Places to Visit in Georgetown, Ascension, South Africa, Africa
Georgetown is the major settlement and administrative centre of Ascension Island, a part of the British overseas territory Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the western coast of the island, overlooked by the Cross Hill. Except school, Georgetown holds all facilities like supermarket, snack bar, police station, hotel, post office, library and hospital. The nearest school is at Two Boats village, around 3 miles away from Georgetown.
Located between 7°55′43″ S latitude and 14°24′42″ W longitude, Georgetown is a site with many grand historic structures, including Fort Thornton and Fort Hayes. Nearby Long Beach is one of the favorite destinations of tourists on the island.
History of Georgetown:
According to the documented history, Georgetown was first inhabited in the year 1815 and founded by the British Royal Navy. Georgetown got its name from the British King George III, who ruled the island after the British took control of the Ascension Island.
How to reach Georgetown?
Georgetown can be reached by boarding charter flight at RAF Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Flight lands at military airfield on Ascension Island, which is located around 5 km south of the centre of Georgetown. A return ticket costs £969 per person.
Georgetown can also be accessed by ship from Cape Town in South Africa, Saint Helena and Tenerife, but it takes many days.
As there is no bus service, rental cars are the options to get around Georgetown that cost £15/day.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Georgetown:
Georgetown is the cultural centre of Ascension Island, home to different Ascension Day activities and local athletics events.
Apart from supermarket, Georgetown houses numerous shops that are spread up all around the town. Snack Bar is an American-style fast food centre in Georgetown and another nice option is The Restaurant within Obsidian Hotel.
What to do in Georgetown?
- Scuba diving
- Walking
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Golfing
What to see in Georgetown?
Fort Hayes:
The Fort Hayes is a historical fort in Georgetown, home to Ascension Island Heritage Society museum that museum exhibits the interesting cultural features of Ascension Island with well preserved art and craft works and photographs. The museum is allowed for visitors from 17:00-19:00 on Mondays and 10:00-12:00 Saturdays.
Long Beach:
Long Beach to the north of Georgetown is renowned as the world’s one of the prominent Green Turtle nesting points. Swimming there is not recommended due to strong undercurrents flow.
St. Mary’s Anglican Church:
The St. Mary’s Anglican Church belongs to the Diocese of Cape Town, was constructed in the middle of the 19th Century. Originally built as a Naval Church, the church holds strong historical background that can be experienced best by visiting church.
Green Mountain:
The Green Mountain is the highest peak on Ascension Island, measuring an elevation of 859 meters. It falls within the Green Mountain National Park and there is a British historical establishment called, Red Lion British Navy Barracks, situated in the vicinity of the Green Mountain.
Fort Thornton:
The Fort Thornton is one of the historical identities of both Georgetown and Ascension Island, home to two BL 5.5 inch Mark I naval guns and Victorian cannons. The fort is in Georgetown, can be explored through a guided tour.
Other interesting places in and around Georgetown include:
- Exiles Club
- The Dew Pond
- Red Lion British Navy Barracks
- Command Hill
- Two Boats village
Best time to visit Georgetown:
Georgetown experiences a tropical climate with heavy rainfall between June and September. The best time to visit Georgetown is from January to April.
Accommodation options in Georgetown:
Obsidian Group is the major accommodation provider in Georgetown, who has a hotel, 2 hostels and 2 cottages on the island that can be booked through online. List of the major hotels in and around Georgetown in Ascension Island include:
- Obsidian Hotel
- Obsidian Hostel
- Obsidian Cottages