What to do in Little Britain

Following on from my recent trip to Gibraltar Little Britain, I thought I would give some ideas of things to do for the day when arriving into port.

Gibraltar, an area of just 2.6 square miles is a British Overseas Territory with a population of approx. 30,000. The ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ is situated just off of the neighboring country Spain and the town of La Linea in the province of Cadiz. Over the many years, there have been ongoing boarder problems between the Spanish and the British regarding access from Spain to Gibraltar. Gibraltar first came under the rule of Britain back in 1713 and over the years Spain has always tried to regain this exclusive rock. The Gibraltarians however, do not wish to return under Spain and prefer to remain under British Territory.

For such a small area, there is surprisingly quite a lot to do in one day in Gibraltar. As the Gibraltan straights is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar has always had a long history with the Royal Navy and other British services. Today, the older parts of Gibraltar still show signs of that previous ‘barrack’ type of accommodation. However. the Rock is changing and becoming more modern with newer, more sleeker high rise apartments, marina shopping areas and a brand spanking new airport giving the old Gibraltar a fresh face-lift and encouraging those with money to come and invest in this prime piece of real estate.

No trip to Gibraltar can be passed without a trip to see the famous tailless monkeys (Barbary Macaques) whom occupy the rock. Occupying the Rock long before the British (possibly dating back to the Moors), the monkey’s have become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Gibraltar. Once looked after by the British Army, they are now cared for by Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society.

A popular belief holds that as long as Gibraltar Barbary macaques exist on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule.

Now to get to see the monkeys you can do this several ways, cable car, taxi or tour bus (I prefer the 1st two options as the roads heading up the rock are quite scary).

The cable car base station can be found alongside the Alameda Gardens at the southern end of Main Street. Once at the top you will find three terraces, each offering a unique viewpoint over the stunning surroundings. Stretched out beneath you will see two continents, two bodies of water and three countries. An impressive sight in anyone’s book! 

For the more energetic, a very pleasant walk from the Top Station will take you into the Nature Reserve. St Michael’s Cave is a 20-minute downhill stroll away and is well worth a visit. Other sites of interest include the Great Siege Tunnels, the “City Under Siege” Exhibition and the Moorish Castle. Entrance to all the above sights and the 100 Ton Gun are included in the Nature Reserve ticket, which you can purchase separately from the Cable Car base station or, alternatively, from the souvenir shop at the top station.

For those with a military background or interested in the military history of Gibraltar will find lots to keep them busy:

The Military Heritage Center – housed in one of the many batteries found in the Rock. The battery still houses the original hoists used to arm the gun, as well as the shells and other artifacts used in those days.

Trafalgar Cemetery

Nelson’s Anchorage

One Hundred Ton Gun – By Rosia Bay stands the Napier of Magdala Battery (1884), home of Gibraltar’s 100 Ton Gun. Manufactured in 1870, four were originally in existence, two came to Gibraltar and the others were sent to Malta. This is the only one remaining on the Rock.

British War Memorial

Garrison Library

Morrish Castle – Dating back to the 11th century, this “Tower of Homage” is all that remains of the original castle complex that once stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, at the north end of Main Street.

Now for those looking for something with a bit more nature, there is the beautiful Alameda Gardens – also known as Gibraltar’s Botanical Gardens. Situated at the bottom of Main street, the gardens are rich with nature and it is a stunning location for those wishing to get married. They also have an open air theater where various live performances are shown during the summer months, from dancing to orchestras.

Or how about seeing some Dolphins? A dolphin-watching trip is the most enjoyable way of seeing these fascinating mammals up close and there are several boat trips to choose from. In addition to no fewer than three species of dolphin, whales also migrate here, including the largest mammal of them all, the Blue Whale. You will find various companies offering a chance to go and dolphin watch from the marina.

And last but not least (if you still have the energy and time) Shopping..

You can not go anywhere in Gibraltar  without falling over a shop and Gibraltar is a tax free haven for alcohol and tobacco products. Also jewellery, perfume and cosmetics. My kind of shopping!! Beware though, like some other tax free countries, there are heavy restrictions on the amount of alcohol and tobacco products that can be purchased and taken out of Gibraltar, so best to stay within your limit or face paying a heavy fine or confiscation.

Or alternatively, just sit back relax, enjoy a nice drink and people watch at Casemate main square or at the marina.

So to round up, if you have a port day in Gibraltar you won’t be bored.

Dawn

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