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Georgetown

Georgetown, Ascension, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Georgetown is a charming and historic town located on the remote island of Ascension, which is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Situated in the middle of the Atlant…

#historic town#British overseas territory#island#remote location#colonial architecture

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Georgetown.

Top Hotels in Georgetown

Top Flights to Georgetown

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Georgetown.

Tours

Historical Tour of Georgetown

Walk through the historic streets of Georgetown and explore sites dating back to the island's colonization.

Visit the Ascension Heritage Society Museum

Delve into the past at the Ascension Heritage Society Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits on the island's history.

Ascension Island Distillery Tour

Visit the local distillery to see the production process of unique island spirits.

Shopping

Shopping at Two Boats Village

Enjoy shopping for local arts and crafts in the charming Two Boats Village.

Outdoor

Explore the Peaks of Green Mountain

Discover the lush landscapes of Green Mountain National Park, offering various hiking trails and breathtaking views from the peak.

Turtle Watching at Long Beach

Experience the wonder of watching Green Turtles nest and hatch on Long Beach.

Bird Watching at Comfortless Cove

Observe a variety of seabird species at the tranquil Comfortless Cove, a haven for bird watchers.

Relax at Comfortless Cove Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Comfortless Cove, perfect for a laid-back afternoon by the sea.

Fishing Expedition at Clarence Bay

Try your luck at catching some of the local fish species with an organized fishing tour in Clarence Bay.

Photography Tour: The Views of Ascension

Capture the stunning landscapes of Ascension Island on a guided photography tour.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Georgetown.

Currency

£ | SHP | Saint Helena Pound

Population

Not Available

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Georgetown

Jan

29°24°

Feb

29°24°

Mar

30°24°

Apr

30°25°

May

30°25°

Jun

29°24°

Jul

29°24°

Aug

30°24°

Sep

30°24°

Oct

30°24°

Nov

30°24°

Dec

29°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Georgetown.

What people love

Georgetown is the capital of Ascension Island, which is a remote and unique destination in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the pros of traveling to Georgetown, Ascension, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha include:

Unique and Remote Location: These islands are extremely remote and offer a sense of isolation and tranquility that is hard to find in more popular tourist destinations. Traveling to these islands can provide a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Rich Natural Beauty: The islands are known for their stunning natural landscapes, including volcanic craters, rugged coastlines, and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, diving, and birdwatching in these pristine environments.
Historical Significance: Georgetown and the other islands in the region have a rich history, including ties to British colonialism and important roles in maritime history. Travelers interested in history and culture will find plenty to explore and learn about in these destinations.
Unique Wildlife: The islands are home to a variety of unique and endemic species of plants and animals, making them a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can see rare birds, marine life, and plant species found nowhere else in the world.
Authentic Local Culture: The islands have a small population of residents who have a distinct culture and way of life. Travelers can interact with locals, learn about their traditions, and sample traditional cuisine for a genuine cultural experience.

Overall, traveling to Georgetown, Ascension, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

What to know

Georgetown is the capital of Ascension Island, which is a remote and isolated territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Traveling to Georgetown and Ascension Island has its challenges and drawbacks, which include:

Limited transportation options: Ascension Island is only accessible by air, with flights available from the UK and Cape Verde. Flights are infrequent and can be expensive, making travel to and from the island difficult and potentially costly.
Remote location: Ascension Island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a remote and isolated destination. This can result in limited access to goods and services, as well as long travel times to reach other destinations.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Georgetown and Ascension Island are not heavily developed for tourism, so visitors may find limited accommodations, restaurants, and attractions compared to more popular travel destinations.
Limited activities: Due to its remote location and small size, Ascension Island may have limited recreational and leisure activities available for tourists, which could impact the overall travel experience.
Environmental considerations: Ascension Island is a volcanic island with unique flora and fauna, and visitors are encouraged to respect and protect the environment. This may include restrictions on certain activities to preserve the island's natural beauty and biodiversity.

Overall, traveling to Georgetown and Ascension Island requires careful planning and consideration due to its remote location, limited infrastructure, and unique environmental factors.

Georgetown is the capital of Ascension Island, which is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, Ascension Island has a unique history tied to its strategic military and communications significance.

Early History:

Discovery and Naming: Ascension Island was discovered in 1501 by the Portuguese navigator João da Nova. It was named on Ascension Day, 1503, by Afonso de Albuquerque.
Uninhabited Island: Initially, the island was not inhabited due to its arid conditions and lack of fresh water.

British Settlement:

1815 - Strategic Importance: Ascension Island gained strategic importance in 1815 when the British garrisoned it to prevent any attempts to rescue Napoleon Bonaparte from his exile on Saint Helena.
Establishment of Georgetown: Georgetown was established as the primary settlement and administrative center of the island. It was named after King George III.

Military and Communications Hub:

19th Century Military Use: The island served as a Royal Navy base due to its strategic location in the South Atlantic.
Telecommunications: In the 1890s, Ascension became a crucial part of the global telegraph network, with cables connecting it to other parts of the world.

World Wars:

World War II: During World War II, Ascension Island became an important airbase for the Allies. The US Air Force constructed Wideawake Airfield, which played a crucial role in the South Atlantic air ferry route.

Post-War Developments:

1950s-60s: The island continued to serve as a communication and tracking station during the Cold War. Georgetown remained the main settlement for military personnel and contractors associated with these installations.

Modern Era:

Geopolitical Status: In 2009, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha were constituted as a single British Overseas Territory.
Conservation Efforts: The island has focused on conservation efforts, including the protection of its unique wildlife, such as the green turtles that nest on its beaches.

Notable Landmarks in Georgetown:

Saint Mary's Church: An Anglican church built in the mid-19th century, serving as a central place of worship for the community.
Ascension Heritage Society Museum: Located in Georgetown, this museum provides insights into the island's history and culture.
Wideawake Airfield: Although primarily military, it is notable for its historical significance during World War II.

Recent Developments:

Infrastructure and Community: Georgetown has developed modest infrastructure to support its population, including essential services and facilities for residents and visitors.

Georgetown remains a small but historically significant settlement, reflecting the island's strategic importance and its role in global communications and military activities.