Jamestown is the capital of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena Island. The town sits on the north-western coast of the island, threaded along the narrow James Valley where steep volcanic cliffs open to James Bay. With more than 100 listed buildings and an intact Georgian streetscape, Jamestown is the historic heart and main port of Saint Helena island.
A Brief History of Jamestown
- 1659: Founded by the English East India Company and named for James, Duke of York. The original Castle of St John was soon renamed James Fort, and the settlement became Jamestown in James Valley.
- 1673: Briefly occupied by the Dutch East India Company before being recaptured by the English East India Company.
- 1815: After Waterloo, Napoleon arrived on Saint Helena Island. He stayed at The Briars above Jamestown before moving to Longwood House.
- 19th century: Jamestown hosted a vice-admiralty court and Royal Navy base that intercepted slave ships. Thousands of enslaved Africans were liberated and brought to Rupert’s Valley, where many who died were buried. Graves were rediscovered in 2006.
- 20th century: The tanker RFA Darkdale was sunk in James Bay in 1941.
- Today: Jamestown remains the administrative and commercial centre of Saint Helena Island.
Layout and Character
Built on igneous rock along the floor of James Valley, Jamestown is long and narrow, hemmed in by steep cliffs that rise sharply on either side. Rockfall netting now protects most slopes, allowing the town’s historic buildings to remain intact. The heart of Jamestown centers on Main Street, often described as one of the best-preserved Georgian streetscapes in the world. The surrounding civic cluster includes The Castle, home to the island’s government offices, alongside Castle Gardens, the Grand Parade, St James’ Church, the Museum of Saint Helena, and the bustling Wharf.
Although the adjacent Rupert’s Valley is technically separate from the old town, it functions as part of Jamestown’s infrastructure, housing the island’s power station, fuel storage, and modern one-ship wharf completed in 2016. The result is a unique blend of preserved heritage and working port, where 18th-century façades meet 21st-century logistics.
Signature Sights
Jacob’s Ladder, the 699-step staircase built in 1829, is Jamestown’s most famous landmark. The ladder connects the lower town to Ladder Hill, illuminated at night, and hosts an annual timed climb. St James’ Church, dating from 1772, is regarded as the oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere. The Museum of Saint Helena at the base of Jacob’s Ladder traces the island’s story from its volcanic origins and Napoleonic exile to modern conservation efforts. Along the waterfront, the Wharf and Mule Yard offer a relaxed promenade with swimming steps and clear views over James Bay, on bright days, you can even spot the wreck of the SS Papanui beneath the surface.
Jamestown’s Climate
Jamestown enjoys a warm, dry marine desert microclimate moderated by the South Atlantic. Temperatures generally range between 17 °C and 23 °C (63 °F to 73 °F) year-round. The town is warmer and drier than the highlands above, which are cooler, wetter, and lush with vegetation, a striking contrast that allows visitors to experience multiple climates within a short drive.
Getting There and Getting Around
Jamestown remains the main gateway to Saint Helena Island. The island’s airport lies about 16 kilometers east of town, connected by a modern road through Rupert’s Valley. Taxis, shuttles, and local guides provide reliable transfers between the airport, accommodation, and attractions across the island.
By sea, cargo vessels and occasional cruise calls dock at Rupert’s Jetty, while visiting yachts anchor in James Bay and come ashore via the Wharf steps. Within the town itself, most landmarks are easily explored on foot. The steep terrain and warm conditions mean that water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are essentials for exploring Jamestown’s narrow streets and historic stairways.
Practical Tips
- Jamestown is hotter than most of Saint Helena Island. Plan walking and the Jacob’s Ladder climb for early morning or late afternoon.
- Check opening hours for the Museum of Saint Helena and St James’ Church.
- Respect memorial sites in Rupert’s Valley, linked to the island’s anti-slavery history.
Other Saint Helena Island Highlights
Jamestown serves as an excellent base for exploring the island. Visit Longwood House and other Napoleonic landmarks, hike through Diana’s Peak National Park in the mist-shrouded highlands, or experience the island’s unique marine life with whale shark encounters and wreck dives around the coast. Each excursion offers a deeper connection to the island’s rich blend of history, culture, and nature.
Experience Jamestown with Jenman African Safaris
At Jenman African Safaris, we include Jamestown in a range of tailor-made and small-group itineraries that combine the island’s history, culture, and wildlife with South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Our featured experience is the
- Saint Helena and Kruger Safari • 11 Days
Not interested in our diving tour? You can still contact us to plan a tailor-made journey that explores the island’s history, culture, and landscapes.
Start Planning:
Email: info@jenmansafaris.com
Phone: +27 21 683 7826
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