Looking out over Scarborough Bay in the southern part of Tobago, Fort King George is the city’s most recognizable landmark. Built by the British in the 1770s, it fell into French hands towards the end of the 18th century. The British recaptured it in 1793, using it until the mid-1800s when a hurricane destroyed many of the fort’s 30 buildings. The fort has since been restored, and today offers insight into the island’s military history.
Although many people visit Fort King George to take in the views and check out the fort’s sea-facing cannons, gunpowder magazine, and officers’ barracks, it’s also worth visiting the on-site Tobago Museum. Featuring exhibits on the island’s past and present, the museum showcases pre-Columbian artifacts, weapons, and documents. Fort King George is a popular stop on tours of the island, and if you opt for a private tour, you’ll usually be able to spend as little or as much time at the fort as you wish.
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Admission to Fort King George is free, but there is a fee to enter the Tobago Museum.
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Public restrooms are available at the fort when the museum is open.
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The Tobago Museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Fort King George is not wheelchair-friendly; visitors with limited mobility may find the site challenging to navigate.
Fort King George is about a 7-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the Port of Scarborough. While you can walk up to the fort, it’s easier to take a taxi to avoid hiking up the hill in hot weather. Tours are a great option, too, particularly if you want to visit other points on the island; most include pick-up at local hotels or the cruise terminal.
Although you can visit Fort King George on weekends, most people prefer to come during the week when the Tobago Museum is open to the public. If you plan to walk around the grounds, come in the morning when temperatures are usually a bit cooler.
If you’re looking for another place to stroll, or you want a shady place to stop for a picnic, Scarborough Botanical Garden is a great option. An approximately 5-minute drive from the fort, this pretty park features a mix of palm trees, tropical shrubbery, and colorful flowers. Plus, there are lovely views overlooking the sea.
