What to do in Barbados
Tourist information for the different Parishes of Barbados.
Please click on the map of Barbados above to go to tourist information about a particular
Parish in Barbados.
Further tourist information about what to do in Barbados can be found by visiting
the Barbados Tourism Authority Official Website. www.barbados.org
St. Lucy
North Point & the Animal Flower Cave – The North Point, as the name implies,
is the most northerly point of the island. The point offers spectacular views of
a very dramatic sea, often crashing waves 50 feet or more up the Cliff, making this
an ideal spot for all camera enthusiasts. Here you can also relax with a bottle
of Banks beer in the Hut where you can also pay a guided tour of the Animal Flower
Cave. The Cave might be closed on rainy/overcast days, due to the strong winds.
River Bay – A very popular look out and picnic spot, complete with washrooms,
changing rooms and showers. A fresh water river runs inland to the sea, giving the
area its name. Swimming is allowed, but caution is required, due to the strong currents
further out.
Cherry Tree Hill - Approximately 850 feet above sea-level, this spot offers
an excellent view of the "Scotland District" which covers the parish of St. Andrew
and is named after the Patron Saint of Scotland. It is believed that the name "Cherry
Tree Hill" originated from the large number of cherry trees which once existed on
this hill.
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St. Peter
Farley Hill National Park - Breathtaking scenery, set in the grounds of the
once regal Farley Hill house. A mansion in ruins, tucked away in a forest of mahogany
trees, high up on a hill overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast, Farley Hill is an
ideal spot to picnic, escape into nature, and hide in the shade of a comforting
tree and to simply stare out to sea. It is also a spot favoured by visitors for
getting married!
St. Nicholas Abbey - Located in the parish of St. Peter. Built in 1660 and
is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere.
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve - Located in a natural mahogany wood across
the road from the Farley Hill National Park in the parish of St. Peter. Visitors
are offered a unique opportunity to stroll freely through the Reserve, which is
primarily a monkey sanctuary. There are few cages and the animals can be observed
as they eat, play and interact with the other animals. Other animals that can be
found at the Reserve are ducks, turtles, tortoises, birds, peacocks, otters, racoons,
agouti, and deer.
Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill - One of the only two intact and restored sugar mills
in the Caribbean. Maintained by the Barbados National Trust, the mill includes an
exhibit of the equipment used to produce sugar at the time when the industry was
run by wind power generated from mills, such as this one.
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St. Andrew
Mount Hillaby - At 1,115 feet Mount Hillaby is the highest point on the island
and affords excellent views over the East and West coasts together with the whole
northern section of the island.
Barclays Park - overlooks the very scenic Bathsheba area, where the Atlantic
waves pound the shores.
The Park is an extremely popular area for picnics and get-togethers, especially
on weekends and public holidays. Barclays Park has also been the site of the semi-finals
of the calypso competition held each Crop Over.
The Potteries – On the western side of Chalky Mount, you will find local
potter’s fashioning their wares as has been done for centuries. There are magnificent
views.
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St. James
The Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum and Factory - An intrinsic part of Barbadian
history, producing sweets, sugar, molasses and of course rum, the story of sugar
will spring to life before your eyes. The museum houses a fine collection of original
machinery, inside a converted sugar boiling house, and at the end of the tour, you
can sample fine sugar delicacies.
Holetown - Situated at the centre of the fashionable west coast is Holetown,
which was the first settlement on the island back in 1627. Holetown is home to the
Portvale Sugar Factory and Museum which gives an interesting insight into the history
of sugar manufacture on the island. Also home to a small shopping mall, local shops
and a bank.
Swimming with the turtles - Just off the west coast near the Almond Beach
Hotel you can moor up a boat and swim in the warm waters with the turtles. They
actually take food from your hand and you can snorkel to see their true beauty and
underwater grace. This is truly a magical experience. Boats trips can also be arranged
in the hotel.
Royal Westmoreland - This 18 hole championship course is one of the best
of Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s designs, as far as the finesse, beauty and challenge
of the course is concerned, which perfectly integrates into the surrounding undulating
landscape. The driving range, the sanctuary, pool and gym, and the spectacular Clubhouse
overlook the Caribbean Sea. The first class service provided by its employees make
Royal Westmoreland a truly unforgettable experience.
Sandy Lane - Now with two golf courses in operation. The front nine of the
old 18-hole course are used as a nine hole golf course by itself. The two new Tom
Fazio designed courses have been completed and are open for play now. These two
Tom Fazio designed courses make Sandy Lane one of the finest golf resorts in the
world. Hole no. 7 of the old course though, a short "down-the-cliff" par 3, will
remain an unforgettable memory. If you are up for another real treat, just visit
the Club House of the new Golf course and enjoy lunch, overlooking green fairways
framed by the blue waters of the Caribbean Seas in the back.
Heywoods Golf Course - Small executive course, adjacent to the Almond Beach
Hotel at the northern end of Barbados' famous St. James coast line.
High tide Watersports - Owned and operated by Willie Hewitt since 1993 and
is located at the Coral Reef Club.
Hightide is committed to providing divers with the kind of professionalism and personal
attention they expect from a first-rate dive operation. All of the instructors and
dive masters are certified by PADI, adhere to the latest standards in safety, and
are trained in First Aid and CPR. Plus we believe in no-hassle diving for our guests.
We provide free transportation to our shops. We will set up your equipment, load
it on our boat, and after your dive we will wash and stow your equipment. You need
only to enjoy your dive and your holiday!
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St. Joseph
Hackelton’s Cliff - Hackleton's Cliff rises almost perpendicularly within
a few miles of the coastline and reaches a height of one thousand feet above sea-level.
Naturally, this cliff offers one of the best views of Barbados' east coast. Bring
along your camera!
Bathsheba and Martin's Bay - No visit to Barbados would be complete without
visiting the East Coast at Bathsheba. Huge waves exist and crash against boulders
at the so called "soup bowl". The crashing waves form foam which adds to the effect.
It is the venue for many international and local surfing championships. Martin's
Bay is an attractive fishing village and good photograph opportunities exist.
Villa Nova - Villa Nova is one of the last remaining Great Houses of Barbados.
A grand plantation house built with hand-cut coral stone in 1834 and set in 15 walled
acres of tropical forest and lush gardens, it sits atop the verdant hills of the
island's breathtaking East Coast.
Andromeda Gardens - These unique gardens were the private creation of the
late Iris Bannochie who was an internationally renowned horticulturist. Starting
in 1954, Iris created trails of magnificent flowers and palms to run alongside the
courses towards the Ocean at Bathsheba below. In 1988, Iris left the gardens in
her will to the Barbados National Trust to ensure a perpetual garden would always
be available to the public to learn from and enjoy.
Flower Forest – A beautifully maintained garden forest with many unusual
plants, trees and shrubs from all around the world. Take as long as you like to
wander along the paths, absorbing the sights and smells and enjoy the shade provided
by the tall trees. Refreshments and gifts can be purchased here and rest rooms are
provided.
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St. Thomas
Harrison’s Cave - A unique phenomenon of nature, Harrison's Cave is an amazing
gallery of stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave, and stalagmites that emerge
from the ground, with streams of crystal-clear running water that drop from breathtaking
waterfalls to form deep emerald pools. Visitors are driven in electrically operated
trams down through the extensive system of caves and at the lowest level point in
the cave, visitors are invited to leave the tram and walk alongside a spectacular
waterfall which plunges into a deep pool below.
Welchman Hall Gully - Located in the parish of St. Thomas, is a three-quarter
mile (1.2km) long "gully" (really a garden) home to a number of tropical plants
trees, including nutmeg, bamboo, clove and palms. In addition to the impressive
flora, you will find the world's largest pillar (the joining of a stalactite and
stalagmite) and the gazebo, which looks out to the Atlantic Ocean. It is believed
that the gully got its name from the original owner, General Williams (an early
settler), who was a Welshman.
Highland Outdoor Tours - The tours on offer are truly unique and very much
off the beaten track. You are taken into the country to experience the historical,
cultural and breathtaking scenic highlights of the island. Tour the island on a
tractor-drawn Jitney, or experience it through horse back riding, scenic safari
hikes, and mountain bike riding.
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St. John
Codrington College, St. John - Was originally the plantation home of Christopher
Codrington, who at 30 years of age became Governor of the Leeward Islands. The college
was founded under his will dated 1702 and opened in 1745 as a theological college,
this being the oldest seminary established in the Western Hemisphere. You approach
down an impressive driveway lined with tall palm trees and enter the impressive
grounds containing water-lily ponds and a forest trail. The theological college
is a spectacular building design situated in an equally impressive and serene setting
overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
St. John's Church - A classic Gothic church situated on a cliff overlooking
the picturesque East Coast. This Church was built in 1836 to replace the previous
church which had been destroyed by a hurricane in 1831.
In the Church Yard rests the remains of Ferdinando Paleologus, a descendent of Emperor
Constantine the Great, whose family was driven from the throne of Constantinople
by the Turks. Ferdinando died in Barbados in 1678, after being a resident here for
over 20 years.
Ragged Point - The East Point Lighthouse, located at Ragged Point (the most
easterly point of the island), offers a spectacular view of the rugged coastal scenery
along almost the entire East Coast of Barbados. In fact, on a clear day you can
see all the way up the coastline to the northern points of the island such as Pico
Tenerife.
Off the coast lies Culpepper Island, a tiny island that can be easily reached at
low tide.
Oughterson House & Barbados Zoo Park - The antique Oughterson House, once
the centre of a large sugarcane plantation, now houses this small zoo. You can tour
the ground floor and antique furnishings of the house and, outdoors, the fruit orchards
and zoo. Much of it housed in former plantation buildings. The animals come from
the worlds four corners; zebras and pythons from Africa, alligators and tapirs from
Brazil, green monkeys and mongooses from Barbados. There is an admission fee.
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St. George
St. George Parish Church - The hurricane of 1780 destroyed the first church
built at this site. A new church was built four years later and this building survived
to the present time, making it the oldest ecclesiastical building on the island.
Francia Plantation - A must for visitors interested in heritage, history
and antiques. It consists of the elegant Great House surrounded by beautiful terraced
lawns and gardens.
Gun Hill Signal Station - Gun Hill Signal Station, located in the parish
of St. George, provides a magnificent and captivating view of the entire. It is
the finest of a series of signal stations built in 1818. These stations sighted
ships approaching Barbados and signalled to each other in warning of the approaching
vessel.
The signal station was restored and landscaped by the Barbados National Trust and
now houses a collection of military memorabilia.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens - Nestled on a cliff overlooking the east coast,
Andromeda Botanic Gardens is today run by the Barbados National Trust. Spread over
six acres of carefully landscaped grounds that are lavishly coloured with blooms,
orchids, exotics and shrubs, this garden represents what is arguably one of the
finest collections in the region. Andromeda was developed in 1954 by the late horticulturist
Iris Bannochie for her weekend retreat. It soon mushroomed into a full fledged garden
and eventually she opened it to the public. As she expanded the gardens and acquired
more exotic plants and blooms from around the world, Andromeda became a major visitor
attraction. She left the property to the people of Barbados, to be managed by the
National Trust in 1988.
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St. Michael
The Bridge Town Synagogue - There is currently one synagogue situated in
Bridgetown. Built in the 17th century (1654) it was destroyed by hurricane in 1831,
was rebuilt, fell into disrepair and was sold in 1929.
In 1983, it was bought back by the Jewish community and was restored to its present
state with its beautiful Gothic arches, and is now a Barbados National Trust protected
building and an active synagogue.
Bridgetown - The capital and commercial centre and has a population of about
80, 000. Bridgetown was originally named "Indian Bridge" for the rude bridge which
had been constructed over the river (now known as the Careenage) by the Indians.
It was later called the "town of St. Michael" in official documents, before finally
being named Bridgetown when a new bridge was built in place of the Indian Bridge,
sometime after 1654.
Broad Street is the main street of Bridgetown and consists mainly of banks,
department stores and duty free shops. Other streets in Bridgetown such as Swan
Street, Roebuck Street and Tudor Street consist mainly of smaller shops and businesses,
together with wayside vendors.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village - Was the home of one of the founding fathers
of Barbadian democracy, Sir Grantley Adams, and his son, second Prime Minister of
Barbados, the late J.M.G.M. "Tom" Adams. The house is a monument to a vital period
in the island's history, as well as containing Sir Grantley's personal effects -
such as his old radio and car licence plate - and a fine collection of antique furniture.
Underwater Barbados - Since 1989 Underwater Barbados has been ideally located
on the beach in the centre of the beautiful and tranquil Carlisle Bay. The bay is
known to have more fish than any other part of the island and is also home to four
ship wrecks which were sunk between 1917 and 1996. Along with its sister company,
Aquarius Water sports, Underwater Barbados offers a wide range of activities, Services,
certifications and training courses such as: Scuba diving / Snorkelling / Kayaking
/ Swimming lessons / First-aid courses / Photos and video tapes of your underwater
encounters and vacation water camps for kids all ages.
Atlantis Submarines - Explore the Wonders of the World Beneath the Sea in
the Atlantis Submarine. Board the Atlantis and get set for an experience of a lifetime.
An exciting 50 minute journey through the natural undersea world of Barbados. You'll
cruise along at depths of up to 150 feet in the Atlantis Submarine, a product of
advanced design and space age technology. The high-tech, spacious, air-conditioned
cabin is precisely maintained at sea level pressure allowing you to enjoy every
minute of this unique adventure. You'll gasp as you enter this breathtaking world
of coral reefs, sea flora and fauna, a kaleidoscope of living colour, and even a
trip past a ship wreck. Your crew includes a seasoned pilot to navigate the reef
and an experienced co-pilot to narrate your unforgettable journey.
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St. Philip
Sam Lord's Castle - Situated on the south east corner of the island is this
superb mansion which has an interesting past. Built in 1820 by Samuel Hall Lord,
who made his fortune by luring ships onto the nearby rocks! The castle features
magnificent mahogany columns in the main living room. Sam Lord's an excellent day
out with well kept, large gardens and a great beach. The beach opens out away from
the hotel and is very pleasant. The waves can be high though, so be careful swimming.
The property may charge a small entrance fee as it is run as an all inclusive hotel.
Bottom Bay, Crane Beach and Foul Bay - Situated only a few miles away from
Sam Lord's Castle are the wonderful secluded beaches of Bottom Bay and the large
expanse of coral sand at Foul Bay. Both are excellent beaches and are frequently
deserted except for a few people surfing; ideal for that lazy day away from it all.
Between the two beaches (in fact only a short distance away from Foul Bay) is Crane
Beach, which is home to the world famous Crane Hotel.
Crane Beach - Crane Beach, originally a harbour, is considered by many to
be one of the island's most beautiful beaches. In fact, Lifestyles of the Rich and
Famous rated it as "one of the ten best beaches in the world"!
The Rum Factory & Heritage Park - Savour the flavour of all that is Barbadian
at the centre where Bajan past meets Bajan future. Take a sunlit, scenic ride to
the Heritage Park and Rum Factory at Four Square, St.Philip - deep in the heart
of sugar cane country - for a real taste of Barbados. In 8 acres of landscaped park,
one of the island's oldest sugar factories has been lovingly restored and transformed
- bringing the past to life - and creating a centre of the best of Barbados culture
and life. Experience the Rum, the Crafts, the Gifts, the History, the Art, the Fun,
the Food and the Entertainment. Feast your senses, experience our history , sample
the delights.... and don't miss the exciting tour of the most modern rum distillery
in the world.... all made more pleasurable by the warm Bajan welcome of our people!
Sunbury Plantation House - Over 300 years old and is a lovely setting to
be married in. As the bride, imagine walking down the aisle of flagstones to the
arch of flowers where your bridegroom will be waiting. As the groom, you will be
marrying the one you love amongst the exquisite lawns of the Plantation's grounds
as the evening breezes blow through the ageless mahogany trees. You'll both be married
under the arch of flowers as you gaze into each other's eyes and exchange your vows.
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Christ Church
Oistins and Enterprise Beach - Deriving its name from Edward Oistine, who
owned a large plantation in the area and situated on the south coast of the island
it is the principal fishing town of Barbados. It gives a very good insight to the
fishing industry of Barbados and there is a lively market which is colourful and
busy. Just along the coast (going East) take the right fork in the road and visit
the excellent Enterprise Beach.
St. Lawrence Gap - Situated on the south coast of the island, it is the fun
capital of Barbados offering an excellent array of bars and nightclubs together
with some fine restaurants such as Pisces and Josef’s. The Ship Inn has a pleasant
atmosphere and is an excellent place to stop off for a beer or two. St. Lawrence
Gap is located within walking distance from the Turtle Beach Resort.
Christ Church Parish Church - Although the present church was built in 1935,
it is the fourth on the site - the previous ones being destroyed by hurricane, fire
or flood. The Church is best known for the famous Chase Vault, in which coffins
mysteriously move around within the sealed vault. A detailed investigation in 1820
offered no explanation and the coffins were eventually buried separately and the
vault sealed.
Long Beach - The last in the island loop, stretches for more than a mile.
A great find since it is little visited, either by locals or tourists. The nearby
long Beach Club has some facilities, otherwise, this is a fairly private setting
that is surrounded by 'rab' land and some jagged bluffs.
The Barbados Golf Club - The original Barbados Golf and Country Club was
designed and built in 1974 by the notable architect Col. J. Harris. For more than
20 years it has laid sleeping and awaiting its rebirth. On September 1st 2000 the
redesigned and completely reconstructed Barbados Golf Club reopened as Barbados'
first public Championship golf course. The 6,805 yard par 72 golf course has been
approved and sanctioned by the PGA European Tour to host a PGA Seniors Tournament
in 2002.
Magnificent trees strategically planted 25 years ago give the course a mature ambience.
Two lakes intrude and enhance play on five holes and create a dramatic 'Amen Corner'
on holes 15 & 16. A series of coral waste bunkers carved through 4 holes adds to
the excitement and personality of the course. Ron Kirby, one of the most respected
and experienced golf course architects in the world, redesigned the course to be
fair, challenging and a pleasurable walk amidst tropical surroundings.
Rockley Golf Club - is a nicely kept 9 hole course with fairways between
170 m and 430 m long. Some of them are very narrow and claim a very precise game.
On the other hand it is easy enough not to frustrate high handicappers and beginners.
Rockley is an alternative for a quick round in between. Prices are moderate, especially
compared to European fees.
The Barbados Golf Academy - This well designed golf practice ground is the
ideal training centre for the golf enthusiasts visiting our island. An excellent
driving range and other practice areas make a perfect training and teaching facility
for pros and beginners alike. Lessons available.
Blue Marlin Charters Inc. - Come fish with us for Barracuda, Wahoo, Dorado,
Tuna, Marlin or Sailfish on a four hour and eight hour Private Charter. We offer
all inclusive packages with transportation, food, drinks and of course, the bait!
Barbados is an ideal fishing destination particularly during the months of January
through April when all of our game fish are in full season. These fish can also
be caught year round and as Barbados is a coral island we can catch fish soon after
leaving the dock. So no more travelling miles before you get out to the fishing
grounds!!! And don't worry, you need not be a professional, we can teach you as
we go.
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