The Briars Pavilion
Step into Napoleon's first St. Helena residence, a small pavilion rich with history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Check schedule to avoid closure.
The Briars Pavilion
Best Time
Check schedule to avoid closure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Napoleon's first St. Helena residence, a small pavilion rich with history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
"A beautiful little museum, very informative audio guide, a must visit if you are on St Helena."
Bring Cash! 💰
Remember to bring cash for entry fees and any purchases, as card payments are not accepted.
Check Opening Days 🗓️
The pavilion is only open two days a week, so confirm the schedule before your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Napoleon's Temporary Residence
The Parlour, Corridor, and Sitting Room
See where Napoleon Bonaparte briefly stayed before moving to Longwood House during his exile.
Informative Audio Guide
Throughout the Pavilion
Gain detailed insights into the artifacts and paintings within the museum.
Beautiful Gardens
Exterior grounds
Enjoy the serene and well-maintained gardens surrounding the historic pavilion.
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Planning Your Visit
Limited Opening Hours
Cash Only Payments
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash! 💰
Remember to bring cash for entry fees and any purchases, as card payments are not accepted.
Check Opening Days 🗓️
The pavilion is only open two days a week, so confirm the schedule before your visit.
Audio Guide Recommended 🎧
The audio guide offers detailed information, especially if the French consul isn't available for a tour.
Short Visit Duration ⏱️
Allow ample time for Longwood House; Briars Pavilion is a brief stop, only a few rooms are accessible.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash! 💰
Remember to bring cash for entry fees and any purchases, as card payments are not accepted.
Check Opening Days 🗓️
The pavilion is only open two days a week, so confirm the schedule before your visit.
Audio Guide Recommended 🎧
The audio guide offers detailed information, especially if the French consul isn't available for a tour.
Short Visit Duration ⏱️
Allow ample time for Longwood House; Briars Pavilion is a brief stop, only a few rooms are accessible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Briars Pavilion to be a beautiful and informative small museum, particularly for its historical connection to Napoleon's exile. The audio guide is praised for its detail, and the gardens are lovely. However, the limited opening days and cash-only payment policy are common drawbacks.
"Briar’s Pavillion is only open two days a week. The French consul, Michel, lives there and normally gives tours of the house but was unfortunately busy today so we got an audio guide.
The audio guide goes into minute detail about various paintings and artifacts, but is less good on the general history of Napoleon’s exile.
Napoleon was only at Briar’s house for two months while Longwood House was being prepared for him. There’s just the parlour, a corridor and a sitting room to see, so if you are short of time skip this in Favour of Longwood."
Karin Sinniger
"A beautiful little museum. Very informative audio guide"
Ingrid Haacke
"Lovely small museum a must visit if you are on St Helena. Unfortunately they only take cash."
David Gordon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Briars Pavilion is located on St. Helena. Access details would depend on your specific travel arrangements to the island. It's often visited in conjunction with other historical sites like Longwood House.
Information on public transport to The Briars Pavilion is limited. It's advisable to arrange private transport or inquire locally upon arrival on St. Helena.
Many visitors use taxis or hire cars to travel between The Briars Pavilion and Longwood House, as they are relatively close on St. Helena.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Briars Pavilion has limited opening hours, typically only open two days a week. It's crucial to check the current schedule before planning your visit.
Entry fees for The Briars Pavilion are usually payable in cash only. Confirm the exact price upon arrival or check local tourist information.
Currently, there is no indication of online ticket purchasing for The Briars Pavilion. Visitors are advised to pay in cash upon arrival.
Guided tours may be offered by the French consul, Michel, on certain days. An audio guide is also available for self-guided exploration.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore Napoleon's former parlour, a corridor, and a sitting room. The audio guide provides details on the paintings and artifacts.
Given the limited number of rooms to see, a visit to The Briars Pavilion is relatively short, often considered a warm-up for Longwood House.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not widely available, but it's a small museum, so expect basic amenities.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on interior photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at The Briars Pavilion. Visitors typically eat elsewhere on St. Helena before or after their visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside of historical interiors to preserve the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The beautiful gardens surrounding the pavilion offer excellent photo opportunities. The exterior architecture is also picturesque.
Photography inside The Briars Pavilion may be restricted. Always check for signs or ask permission before taking pictures of artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs
Consider this visit as a foundational experience before heading to Longwood House, Napoleon's main residence. Understanding his first days on the island provides a richer narrative for his subsequent years of confinement.
Day-Trippers
Remember to check the opening days and bring cash for entry. The audio guide is efficient for absorbing key information without requiring a lengthy guided tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Napoleon's Brief St. Helena Sojourn
Visitors can explore the limited rooms that Napoleon occupied, including the parlour, a corridor, and a sitting room. The audio guide provides detailed context about the artifacts and paintings within these spaces, offering a glimpse into the conditions of his initial confinement.
While the pavilion itself is small, its historical weight as Napoleon's first St. Helena home makes it a poignant stop for history enthusiasts. It serves as a crucial prelude to understanding his life at Longwood House.
Navigating Your Visit: Hours, Payment, and Tours
Another critical piece of advice from visitors is the payment method: The Briars Pavilion exclusively accepts cash. Be sure to have sufficient local currency on hand, as card transactions are not processed. This is a recurring theme in traveler feedback.
While an audio guide is consistently available and highly informative, some visitors mention the possibility of tours led by the French consul, Michel. If you're interested in a more personal experience, inquire about his availability, though the audio guide offers a comprehensive alternative.
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