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National Heroes Park
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Historical site
National Heroes Park in Kingston is Jamaica's most sacred public space, serving as a dedicated memorial for the nation's most prominent figures. Originally established in 1783 as a racecourse known as the Kingston Race Course, the 50-acre site was officially transformed into a memorial park in 1973. It is the final resting place for several of Jamaica's National Heroes, including Marcus Garvey, Sir Alexander Bustamante, and Norman Manley. Each hero is honored with a unique, artistically designed monument that symbolizes their specific contribution to the nation's independence and social development. The park also contains a War Memorial dedicated to Jamaicans who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. Beyond its solemn monuments, the park is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden and a site for major state ceremonies, including the annual National Heroes Day celebrations. It remains a powerful symbol of Jamaican sovereignty, identity, and the long struggle for civil rights.
- Location: Jamaica
- Top sights: Fletchers Land · Gleaner Company · The Gleaner
- Nearby: Hellshire Beach (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 33 | 19 | 29 | 41 | 111 | 89 | 69 | 104 | 127 | 170 | 87 | 49 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
National Heroes Park is a public botanical garden in Kingston, free and open to everyone. The graves of national heroes and former prime ministers are marked.
Typical hours
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary on public holidays.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park. Please respect the graves and avoid stepping on them.
Time needed
A walk through the park takes about 30-45 minutes. With time to read the memorial plaques, allow up to an hour.
Combine with
Combine the park visit with the nearby Bob Marley Museum. Emancipation Park and Devon House are also within walking distance.
Getting there
The park is in central Kingston at the intersection of Oxford Road and Tower Street. Reach it by bus (route 20) or taxi.
Insider tip
Visit the park early in the morning when the air is cool and birds are active. Bring a camera for the botanical diversity.
Geography
Facts
- Originally a 18th-century racecourse, it was renamed in honor of King George VI in 1953.
- Officially designated as National Heroes Park in 1973 after Jamaica's independence.
- Contains the elaborate mausoleum of Marcus Garvey, whose remains were repatriated in 1964.
- The park features the burial sites of National Heroes and former Prime Ministers.
- Home to the Cenotaph, a monument honoring Jamaicans who served in the World Wars.
- A ceremonial changing of the guard by the Jamaica Defence Force occurs daily.
- The park covers 50 acres, making it the largest open space in Kingston.
- Serves as the primary venue for state funerals and official national ceremonies.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town National Heroes Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at National Heroes Park?
Monuments and burial sites of Jamaica's national heroes and prominent politicians.
Where is the park located?
It is located in the northern part of Downtown Kingston.
Is there a changing of the guard?
Yes, there is a changing of the guard ceremony every hour at the war memorial.
Is the park safe for a stroll?
Visitors should stay during daylight hours and use the well-traveled areas.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
No, the park is a public space and entry is free.
National Heroes Park: where is it located?
National Heroes Park is located in Jamaica.
National Heroes Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fletchers Land, Gleaner Company, The Gleaner.
National Heroes Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
National Heroes Park: why is it worth visiting?
National Heroes Park in Kingston is Jamaica's most sacred public space, serving as a dedicated memorial for the nation's most prominent figures.
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History & landmarks
National Heroes Park
A botanical garden and shrine where many Jamaican national heroes and leaders are buried.
Plumb Point Lighthouse
A historic 19th-century lighthouse guiding ships safely into the Kingston Harbour along the Palisadoes.
Independence Park (National Stadium)
A major sports and cultural complex in Kingston, known for international track and field competitions.
Cast Iron Bridge
The oldest surviving cast iron bridge in the Caribbean, spanning the Rio Cobre in Spanish Town.
Nature
Yallahs Ponds
A series of salt ponds on the south coast, forming an important wetland.
Hope River
A river that flows through the eastern suburbs of Kingston.
Wag Water River
A major river flowing through St.
Rio Cobre River
A river that flows through the famous Bog Walk Gorge.
Swift River
A river in Portland that empties into the sea at Hope Bay.
More places
Trench Town Culture Yard
A government yard in Trenchtown that was Bob Marley's home in the 1960s.
Liberty Hall: The Legacy of Marcus Garvey
The former headquarters of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Kingston.
George Liele Memorial
A memorial in Kingston honoring George Liele, a freed American slave who came to Jamaica in 1782 and founded the first Baptist church on …
Hibbert House, Kingston
An elegant Georgian townhouse from 1755, which serves as the headquarters of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Rockfort Mineral Bath
A historic mineral bath that emerged after the 1907 earthquake when a mineral spring gushed from the ground.
St. Peter's Church, Port Royal
A historic Anglican church built in 1726 to replace the one destroyed in the 1692 earthquake.
Old Naval Hospital, Port Royal
A historic 19th-century building, considered one of the world's first pre-fabricated buildings.
Beverage Bottling Plant
Industrial facilities where beverages, including Jamaica's famous sodas and mineral waters, are bottled for distribution.