Edinburgh of the Seven Seas

As the harbour is too small for ships to dock, passengers land in zodiacs or tenders, although sea conditions may sometimes prevent this. Very large cruise ships tend not to try to land passengers, but islanders will normally come aboard to talk and sell postcards and souvenirs. Expect at least 3 sea days before you arrive.

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic and consisting of the island of Saint Helena, Ascension Island and the archipelago of Tristan da Cunha including Gough Island. Its name was Saint Helena and Dependencies until 1 September 2009, when a new constitution came into force giving the three islands equal status as three territories, with a grouping under the Crown.

The town itself is a pleasant walk right from the tenderboat landing.

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the main settlement of the island of Tristan da Cunha, a territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic Ocean and administered as a dependency of Saint Helena. It is named after Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, the second son of Queen Victoria, when he visited the island in 1867.

The world's most isolated Settlement on the north coast of Tristan da Cunha has been the home for an extraordinary community since the early 19th Century.

Napoleon could hardly have been exiled to a more remote place than the tropical island of St. Helena. This cruise destination was a British dependency for more than 330 years. The island is 700 miles from its nearest South Atlantic neighbor - Ascension Island. A genuine away-from-it-all destination, there is no shortage of places to visit, historic sites to explore and dramatic scenery to admire.

There is a small expatriate population including an Administrator and Doctor with their families. Priests may only stay for a few months, and other visiting professionals (eg dentist, optician) for a few weeks or occasionally months.

In the capital, Jamestown, there is a 17th-century castle and an 18th-century church (St. James) which is the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere. But the best-known site is the 699-step, 180-metre-high Jacobs Ladder which was built in 1829 and now has the Jamestown Museum at its foot.

You can even say “hello” to the island's oldest resident, 200-year-old Jonathan the Tortoise at the Governors residence (Plantation House) as well as visit Napoleons original tomb and his last residence, Longwood House, now a museum.

Walking is wonderful, but mostly in the highlands in the center of the island. The 21 Post Box Walks, a series of graded trails are a good way to explore much of the island. The walks and routes with maps are available in a book written by the island's Nature Conservation Group, available at the Tourist Office.

A good tour in St. Helena is one that takes you to Napolean's home while he was imprisoned and died there, a very lovely setting strangely. The tour also includes a scenic drive of the island, with a stop at Jacob's Ladder ( descend at your own risk!)

Purchases are made in Saint Helena Pounds. The Saint Helena Pound is held at parity with the British pound and British money can be used on the island. Some shops may also accept US Dollars and Euro.

English.

There are Wi-Fi hotspots in Consulate Hotel and in Ann's Place for £6/hour.