Edinburgh of the Seven Seas

The harbour cannot accommodate ships alongside, so passengers come ashore by zodiacs or tenders; sea conditions can occasionally stop the landing. The largest cruise ships generally do not attempt to land passengers, although islanders normally board to chat and sell postcards and souvenirs. Allow at least 3 sea days before arrival.

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, made up of Saint Helena, Ascension Island and the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, including Gough Island. Known as Saint Helena and Dependencies until 1 September 2009, it adopted a new constitution that gave the three islands equal standing as three territories within a grouping under the Crown.

From the tenderboat landing, the town is an enjoyable walk away.

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the principal settlement on Tristan da Cunha, a United Kingdom territory in the South Atlantic Ocean administered as a dependency of Saint Helena. It takes its name from Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's second son, who visited the island in 1867.

This extraordinarily isolated settlement on Tristan da Cunha's north coast has supported its distinctive community since the early 19th Century.

Napoleon is unlikely to have been sent anywhere more remote than tropical St. Helena. A British dependency for more than 330 years, this cruise destination lies 700 miles from Ascension Island, its nearest South Atlantic neighbour. It is a genuinely away-from-it-all place, with historic sites, places to visit and striking scenery to explore.

A small expatriate population includes an Administrator and Doctor with their families. Priests can stay for only a few months, while other visiting professionals, such as a dentist or optician, may be present for a few weeks or sometimes months.

The capital, Jamestown, has a 17th-century castle and St. James, an 18th-century church described as the southern hemisphere's oldest Anglican church. Its best-known landmark is Jacobs Ladder: 699 steps and 180-metre-high, built in 1829, with the Jamestown Museum at its foot.

At the Governors residence, Plantation House, visitors can meet 200-year-old Jonathan the Tortoise, the island's oldest resident. Napoleon's original tomb and his final home, Longwood House, now a museum, can also be visited.

Walking is especially rewarding in the central highlands. The 21 Post Box Walks are graded trails that explore much of the island; maps and route information appear in a book from the island's Nature Conservation Group, available from the Tourist Office.

One worthwhile St. Helena tour visits Napolean's home, where he was imprisoned and died, in an unexpectedly lovely setting. It also takes a scenic drive around the island and stops at Jacob's Ladder (descend at your own risk!).

Saint Helena Pounds are used for purchases. The Saint Helena Pound is at parity with the British pound, and British money is accepted on the island. Some shops may take US Dollars and Euro as well.

English is spoken.

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