Kingston

When to Go

Transport

Practical Information

Health & Safety

Accommodation

Entertainment

Shopping

General Sights

The major attraction of Kingston is the ruins, predominantly dating from the penal settlement and often functioning as semi-museums with plaques giving a brief explanation of what the building was used for. The old salthouse is a particularly picturesque sight and appears on many postcards, however it is far from the only attraction in Kingston. The other part of Kingston is the houses of Quality Row. These were originally built for use by the military officers of the penal settlement, and were then used as residences by the Pitcairn settlers after the closure of the penal settlement. Most of these old houses are restored to some degree, with one even functioning as a church with regular worship services. Ask at the information bureau in Burnt Pine about the opening hours of these houses, as hours change with varying restoration programs. Kingston is also the site of Emily Bay, the only safe swimming beach on the island*. Protected from the Pacific surf by a natural coral reef, Emily Bay is a social location for locals, as well as home to the competing Glass Bottom Boat (Glaas Bohtem Boet, in the local language) companies. A trip...more

General Activities

Aside from swimming at Emily Bay, exploring the history of the settlement is the major attraction of Kingston. Kingston also boasts the oldest cricket pitch in the Southern Hemisphere - and one which is still used regularly by the islanders. There is also a cemetery with graves dating back to the earliest penal times, right through to more recent deaths.

Itinerary Builder