The perfect place to watch the sun go down
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High Knoll Fort Saint Helena

4.4
·37 reviews·, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

A historic military fort offering breathtaking 360° views of St. Helena and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdLow
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The perfect place to watch the sun go down

High Knoll Fort Saint Helena

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic military fort offering breathtaking 360° views of St. Helena and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

4.4
(37 reviews)

"Amazing view. Much of the fort is still intact. Worth the hike up the hill."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The terrain is uneven and can be windy. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather changes quickly on St. Helena. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 37 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Island Views

Panoramic Island Views

Summit of the fort

Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of St. Helena, from Jamestown to the surrounding landscapes. A photographer's dream!

Intact Military Architecture

Intact Military Architecture

Throughout the fort

Explore the remarkably preserved structures of this significant historical military installation. Feel the echoes of the past.

Stargazing Paradise

Stargazing Paradise

Open areas of the fort

Witness incredible night skies with minimal light pollution. See planets, galaxies, and constellations like never before.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

High Knoll Fort is exposed to the elements. Expect strong winds, especially at higher elevations. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain. The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain.

Unrestricted Exploration

Unlike many historical sites, High Knoll Fort has no entry restrictions, allowing you to freely wander its grounds. This offers a unique sense of discovery, but also means you're responsible for your own safety. Be mindful of the terrain and any potential hazards.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Clear nights
Why
Unrivaled stargazing opportunities
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Best for panoramic island views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The #ScalaSancta or #ScalaSanta in #Italian were brought from the palace of #PontiusPilate in #Jerusalem to the #Lateran palace near #sangiovanniinlaterano #Rome #Italy by #StHelena mother of #Constantine the first #catholic #christian #emperor of the #RomanEmpire #catholicism #Christ #Jesus #passionofthechrist #christianity #relic #pilgrimage #🇮🇹
@expatalessandro
10.5K likes • 139.6K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The terrain is uneven and can be windy. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather changes quickly on St. Helena. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain. Instagram

High Knoll Fort earlier this month, just catching the very last light of the day.⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #wtsdn #sthelenaisland #highknollfort #dronephotography #mavicair2 #landscapephotography #ma2 #sainthelena #sthelena #birdsview #uphigh #dronephoto #arielshot #fromabove #droneview #upinthesky #flyinghigh #mavicair #dji #djimavicair #djimavicair2 #djimavic2 #birdseyeview #arielphotography #droneshots #dronesho...
whatthesaintsdidnext
94 likes • 0 views
Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots & wings. 🌱🛩️ . . Milo being educated about Daddy's roots here on St Helena Island. 🇸🇭 A quick (very windy! ) visit back up to High Knoll Fort this morning to take in the absolutely stunning 360 views of the island. It never gets old and everytime we go, we spot something new or different on the island we'd never seen before. In Milo's c...
benjaminbucketlist
83 likes • 0 views

🔭 Bring Your Telescope

For an unforgettable experience, visit at night for exceptional stargazing. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hike from Jamestown

The walk up from Jamestown offers a rewarding experience, though it's a significant trek. Reddit

Rope access training with EMD Conservation team, at High Knoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #wtsdn #sthelena #sthelenaisland #sainthelena #dronephotography #ma2s #ropetraining #sthelenaconservation #workatheights #ropeaccess #ropework #ropesafety #emdsthelena #shg
whatthesaintsdidnext
65 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The terrain is uneven and can be windy. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

Weather changes quickly on St. Helena. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential rain. Instagram

🔭 Bring Your Telescope

For an unforgettable experience, visit at night for exceptional stargazing. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hike from Jamestown

The walk up from Jamestown offers a rewarding experience, though it's a significant trek. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic vistas are stunning, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(37 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise High Knoll Fort for its spectacular panoramic views and the freedom to explore its well-preserved historical structures. Many highlight the incredible stargazing opportunities and the sense of stepping back in time. Some note that while the fort is largely intact, it could benefit from some upkeep.

"Reasonably well preserved piece of St Helena history. No restrictions so you can ramble and wander anywhere you like. Great views of the island."

Brendan Wilson

"Amazing view. Much of the fort is still intact. Could use a little sprucing up. Should be used for outdoor events. Worth the hike up the hill."

Nate Perrins

"A long walk up from Jamestown, but amazing views."

Tim Gibbs

What People Like

Spectacular island views
Free, unrestricted access
Well-preserved history

What People Dislike

Could use sprucing up

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach High Knoll Fort is by car or taxi, which can navigate the winding roads. For the adventurous, a hike from Jamestown is possible, though it's a considerable trek. Some visitors combine a visit with Plantation House, as they are relatively close. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to High Knoll Fort are limited. It's advisable to arrange a taxi or consider a guided tour for convenient access. Reddit

Yes, driving is a convenient way to reach High Knoll Fort. The roads are winding but generally accessible by car. Parking is available at the fort. Instagram

Exploring the area often involves a combination of driving to the fort and then walking around its grounds. For a more immersive experience, consider guided tours that can provide historical context. Instagram

Due to the uneven terrain and historical nature of the fort, full accessibility for individuals with significant mobility issues may be challenging. It's best to assess the conditions upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entry restrictions or tickets required to visit High Knoll Fort. You can explore the grounds freely. Reddit

High Knoll Fort is open 24/7 as there are no official opening hours or restrictions. You can visit at any time. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter High Knoll Fort. It is a free historical site to explore. Reddit

Yes, you can visit High Knoll Fort at night. It's particularly popular for stargazing due to the lack of light pollution. Instagram

While there are no official guided tours, some visitors recommend hiring a local guide for a deeper understanding of the fort's history. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Late afternoon during the golden hour offers beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Clear nights are ideal for astrophotography. Instagram+1

You'll get spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of St. Helena, including Jamestown, the coastline, and the island's interior. Reddit+1

Yes, drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the fort and the island. Instagram

Absolutely! High Knoll Fort is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent spot for stargazing, including viewing planets and galaxies. Instagram

The highest points within the fort offer the most expansive and unobstructed views for photography. Instagram

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

You can explore the well-preserved military structures, enjoy the stunning panoramic views, and experience incredible stargazing at night. InstagramReddit

Much of the fort is still intact and reasonably well-preserved, offering a good sense of its historical significance. Reddit

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable and windy. Instagram

There are no facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at High Knoll Fort. It's a natural historical site. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at High Knoll Fort, allowing you to enjoy the views while you dine. Reddit

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