50 Degrees North – blog and news

Lying 1,500 miles north-west of Cape Town, the undiscovered island of St Helena boasts stunning natural beauty and is steeped in history – perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile, but also with a fascinating war history with around 6,000 Boer prisoners of war captured on the Island.

But what really interests me is that you can only visit St. Helena by travelling for up to 5 days by boat, each way. In today’s hustle and bustle, imagine that. Only 4000 people, no helicopter or plane deliveries, one newspaper produced each Friday.. imagine the peace and quiet.

It obviously takes a little bit of effort and commitment to visit but with the airport scheduled to be built within the next few years, to see this small piece of paradise now would be the best advice. You can visit from Cape Town on the RMS St Helena – one of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships – and experience a voyage reminiscent of a bygone era of travel.

Alternatively, you can visit St. Helena with one of the Antarctic ships when they are travelling back up to the Arctic at the end of the season. The Atlantic Odyssey to Ascension Islands, after visiting Antarctica, spends 3 days at St. Helena. This amazing voyage starts in Ushuaia, travels across the Drakes passage, to Antarctica, then to South Georgia, then the unique Gough Islands, into sub-tropical waters, visiting the Tristan da Cunha Archipelago and then St. Helena. 30 days of amazing bird life, ocean experiences and untouched islands.

In St. Helena, home to a wide variety of natural attractions, fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, inviting waters and laid-back island charm, you can uncover its seven wonders – the island’s ‘must visit’ highlights.

Conquer iconic Jacob’s Ladder – Walk the 699 step Jacob’s Ladder, a landmark in the island’s capital, Jamestown. Built in 1829 as an inclined plane to connect Jamestown to the garrison on Ladder Hill and used to haul up manure and send down goods and ammunition, the ladder stretches 900ft high. Conquer the ladder and you can buy a certificate from the Museum of St Helena at the foot of the ladder!

Revisit Napoleon’s last residence at Longwood House - St Helena acquired fame as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile. Longwood House, located five and a half miles from Jamestown, was Napoleon’s home during the last years of his life. He took up residence at Longwood House on 10^th December 1815 and died six years later while still a prisoner on the island.  After Napoleon’s death, Longwood House reverted to the East India Company. Today it is a museum owned by the French Government and, featuring exhibits including his death mask, portraits and original furniture, it’s arguably the best Napoleonic Museum in the world. A guided tour here is a must.

Visit Napoleon’s Tomb – Take a pleasant walk to Napoleon’s Tomb in /Geranium Valley/ Sane Valley where the great commander chose for his final resting place in 1821. He came across Sane Valley on one of his walks and was delighted with the peaceful landscapes. In 1840, his body was returned to France and placed in the Hotel des Invalides in Paris.

Aim high in Diana’s Peak National Park - Climb Diana’s Peak, the highest on St Helena at 823m above sea level, for breathtaking 360-degree views of the island. The National Park is home to exotic flora and fauna, including many endemic species and dense tree fern thickets.

Fall in love with St Helena’s Heartshaped waterfall – A romantic natural wonder, the Heartshaped waterfall is an iconic landmark where water cascades through the middle of a heart shaped cliff face.

Discover the island’s rich heritage at High Knoll Fort – One of the island’s key heritage sites, High Knoll Fort was built in 1790 as a redoubt for the island population in the event of an invasion.  Its position commands superb views across much of the island, including Half Tree Hollow. High Knoll has a dry moat and drawbridge, with signs of a portcullis, storehouses, tower and embrasures with slit walls.

Oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere, St James’ Church - The oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere dating from 1774, this beautiful church is a prominent feature in Jamestown. Be sure to have a look inside, where there are plaques and tablets depicting the fascinating history of the island.

If this isn’t enough, the clear-waters surrounding St Helena are teeming with marine life making it the perfect destination for snorkelling and diving or for keen walkers the island offers a number of spectacular walks taking in the contrasting scenery. But perhaps the eighth wonder of St Helena is Jonathan the tortoise – said to be one of the world’s oldest living animals – who resides in the gardens at Plantation House. Some believe, at over 170 years old, that he was alive when Napoleon was on the Island!