18 Feb 2025

Visiting Scott’s Terra Nova Hut at Cape Evans

Today was one of the highlights of our expedition – a poignant visit to the Terra Nova Hut that Captain Scott built at Cape Evans to support his attempt to reach the South Pole. The largest of all the huts constructed during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, it lies on a beach of black volcanic sand, set against the dramatic background of Mount Erebus.

In silence and small groups, we entered a remarkably preserved Edwardian time capsule. It was as if the inhabitants had only just left. The preservation was perfect, and it was easy to imagine the place full of life. There were separate sleeping and living areas for men, officers, leaders and scientists – each with personal equipment, clothing and other artefacts still laid out, as well as a large kitchen, photographic darkroom and stables. Remembering that all five explorers who set out for the South Pole from here never returned made our visit a particularly emotional experience.

Later expeditions also used the site. On a viewpoint overlooking the site, a large wooden cross stood in memory of three of Shackleton’s men who had perished while working from there. This was a very special landing, to experience a place of great historical significance and a reminder of the courage of the early explorers who faced almost unimaginable perils to push the boundaries of geography and science in Antarctica.

Before we departed Cape Evans, many of us took advantage of the calm conditions to brave a polar plunge and a brief taste of Antarctica’s icy waters before returning to a warming drink and the welcome comforts of Heritage Adventurer. A rewarding end to what had been yet another special day!

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions