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There are a lot of well-known forts on the planet, all of which have their very own thrilling histories. In Nassau, the capital metropolis of The Bahamas, you’ll discover three such historic landmarks which have helped form the historical past of this territory. These most notable forts, that are nonetheless standing to this present day, embody Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, and Fort Montagu.
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There was as soon as one other fort known as Fort Nassau erected on the island of New Windfall the place Nassau is situated. Often known as the Previous Fort of Nassau, it was the primary fort to be constructed within the metropolis. Sadly, the fort was demolished in 1897, however the ruins of this construction can nonetheless be seen on the location of the British Colonial Hilton Nassau. Should you’re on the lookout for excursions although, it might be greatest to discover one of many forts which can be nonetheless standing!
All of the well-known forts of Nassau have been constructed to shield the island in opposition to pirate assaults or to organize for battles. On this publish, we’ll element some extra historical past of those forts and the place you could find them in Nassau.
The three historic forts of Nassau (nonetheless standing)
1. Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is the largest fort on the island of New Windfall. Constructed within the 18th century (1787), Fort Charlotte was constructed by Lord Dunmore, a British colonial governor. This fort was named after Queen Saharia Charlotte who was the spouse of King George III.
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Fort Charlotte is situated on West Bay Avenue in Nassau. It’s set on a hill with attractive views of Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island. Because the fort is situated on 100 acres of land, there’s a lot to see at this location. Although the fort was by no means utilized in battle (it was constructed on the finish of the American Revolutionary Conflict), there are 42 cannons.
At Fort Charlotte, you’ll be able to see actors dressed up in 18th-century apparel! This reenactment has a approach of reeling you proper into the historical past of the fort and The Bahamas at massive. It’ll price £4 GBP for adults and £1 GBP for kids to discover Fort Charlotte. If you need a guided tour of the fort, you’ll must pay for a tour information as properly. Guides at this location work for ideas.
Good to know: There are underground tunnels, dungeons, and even a moat at Fort Charlotte. Don’t go away with out testing the wonderful views from the highest of the fort.
2. Fort Fincastle
Fort Fincastle, on the island of New Windfall, is only a 30-minute stroll from Fort Charlotte. Each of those historic points of interest are situated in downtown Nassau. Fort Fincastle was constructed a number of years after Fort Charlotte and was additionally constructed by Lord Dunmore. It was supposed to guard the island from Spanish invaders.
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On the north shore of the island of New Windfall, Fort Fincastle is a well-liked attraction, so it’s often pretty busy. Its pretty panorama and wealthy historical past are what attraction to guests most. As Fort Fincastle is situated on the highest level of the town, on prime of Bennett’s Hill, it affords improbable views of the town and Nassau Harbor.
Whereas in Nassau, it’ll price simply a few kilos (GBP) to get into Fort Fincastle. Guided excursions can be found each day between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. Visiting this website is properly price it as you’ll be able to see two main historic points of interest in a single — Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase (also called the 66 steps), that are situated on the identical property.
3. Fort Montagu
Fort Montagu is the third must-visit fort in Nassau. This fort was constructed in 1741. It’s the second oldest fort constructed on the island of New Windfall, and the oldest Nassau fort that’s nonetheless standing. Fort Montagu is on the jap shore of the island of New Windfall. This location may be included in your sightseeing listing in the event you’ll be spending a few hours in Nassau.
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The development of Fort Montagu was overseen by Peter Henry Bruce. The fort was constructed as a defence in opposition to Spanish invaders. Fort Montagu served a necessary objective throughout the American Revolutionary Conflict throughout which People took over the location within the Battle of Nassau. Immediately, issues are much more peaceable on the fort and probably the most motion is seen when excursions get underway.
Excursions of Fort Montagu can be found from Monday to Sunday between the hours of 8 am to three pm. It prices simply £1 GBP to get into the fort, after which you are able to do a guided strolling tour or an audio tour. Fort Montagu is only a 10-minute drive from Fort Fincastle. It takes just below an hour (50 minutes) to stroll between these two places. Earlier than leaving this attraction take within the wonderful views of the Caribbean sea and the close by Paradise Island from the highest of the fort.
Skilled tip: Need to see extra historic and cultural factors of curiosity in Nassau? Learn our final Nassau metropolis information to study extra historic sights, eating places, and locations to remain.
Different must-sees in Nassau
Seashore hop across the island of New Windfall
Seashore time is important in The Bahamas. With among the greatest seashores on the planet, you’ll have a tough time resisting lazy days within the sunshine on these islands. Happily, no resistance might be obligatory throughout a New Windfall getaway. On this Bahamian island, you’ll discover among the greatest seashores together with Cable Seashore, Love Seashore, and Jaws Seashore. Cable Seashore is an particularly wonderful seashore the place you will discover a number of choices for water sports activities together with snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and extra.
Love Seashore and Jaws Seashore have water sports activities choices as properly. Each of those seashores are extra on the quiet finish in comparison with Cable Seashore, which can be close to among the greatest all-inclusive resorts in Nassau, eating places, and beachside outlets. Love Seashore has some seashore amenities, chair leases, a number of shade, WiFi, and a bar. There aren’t any eating places or bars close to Jaws Seashore, so in the event you plan on spending the day there pack meals and drinks. Jaws Seashore is a protected seashore that’s a part of the Clifton Heritage Park acreage on the island of New Windfall.
From the island of New Windfall, you may make your technique to Paradise Island the place there are much more seashores to discover. A brief drive from downtown Nassau and a visit throughout a toll bridge (The Sidney Poitier Bridge) will get you to Paradise Island. Cabbage Seashore and Arawak Seashore are among the many most spectacular seashores on that island. Each of those seashores have gentle, white sand and clear waters, in order that they’re excellent for a day of snorkelling or scuba diving.
Skilled Tip: Sandals’ all-inclusive resort is situated on one of many 12 greatest seashores in Nassau, Bahamas. This can be a main plus for friends of this resort who’ve the benefit of getting there first to safe the perfect beachside spots!
Go to the Authorities Home
The Bahamas is well-known for its Georgian colonial structure and among the best locations to see buildings on this model is downtown Nassau. The Authorities Home, the official residence of the Governor-Basic of the Bahamas, is a kind of buildings that stands out in that respect.
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Situated on prime of a hill, the Bahamian Authorities Home is a coral pink color. This nationwide landmark is about on 10 acres of land and attracts guests trying to study extra concerning the political historical past of The Bahamas (or simply pose for images!). As you stroll round this website, you’ll discover that there’s a number of historic data posted up alongside the best way. Should you’re there on the proper time you would possibly have the ability to see the altering of the guard in entrance of the constructing, which may be cool to witness.
Take pleasure in a day journey to Rose Island
Rose Island is only a quick boat experience away from Nassau, 25-minutes in reality. It’s west of Paradise Island and positively price exploring on a day journey. The thrill will start simply as quickly as you hop onto the boat and set off into mesmerisingly blue seas. The tropical breeze will maintain you cool alongside the best way as you soak up among the sights alongside the coast that you simply would not have been capable of see from every other vantage.
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When you get to Rose Island, you’ll be able to proceed having fun with your day trip within the sunshine with a number of issues to see and do. In style actions on Rose Island embody snorkelling across the vibrant coral reefs, enjoying a number of rounds of volleyball, and even assembly the island’s wild pigs. Rose Island is a kind of locations in The Bahamas the place you’ll be able to swim with the pigs, and that for positive might be a reminiscence price cherishing.
Spend the day at Clifton Heritage Nationwide Park
Clifton Heritage Park is a protected nationwide park in The Bahamas that features ocean acreage as properly. It’s on the southwestern shore of the island of New Windfall. At this nature reserve, you are able to do guided excursions in addition to hikes via the forest. There are a number of completely different climbing trails to select from, so irrespective of your degree of climbing expertise you’re prone to discover a path to go well with you.
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Other than excursions and hikes, Clifton Heritage Park is cherished for its stunning vistas and surroundings. Birdwatching is feasible right here and also you’ll see varied species of unique birds as you discover the park. Snorkelling and diving are top-rated inside this protected website as properly. There’s even an underwater statue which you could view beneath the waves known as the ‘Ocean Atlas’. Should you simply wish to benefit from the seashore, you are able to do so inside the Clifton Heritage Park as properly. Jaws Seashore is situated inside this protected zone, and it is likely one of the greatest seashores in The Bahamas.
Most significantly, whereas at Clifton Heritage Park, you’ll dive proper into the historical past of The Bahamas, notably the life of the Lucayans, Loyalists, and Africans that populated the island in its early historical past. Journey excursions, eco-tours, and heritage excursions can be found at this Bahamian nationwide park.
Take an ATV tour across the island
An ATV tour of Nassau is one of the crucial thrilling methods to discover the island. You must positively pencil in a guided tour on ATV of the island of New Windfall in the event you’re on the lookout for pleasure and serenity.
ATV excursions in The Bahamas can price round £240 GBP per particular person. These sometimes take you into the wooded areas and even to the gorgeous Nassau countryside. Alongside the best way, you’ll get to admire the luxurious panorama and make stops at choose places, together with among the island’s attractive seashores. To take pleasure in an ATV journey in The Bahamas, you’ll be able to go to your resort tour desk and ebook this as an tour.
Skilled Tip: There are many thrilling issues to do in Nassau together with exploring the forts and monuments and studying concerning the pirate historical past of the island!
Nassau forts FAQs:
What are the 4 forts in Nassau?
There are three present forts in Nassau, The Bahamas. That listing contains Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, and Fort Montagu. The primary fort to ever be constructed on the island of New Windfall, Fort Nassau, was demolished in 1897.
Which is the oldest fort in Nassau?
The oldest fort nonetheless standing in Nassau is Fort Montagu, which was inbuilt 1741. Fort Montagu is near Fort Fincastle in Nassau (a couple of 10-minute drive). Fort Nassau would have been the oldest fort in Nassau, however at the moment solely ruins of that construction stay.
How a lot does it price to go to the forts of Nassau?
It will not price greater than a few kilos (GBP) to get into the well-known forts of Nassau. The costs vary from £1 GBP to £4 GBP. Fort Charlotte has an entrance price of £4 GBP per particular person which is at present concerning the highest price you’ll be able to count on to pay to discover a fort in Nassau.
Skilled tip: For the perfect historic or cultural excursions in The Bahamas, positively go for choices that embody tour guides. Doing so may help you take advantage of your expertise as guides can level out little particulars you might need missed and share different attention-grabbing tidbits alongside the best way.
Discover the historic forts in Nassau throughout your dream Bahamian vacation
Exploring historic forts in The Bahamas may be fairly an enlightening expertise. You’ll study some issues concerning the historical past of The Bahamas that you simply seemingly wouldn’t have in any other case, and also you’ll additionally have the ability to soak up some wonderful views of the island from atop these unimaginable forts whilst you’re at it.
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Earlier than reserving your tour or tour in The Bahamas, you’ll have to resolve the place to remain. Should you plan on exploring a number of nationwide points of interest whereas within the islands, then it is sensible to remain at one of many all-inclusive resorts on New Windfall, like Sandals Royal Bahamian. This resort is situated close to lots of the greatest points of interest in The Bahamas. On a regular basis you save attending to the varied points of interest can as a substitute be spent at one of many resort’s deluxe swim-up bars or on the seashore, stress-free with a refreshing cocktail.
Sandals Resorts have a number of high quality inclusions as properly like a number of connoisseur eating places, day and evening leisure, and land and water sports activities. Adults-only and designed for {couples}, there are two Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas together with Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, and Sandals Emerald Bay within the Exumas. These resorts are each set on probably the most wonderful seashores, so whichever one you select you are in for a merely phenomenal journey!
Skilled tip: If you’re finished exploring the historic landmarks of Nassau, why not try among the greatest snorkelling spots in Nassau, The Bahamas.