Shirley Heights: The Best Sunday BBQ Party in the Caribbean!
Sunset over a spectacular bay, the sweet tang of rum punch lingering on your lips, and the mouth-watering scent of Caribbean jerk floating through the air. For one of the best things to do in Antigua, you just can’t miss Shirley Heights’ infamous Sunday BBQ Party!
Chances are if you’ve done a Google Image Search for Antigua, you’ll have had a glimpse into what makes Shirley Heights the country’s top-rated place to visit. A panorama across the sweeping English Harbour and lush green hills, the view from this former military lookout delivers the iconic picture postcard image of Antigua.
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In the 1780s, the Governor of the Leeward Islands, Thomas Shirley, earmarked a clifftop spot known as ‘The Ridge’ for a military lookout and compound. Construction on what came to be known as Shirley Heights began in 1788, with over 50 buildings added to the complex by 1825. These included Fort Shirley, incorporating barracks and artillery stations to protect the naval dockyard in English Harbour.
The site housed troops and naval activities until the 1850s, when the final assignment left. After this, it fell into ruin until restoration work began in the late 20th century. Since 1984, Shirley Heights has been part of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entrance fee for Nelson’s Dockyard National Park also includes Shirley Heights, which is open from 11:30am – 3:30pm during the day (closed Mondays). However, there’s another, much livelier way to experience this epic Antigua viewpoint…
In 1981, the military lookout buildings on the clifftop were turned into Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant. Soon after, the infamous Shirley Heights Sunday Sunset BBQ Parties began. With entertainment, food, drink and striking sunset views, this is the best weekly party in Antigua!
As part of our two-week Antigua holiday, we simply had to go and check it out.
We’d previously paid a quiet morning visit to Shirley Heights as part of our Pink Panther Antigua Safari Tour, and the contrast couldn’t have been more different. We booked transport via our resort, which cost US$25 each for a return trip.
We arrived in our minibus to a line of people queued for wristbands – which didn’t take long at all. (Admission costs EC$25/US$10 per person, FYI.)
Even by the time we arrived, a solid crowd had already gathered. The party officially starts at 4.30, but people arrive as early as possible, and by the time we got there, most of the provided seating was gone. We did find an end of a table to perch at and make our base, offering a front-seat view of the amazing steel band entertainment.
The 18-piece steel band performance was one of the Sunday night party’s absolute highlights. We’d become accustomed to the sound of tinkling metal during our stay, but this was by far the biggest ensemble we’d seen. Playing a mixture of reggae classics and reimagined pop tunes, the beautifully layered sound set the perfect soundtrack for a Caribbean knees up to remember.
We’d loaded up on lunch at our all-inclusive resort before heading over, as we’d been warned that the food queues can get quite hefty. It paid off, as not long after we arrived, the lines were already snaking around the courtyard. Preferring to enjoy the ambiance instead of waiting for dinner, this suited us just fine. The food DID look and smell delicious, though, so if you want to try it, get to the food counter straight away.
To the left of the steel band set-up, there’s a lookout point offering THE view over English Harbour. This spot grows ever-busier as the afternoon gives way to sunset. We managed to snap a couple of photos, but as the sun began to disappear behind the low cloud, we decided to escape the scrum.
The grassy area further along is a great place to enjoy the sunset with less of a crowd, and you can also walk along further to another lookout spot slightly further down the hill.
As the final touches of evening glow lingered, the steel band made their final crescendo. The entertainment switched to the bandstand stage, where a live band played reggae-style renditions of well-known pop songs. The courtyard became a full-on dance floor, and we enjoyed revelling in the music and atmosphere with our beers in hand until it was time to leave.
If you’re visiting Antigua and Barbuda, an evening at Shirley Heights is a must-do. The lively exuberance sweeps you off your feet into a quintessentially Caribbean experience, against the backdrop of Antigua’s most awe-inspiring view.
Shirley Heights: Visitor Guide
Whether you’re looking to embrace the party, or want to soak in the views during a daytime visit – check out everything you need to know about visiting Shirley Heights on your Antigua vacation!
Daytime Opening Times: 11:30am – 3:30pm (closed Mondays)
Sunday Party: 4.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday ‘Reggae Heights’ BBQ Party: 4.30pm-8.30pm
Shirley Heights Daytime Admission Fee: $15 – includes access to Nelson’s Dockyard and Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre.
Sunday & Thursday Party Entrance Fee: EC$25 / US$10
Read more: What to see and do in Nelson’s Dockyard National Park
How to get to Shirley Heights
Driving: Driving to Shirley Heights from St. Johns on the other side of the island will take you around 45mins-1hr. If you’re renting a car in Antigua, there’s plenty of (free) parking available.
Excursion: We booked Shirley Heights as an excursion through our resort, which cost US$25 each there and back. If your resort doesn’t offer this option, you can book your excursion with Viator. Entrance fee to Shirley Heights is not included.
Private Taxi: If you’re booking your own taxi, it’ll depend on where you’re getting it from – expect to pay somewhere in the region of US$20-30 each way. Always make sure you’re booking with a licensed driver – booking through your resort, hotel or cruise operator is the most reliable option.
How much does the Shirley Heights Sunday Party Cost?
You can pay for your entry fee, food and drink at Shirley Heights in US$ or Eastern Caribbean $. The bar accepts card payments.
Admission Fee: US$10 or EC$25
Drinks: Drinks including beer and rum punch cost between EC$10-16 (US$4-6)
Food: A burger costs around EC$35 (US$13.50), jerk chicken is EC$35 (US$13.50) and a simple corn on the cob is EC$6.50 (US$2.50). A veggie burger option is available.
Tips for visiting Shirley Heights
- Arrive early for the BBQ to secure seating. If you arrive and it looks full, head around to the back, where there’s a grassy area with more picnic benches.
- If you’re looking for a quieter experience with the same Caribbean flavour, check out their Thursday night event ‘Reggae Heights’. Same entertainment, music and drinks but with less of a crowd.
- Wear flat & comfortable shoes, as the ground at Shirley Heights is uneven.
Accessibility at Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights unfortunately isn’t wheelchair friendly, due to the uneven ground. The main washrooms also have 4-5 steps you need to take for access. (there may be a more accessible bathroom available, but this isn’t signposted)
There are picnic benches for the Sunday Party, however the ground to get to them is uneven. It can also be tough navigating through the busy crowd across uneven cobblestones. Some seats are available in the restaurant, although this is limited during the BBQ night.
Seating at Shirley Heights BBQ Party is unreserved, so if you or one of your party struggles to stand, arriving early is your best bet. You could also try emailing ahead to see if they’re able to help.
Alternatively, you could attend the Thursday night party, which is a similar vibe but quieter, where you’d be more likely to get a seat.
If you have specific questions about accessibility, your best bet is to email info@shirleyheightslookout.com.
More Antigua Travel Guides:
Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, Antigua: History & Visitor’s Guide
Why You Should Visit Antigua’s Donkey Sanctuary
Review & Things To Do | Pineapple Beach Club Resort, Antigua
Devil’s Bridge National Park, Antigua: History & Visitor Guide
The 5 Best Boat Tours in Antigua & Barbuda
