Brimstone Hill Fortress, St. Kitts: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Discover the “Gibraltar of the West Indies” in St Kitts with this 2026 visitor guide to Brimstone Hill Fortress, covering ticket prices, history, and the steep climb to the top.

When I first drove up the winding road to Brimstone Hill on St Kitts, the first thing I noticed wasn’t the fortress itself, but the sheer steepness of the ascent. It feels like you are driving straight up a wall of green jungle until suddenly, the massive limestone walls break through the canopy. The view from the Citadel is one of the best in the entire Caribbean — on a clear day, you can see neighboring islands like Statia, Saba, and St. Barts dotted across the blue expanse.

To visit Brimstone Hill Fortress as part of a full island tour, head this way.

Quick overview

Brimstone Hill is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is $15.00 USD for international visitors, while locals pay a significantly reduced rate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the Americas.

How much does Brimstone Hill Fortress cost?

Entry fees differ for tourists and residents. You can pay in US Dollars or Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD).

Note: If you are a resident visiting only for the restaurant, you pay a “parking fee” of $10 XCD and receive a specific wristband that restricts access solely to the dining area.

Is Brimstone Hill Fortress free to enter?

No, it is a paid national park. However, children aged 12 and under enter for half price. There are no general “free days” for tourists, as the fees go directly towards maintaining the massive structure.

What time does Brimstone Hill Fortress open?

The fortress has consistent daily hours, making it easy to plan a visit.

• Daily: 09:30 – 17:30
• Closed: Good Friday and Christmas Day (25 December).

Warning: Cruise ship tours often flood the site between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. If you want the Citadel to yourself for photos, try to arrive right at opening or after 3:00 PM.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

No, booking in advance is not necessary for individual travelers. You can purchase tickets at the gatehouse upon arrival. If you are part of a large organized tour, your operator will handle the tickets.

History of the fortress

Construction began in 1690 and continued intermittently for just over 100 years. It was designed by British military engineers but built by the sheer muscle and endurance of enslaved Africans, who hauled the heavy volcanic stone up the steep slopes. It earned the nickname “The Gibraltar of the West Indies” because it was thought to be impregnable—though the French did manage to capture it in 1782 after a month-long siege, only to return it a year later under the Treaty of Versailles.

Inside: What to see

• Fort George Citadel: The main attraction at the very top. Climb the stone steps for a 360-degree panoramic view of the coastline and nearby islands.
• The Orientation Centre: Located near the parking area, this offers a short video on the fort’s history and the harsh reality of life for the soldiers and enslaved workers.
• The Western Place of Arms: A lower level of the fortress with a row of cannons pointing out to sea—a favorite spot for photos.
• The Hospital Ruins: The remains of the military hospital, standing as a reminder of the yellow fever and diseases that were often deadlier than enemy fire.
• Prince of Wales Bastion: One of the main defensive structures that has been restored to show its original form.

What’s included with your ticket?

A standard entry ticket gets you:

• Access to all the main ruins and the Fort George Citadel.
• Entry to the Fort George Museum inside the Citadel.
• Access to the Visitor Centre and orientation video.
• Use of the nature trails within the park boundaries.

Things to do near Brimstone Hill Fortress

Romney Manor & Caribelle Batik (8 km, 15 min drive)

A historic estate with stunning botanical gardens and a giant 400-year-old Saman tree. You can watch artisans creating batik fabrics.

Mount Liamuiga

The dormant volcano that dominates the island. The hike is challenging and muddy, taking about 4 hours round-trip.

St. Kitts Scenic Railway (Start at Needsmust Station)

A unique double-decker train that runs along the old sugar cane tracks. It gives a great overview of the island’s coast.

Fairview Great House (15 km, 25 min drive)

A restored French colonial mansion offering history tours and a botanical garden.

Black Rocks (15 km, 25 min drive)

Jagged black volcanic rock formations on the Atlantic coast, created by ancient lava flows from Mount Liamuiga.

Practical tips

• Footwear: Wear comfortable sneakers. The original cobblestones are uneven and slippery, and there are a lot of stairs.
• Driving: The road up to the fort is very narrow and steep with sharp hairpin turns. Drive slowly and honk your horn at corners to warn oncoming traffic.
• Monkeys: You will likely see Green Vervet monkeys on the drive up. They are cute but wild—do not feed them.
• Facilities: There is a snack bar and a more upscale dining option, the 17°62° Gibraltar Gastrolounge, for lunch with a view.
• Accessibility: The site is difficult for wheelchairs. While you can drive up to the main level, the Citadel itself is only accessible via steep stairs.

FAQs