Dominica’s hills and coast hide quiet traces of past lives: estate houses, sugar works, and stone foundations tucked into rainforest and shoreline. These ruins tell local stories and often sit along hiking routes or beside small communities, so spotting them brings both history and landscape together.
There are 11 Ruins in Dominica, ranging from Blenheim Estate Ruins to Soufriere Estate Ruins. For each entry I list Type,Coordinates (lat,long),Condition / access so you can compare locations, terrain and entry notes; you’ll find below.
How accessible are these ruins to visitors?
Access varies: some sites are roadside or on public trails, while others sit on private land or steep slopes and may require a short hike. Check the Condition / access column for each entry, wear sturdy shoes, and plan extra time for rough tracks or unclear paths.
Do I need permission or a guide to visit places like Blenheim Estate Ruins and Soufriere Estate Ruins?
Often no formal permit is required, but private estates may ask permission and some sites are best visited with a local guide for safety and context. Contact local tourism offices or community groups if you’re unsure before heading out.
Ruins in Dominica
| Name | Type | Coordinates (lat,long) | Condition / access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Shirley | Fort | 15.5845,-61.4745 | Partially restored, excellent public access within Cabrits National Park. Pay entrance fee. |
| Morne Bruce Garrison | Fort | 15.2975,-61.3812 | Ruins and old cannons are publicly accessible with panoramic views over Roseau. |
| Hampstead Estate Sugar Mill | Sugar mill | 15.6022,-61.4285 | Overgrown ruins on private land. Famously used in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” |
| Rosalie Estate Waterwheel | Industrial | 15.4055,-61.2662 | Well-preserved ruin on private resort grounds but generally accessible to visitors. |
| Soufriere Estate Ruins | Estate | 15.2343,-61.3638 | Ruins of a sugar factory are accessible on the grounds of a guesthouse. |
| Pointe Michel Church Ruins | Village | 15.2530,-61.3735 | Freestanding stone facade and walls are publicly accessible in the village center. |
| Londonderry Estate Ruins | Sugar mill | 15.5450,-61.3280 | Overgrown ruins on private land, accessible via a short but rugged hike. |
| Geneva Estate Ruins | Estate | 15.2215,-61.3533 | Minimal ruins remain in a field near Grand Bay. Publicly accessible. |
| Blenheim Estate Ruins | Estate | 15.2751,-61.3551 | Overgrown foundations on private land, difficult to access without a local guide. |
| L’Aroumajeux Estate Ruins | Estate | 15.3250,-61.3050 | Ruined walls and machinery deep in the forest, accessible only via hiking. |
| Castle Bruce Estate Ruins | Estate | 15.4431,-61.2588 | Some stone walls and foundations remain, accessible near the modern village. |
Images and Descriptions
Fort Shirley
A major 18th-century British garrison offering stunning views and a tangible link to Dominica’s colonial past. Explore the Officer’s Quarters and powder magazines within the beautiful Cabrits National Park.
Morne Bruce Garrison
The remains of an 18th-century British garrison perched above the capital, Roseau. Visitors can see old cannons, foundations, and a powder magazine while enjoying one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Hampstead Estate Sugar Mill
The iconic, vine-covered ruins of an 18th-century sugar mill famously used as a filming location for “Pirates of the Caribbean.” It’s a photographer’s dream, showcasing the island’s plantation history.
Rosalie Estate Waterwheel
A large, picturesque, and remarkably intact 19th-century waterwheel, a relic from a former sugar and copra estate. It stands as a powerful testament to the island’s agricultural and industrial past.
Soufriere Estate Ruins
The site of an 18th-century sugar plantation and lime juice factory. The remaining stone arches and walls are now integrated into a lush garden, offering a quiet glimpse into colonial-era industry.
Pointe Michel Church Ruins
The striking stone facade of the 19th-century Catholic church, destroyed by Hurricane David in 1979. It stands as a poignant and beautiful memorial to the storm’s power and the community’s resilience.
Londonderry Estate Ruins
Hidden in the forest near the Rosalie River are the remnants of the Londonderry Estate’s sugar mill and aqueduct. It’s an atmospheric site for adventurous hikers interested in Dominica’s plantation economy.
Geneva Estate Ruins
A site of immense historical importance where the 1844 “La Guerre Nègre” uprising took place. While few structures remain, the grounds are a solemn reminder of the struggle for freedom on the island.
Blenheim Estate Ruins
The birthplace of famed author Jean Rhys, this former sugar estate now consists of scattered foundations. A pilgrimage site for literary fans, it evokes the setting of her novel “Wide Sargasso Sea.”
L’Aroumajeux Estate Ruins
Located along the challenging trail to Boiling Lake, these are the remains of a former coffee and citrus estate. Discovering these hidden ruins provides a fascinating break and historical context during a rugged trek.
Castle Bruce Estate Ruins
Remnants of a major 18th-century sugar plantation, including parts of the factory and other buildings. The ruins are woven into the modern landscape, reflecting the deep history of the Castle Bruce area.
