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Main Sights in British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Though each island in the British Virgin archipelago has its own beauty not many have much to do other than lazing on the beach, water sports and going for an adventure in the great outdoors. However, the most developed island of Tortola does have some fascinating places to visit for the culture vulture to sink their claws into.
Beaches in the British Virgin Islands
The pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands are simply amongst the best in the world. There are literally hundreds of beaches ringing the archipelago's stunning coastline and looking up into the idyllic surroundings of rocky cliffs and sprawling palm trees. Most beaches have water sport activities and scuba diving excursions. The coral reefs of the British Virgin Islands are home to all kinds of marine life and are accessible from the beach making it a perfect location for scuba diving and snorkelling.
The Callwood Rum Distillery in Tortola
One of the few industries and oldest traditions in the British Virgin Islands is brewing rum. Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden is one of the oldest custodians of the trade is still in working after almost 200 years of being in the same family. Traditional methods are still used to distil the 80 per cent proof liquor and situated in the hills of Tortola it offers some of the most breathtaking views of anywhere on the island.
Josiah's Bay Plantation
In the 19th and 20th centuries sugar plantations were thrown up all over the hillsides of the British Virgin Islands. Today, all but one have been demolished or are beyond repair. Josiah's Bay Plantation on the northern shore of Tortola is the only exception and has recently undergone renovation as an art gallery featuring work by Caribbean artists together with crafts and furniture.
Sage Mountain National Park
The National park runs down the spine of Tortola from Mount Sage, the highest point in the Virgin Islands. Though Sage Mountain National Park is not classed as a rain forest it has many characteristics of a rain forest and has several rare and endangered species of plant. Maps are available detailing trails and up in the hills under the cover of exotic trees is a welcome break from the baking heat.
Mount Healthy National Park
At Mount Healthy is a windmill which used to be used as a sugar plantation. Though it is no longer in use it is a national symbol representing the British Virgin Islands major trade in the mid 18th to mid 19th century. Mount Healthy windmill is one of the few ex-plantations that are still standing though it is unfortunately beyond the state of repair.
North Shore Shell Museum
The North Shore Shell Museum in Carrot Bay on Tortola island is home to one of the most extraordinary collections of sea shells, fish traps and traditional wooden boats. The small and modest museum provides an insight to the limited resources in the Virgin Islands and the culture of the people who have lived here.
Old Government House
The Old Government House in Tortola was home to the governor until 1987. It has since reopened as a museum and houses a grand collection of artefacts, antiques, furniture and hand painted china. One of the more unusual exhibits are books signed by Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the islands in 1966 and 1977.
Fort Purcell - The Dungeon
Fort Purcell on Tortola island dates back to around the early 17th century and was built by the Dutch colonists. It is widely known as the Dungeon, a nickname given to it by the Spanish of Puerto Rico during their conflict with the Dutch. However, it has never been used as a dungeon.
The Vigilant
Built on the late 19th century, the Vigilant is the oldest known wooden sailboat in the Caribbean and one of only three traditional sloops remaining in the British Virgin Islands. The 25 foot long boat is renowned in local folklore as being one of the fastest sloops of the region and a well known carrier of trade goods and form of communication. Today the sloops popped planks render it un-sailable and it sits on the bay at Nanny Cay where people can go and hear the tales of the glorious days when she was at sea.
