsula | south of Basseterre | a full day |
1. Brimstone Hill Fortress
On a hill above Sandy Point stands the fortress UNESCO inscribed in 1999. British military engineers designed it, and enslaved Africans built and maintained it, starting in 1690. Opening is daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets cost US$15, half price for children 12 and under, and EC$10 for residents with ID. The national park website has current details.
2. Basseterre
The capital became the island’s seat of government in 1727. Look for the Berkeley Memorial on the Circus, a clock and fountain from 1883; Independence Square, given its name in 1983; and the National Museum inside the former Treasury Building. A taxi from Old Road costs US$16 for up to four on the 2021 government schedule, or ride a minibus and pay in cash.
3. Mount Liamuiga
Liamuiga reaches 1,156 m and holds a crater at its summit. Expect a hard, slippery climb through rainforest, usually 4 to 7 hours there and back. A licensed guide is strongly advised, along with boots, plenty of water and a rain jacket. The UK government notes the volcano is potentially active and watched by the UWI Seismic Research Centre.
4. The Scenic Railway
The island circle by train and bus takes about 3 hours and leaves from Needsmust. Departures are arranged through cruise lines or the railway’s own booking form.
5. Nevis
Passenger boats link Basseterre with Charlestown in roughly 45 minutes. Reported fares run from about EC$25 to EC$30 one way, so bring cash for the terminal. If you are driving, the Sea Bridge car ferry crosses from Major’s Bay, though many hire companies forbid their cars on it.
6. The Southeast Peninsula
Cockleshell Bay and South Friars Bay are the places to swim, with water usually gentler than at Old Road’s fishing shore. Do not count on lifeguards, and remember the UK warning that currents can be deceptively strong.
Before you set off
- The US State Department lists Saint Kitts and Nevis at Level 1, exercise normal precautions.
- Driving is on the left; a temporary licence costs EC$62.50 for three months, as the UK travel advice explains.
Read more: Old Road Town tours , Outdoor activities and the 5-day St Kitts and Nevis itinerary .
Search guided day trips on Viator’s Nevis day trip listings .