Holywell Park
Holywell Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Established in 1988, The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) is a non-governmental organization and charity with a mandate to conserve Jamaica’s natural environment. The activities of the JCDT centre on the 41,198 hectares (101, 313 acres) of rain and cloud forest that make up the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park including it's core, Preservation Zone which covers 26,251 hectares (65,000 acres) and is inscribed as a World Heritage Site. In addition JCDT's work focuses on the approximately 28,494 hectares of land around the protected area called the Community Buffer Zone.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
97 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
31
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Chuck E
Baltimore, MD71 contributions
Nov 2021
Beautiful park and picnic grounds. The views are fabulous, and really shows off the rain forests of Jamaica. The trails are well-taken care of, and marked. The hikes are on the shorter side, but still pleasant. Good for a day trip. The drive up/down the mountain is treacherous. Best to go with professional driver.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana P
Kingston, Jamaica28 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
I love visiting Hollywell, as someone had said it is worth the ride. You will be able to have a beautiful view of Kingston and its surrounding. It gets pretty chilly/cold there especially in the evenings so make sure you carry a warm jacket.
People tend to go there to hang out, have a picnic, hike, ride their trailer bikes or ATV's, it very lush, untouched and very environmentally friendly.
It has several cabins that can be rented if you wish to spend a few days there. There is a also a restaurant thats pretty close called "The Gap" food is very good and so is the coffee.
Have fun!
People tend to go there to hang out, have a picnic, hike, ride their trailer bikes or ATV's, it very lush, untouched and very environmentally friendly.
It has several cabins that can be rented if you wish to spend a few days there. There is a also a restaurant thats pretty close called "The Gap" food is very good and so is the coffee.
Have fun!
Written 29 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison G
Bristol, UK55 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We walked here from Mount Edge- about 7 miles there and back. The hiking trails in the park are beautiful and easy to do.
One of the highlights of our trip to Jamaica. The nearby Gap Cafe has food at lunchtime.
One of the highlights of our trip to Jamaica. The nearby Gap Cafe has food at lunchtime.
Written 2 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanya Smith
New York City, NY3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Camped at Holywell and Clydesdale as a teen and since my family (husband and 2 kids) and I are avid campers wanted to have them experience camping in Jamaica. Our flight got in on a Friday night and so we could not pay or reserve then and the office was closed on the Saturday. We opted to drive to the site on Sunday and got there at 5p. The ranger on duty(Adrian) seemed nice enough. He had us pick a site to set up our tent. We had our own tent and the kids had hammocks. All we needed was 1 campsite. He didnt seem to be in a rush to take payment and we were cool with that since he said he was working until the next day. The next morning he charged us US$70. I was dumb, since that was not the price on the website nor what was quoted to us in my email to the office. My husband was upset and I was so disappointed. We just paid and got the heck out. Our beautiful trip turned so bad so quickly. Idk why people see nothing wrong with ripping off other ppl. Just disappointing.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMFM M
125 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We entered the main door and explained we just want to take a panoramic photo. The official mentioned since we centered the property we MUST pay the tourist price , either the printed USD 10 or $130 Jamaican dollars. Even our tour guide couldn't hide her shocks with those exchange rate. Perhaps those additional exchange rate hours to someone's pocket? Since there is nowhere it mentions about the rate.
When we finally found the last $20 USD and paid him with response of laughter in disdain. We met another Canadian couple and she said the same thing. Either you prepare enough USD if not you will be peeled off with these nowhere existed exchange rates.
Just a note to be careful with these people even in a national park! Killed our mood in such a beautiful place with dirty mind!
When we finally found the last $20 USD and paid him with response of laughter in disdain. We met another Canadian couple and she said the same thing. Either you prepare enough USD if not you will be peeled off with these nowhere existed exchange rates.
Just a note to be careful with these people even in a national park! Killed our mood in such a beautiful place with dirty mind!
Written 17 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello AMFM M,
Thank you for visiting Holywell and for selecting our property for your photos.
We are sorry that you found your experience unfavourable and wish to offer some clarification. .
The Blue and Mountain National Park is managed by Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT).
which is a non governmental, not for profit organization whose main goal is to maintain and sustain the natural and cultural heritage of this protected site.
The entrance fees charged by the National Park is gazette by the Jamaican Government and used to maintain and develop the National Park and the rate of exchange used for USD conversion is guided by the daily rate set by the Bank of Jamaica.
We want you to be assured that the ticket agent at Holywell was not trying to scam you or rip you off and is guided by a set of directives that they must adhere to.
I hope this helps to encourage better memories of your time with us and hope you will come back and visit again soon.
Written 9 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mrsforro
Montego Bay, Jamaica11 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
The road itself was an adventure (and scary most of the time) but the view at the top in the evening was really good. Also loved the log cabins because their is nothing like that on the North Coast where we usually end up
Written 6 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boulah
Rabat, Morocco169 contributions
Jun 2011 • Couples
It is a long drive up to Hollywell but I think it is worth it. There are some great views and a few short hikes. Stop in at "The Gap" for a drink or a meal.
Written 22 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela deFreitas
Jamaica80 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
The best thing about this place is the peace and quiet, far away from the hubbub of Kingston city, traffic , crowded beaches etc. If you want an experience with nature, this is the place. Not a great deal to do here but you can picnic, barbecue, play games, enjoy lush greenery, birds and plants, take a nature walk....dress real comfortable and warm - jeans and walking shoes or tracks.
Written 10 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Angeladefreitas,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review.
We are pleased to hear that you enjoy the peace and quiet up in the mountains and hope to welcome you again soon.
Blessings.
Written 27 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ksharpe43
Montego Bay, Jamaica25 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Went there with my hall mates while at university and it was so worth it! Our fitness was tested hiking up the mountains but when you get to the top,man! Best to dress in outdoor gear,pants preferably and track shoes...very cold as well so bring a jacket...beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and just meditate...
Written 21 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear ksharpe43,
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review and pleased to hear you enjoyed your time at Holywell Park.
We hope to welcome you again soon.
Blessings.
Written 27 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bnaqqi
Kew, North Caicos32 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
Clouds flying right up overhead at the peak, winding trail to a waterfall, tree ferns, endemic birds, orchids and bromeliads, amazing views. Get a chartered taxi to take you up the mountain from Irish Town, and most importantly, find one of the expert bird guides trained by BirdsCaribbean to show you around. I saw eight of Jamaica's 29 endemic bird species on my 3 hour visit to the park and it surrounding areas. There was a summer environmental camp going on while we visited, which was great to see. Staff i knowledgeable and dedicated (and I support their view that the Forestry Department should stop planting invasive and introduced timber tree species within the park boundaries, especially fire-dependent Caribbean pine!). Look out for rufus-tailed flycatcher, sad flycatcher, Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican vireo, Rufus-throated solitaire, red-billed streamertail, ring-tailed pigeon, and the stunning "mountain witch," the crested quail-dove. Jamaica's unique freshwater crabs can be seen in the waterfall. The road down the mountain is a pleasant and beautiful walk to have your driver meet you on their way back up to get you. Definitely get a trained BirdsCaribbean guide -- you'll see so much more and have a great time.
"Food available for purchase" that I indicated is no necessarily regular -- there was a lady selling fruit she grew herself. I had forgotten to bring a lunch but devouring half a hand of freshly harvested Gros-Michel bananas and a local orange was all I needed. Perfect.
"Food available for purchase" that I indicated is no necessarily regular -- there was a lady selling fruit she grew herself. I had forgotten to bring a lunch but devouring half a hand of freshly harvested Gros-Michel bananas and a local orange was all I needed. Perfect.
Written 3 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey!
I want to visit Holywell park over the day. I've seen that it's possible to take a route taxi to Newcastle, is it possible to walk the rest of the road to the entrence of the park? Or is it way to long?
Written 14 December 2017
How do I get in touch with the department that handles reservations? I would love to rent a cabin.
Written 9 February 2016
Sheila J
Hot Springs, Virginia
How to make a reservation for a 4 bed cabin at Hollywell?
Written 17 August 2015
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