Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Overview

For families seeking a travel experience completely unlike any other, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha represent the final frontier of accessible travel. Located halfway between Africa and South America, these islands are not just remote-they are a world apart. Saint Helena, the main hub for visitors, is a subtropical paradise of rugged cliffs, cloud forests, and Georgian heritage. It feels like a 1950s English village transported to a Jurassic Park landscape. The island is incredibly safe, with virtually no crime, allowing children a level of freedom they rarely experience elsewhere. The community is tight-knit and welcoming, known as "Saints," who wave at every passing car.

While Saint Helena is accessible by weekly flight, its sister islands are for the truly intrepid. Ascension Island is a Mars-like volcanic outpost with green turtles and space stations, while Tristan da Cunha remains the most remote inhabited archipelago on Earth, accessible only by a week-long sea voyage. For most families, Saint Helena will be the base of operations-a place to unplug (literally, as internet can be slow) and reconnect over hiking, marine wildlife, and history lessons that don't feel like school. It is not a destination for resort-lovers, but for curious families ready to explore one of the planet's most secluded communities.

Key Attractions

The capital, Jamestown, is a must-visit Georgian port town squeezed into a narrow volcanic valley. Its most famous feature is Jacob's Ladder, a challenging 699-step outdoor staircase that rises straight up the cliffside; kids love the challenge of earning their certificate at the museum for completing it. Just outside town, the Plantation House is home to the island's most famous resident, Jonathan the Tortoise, who was hatched in the Georgian era and is the oldest known living land animal-a gentle giant children can view from the paddock corridor.

History buffs will be fascinated by Longwood House, where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile. The house is beautifully preserved with original furniture and gardens, offering a tangible connection to European history. For active families, the "Post Box Walks" are a network of trails ranging from easy strolls to rugged hikes, where you stamp a book at the end of the trail. On Ascension Island (accessible via the monthly inter-island flight), Green Mountain National Park offers a lush, man-made cloud forest on a volcanic peak, a terraforming experiment by Darwin and Hooker that created a jungle from scratch.

Practical Advice

Best time to visit: The summer months (December to March) offer the warmest weather and the chance to see Whale Sharks, which are a major draw for older children who can snorkel. The climate is mild year-round, but can be changeable.

Money & Connectivity: There are NO ATMs on Saint Helena. You must bring sufficient cash (British Pounds or St Helena Pounds) or download the "St Helena Tourist Card" app before arrival to pay at local merchants. Credit cards are rarely accepted directly. Internet via Starlink has recently improved connectivity, but it is still best to treat this as a digital detox trip.

Health & Entry: Proof of medical insurance covering at least £175,000 (approx. $225,000 USD) including emergency medical evacuation is a mandatory entry requirement. You will be asked to show paper proof at immigration. The hospital is good for basic needs, but serious issues require airlift to South Africa.

Food & Drink

Typical meal times: Lunch is usually 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and dinner is served early, typically 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Many places close early, so don't leave dinner until late.

Typical meal costs: £15–30 (approx. $20–40 USD / €18–35 EUR) for a main meal. Local snacks like fishcakes are cheaper, around £2–4 (approx. $2.50–5 USD). Groceries are expensive due to shipping costs.

Dietary requirements: Fresh produce relies on the supply ship, so availability varies. Vegetarian options are available but limited; vegan and gluten-free travellers should bring essential specialty snacks with them. Inform restaurants of allergies in advance as they may not be as accustomed to complex dietary needs.

Family-friendly dining: Saints are very family-oriented. Children are welcome everywhere. "Plo" (a one-pot curry rice dish) is a local favourite that most kids enjoy. Casual takeaways and coffee shops in Jamestown are easy for quick family meals.

Signature dishes:

• St Helena Fishcakes – Spicy, pan-fried cakes made from tuna or wahoo, mashed potato, and herbs-the ultimate local comfort food.
• Plo – A curry-spiced one-pot stew with rice, vegetables, and meat or fish, similar to paella or pilaf.
• St Helena Coffee – Grown on the island and world-famous for its quality; while expensive to export, it is reasonably priced to drink locally.
• Coconut Fingers – A pink-iced sponge cake coated in coconut, a favourite sweet treat for children.