We went here independently from Jolly Harbour: two adults, two teenagers, and an eight year-old. We caught the #20 bus to St Johns, then the #17 bus to Nelson’s Dockyard (English Harbour). Journey time was an hour, and cost €60 EC in total (£20). There is zero need to to arrange a tour!
Entry to the Dockyard (which is a World Heritage site) cost €80 EC in total. For that we also got a short guided tour.
The Dockyard was built in 1765 (if I remember the facts correctly) and the buildings were constructed from bricks brought over from England as ballast for the ships. The ships returned laden with sugar. The buildings have now been converted into beautiful shops, a museum and restaurants (see review on Copper and Lumber restaurant).
We went here during the low season, and the place was beautifully quiet and tranquil. We spent a couple of hours here.
Well worth the time to get here!