Paul’s Places of interest in Barbados
Top Attractions in Barbados
Oistins Fish Fry Experience
Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday evening is a highly recommended must-do experience for both locals and visitors of Barbados.
Oistins Fish Fry is situated on the seaside in Oistins in the parish of Christ Church. There are many small wooden kiosks, each one with a different name, serving a variety of foods and drinks. They are long portable tables and chairs set up and a bevy of ladies trying to encourage you to sit at their dinner-tables.
They even have printed menus for your convenience to choose your desired meals. It is a very festive atmosphere with soca music playing, hips swaying, and people in a jovial mood as it is Friday night, and the workweek completed.
To add to the atmosphere, they even have wild chickens walking about between people happily pecking at dropped morsels of food. You can smell the sea mixed with the aroma of frying fish. The pleasant breeze was blowing, keeping everyone fresh.
There is a buzzing sound of all the voices as they eat dinner and converse about all things imaginable. The essential topic around Barbados these days is politics.
My plate of grilled dolphin, pasta salad, plantain, and tossed salad was delicious. Others at our table had macaroni pie, fried chicken, peas, and rice—all delicious Bajan food.
There is a small stage in the center of the forecourt, for live bands or dance displays. Renowned personalities (some were under the influence of too much rum) were entertaining the crowd with their uniques dancing styles: quite a spectacle but so much part of the integral Bajan nightlife.
On one side of this event was a very intense domino competition. Table after table of men having a blast slamming dominoes, each one was trying to slap down their domino louder and with more enthusiasm than the next.
It seemed to be an official competition with people keeping score on a big blackboard. I am not sure if this happens every Friday, but I am guessing it does. Again a very intimate part of the Bajan culture.
The crowd was very diverse, with tables of local people having dinner and drinks after a long week of work. Tables consisted of sunburnt visitors enjoying a very Bajan cultural atmosphere as well as young kids, babies, and older teenagers.
I recommend that if you haven’t been to Oistins recently, you decide to go and enjoy this experience. If you are a visitor to this island and you want to experience local culture at the fullest to make your way to Oistins and have dinner on a Friday night.
A half-hourly "Bypass" bus can take you from Carita Beach VIew directly to Oistins, its final stop. Many small passenger vans serve this route 1 hour journey time.
By: Anna Page (updated)
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Oistins
Oistins Fish Fry Experience
Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday evening is a highly recommended must-do experience for both locals and visitors of Barbados.
Oistins Fish Fry is situated on the seaside in Oistins in the parish of Christ Church. There are many small wooden kiosks, each one with a different name, serving a variety of foods and drinks. They are long portable tables and chairs set up and a bevy of ladies trying to encourage you to sit at their dinner-tables.
They even have printed menus for your convenience to choose your desired meals. It is a very festive atmosphere with soca music playing, hips swaying, and people in a jovial mood as it is Friday night, and the workweek completed.
To add to the atmosphere, they even have wild chickens walking about between people happily pecking at dropped morsels of food. You can smell the sea mixed with the aroma of frying fish. The pleasant breeze was blowing, keeping everyone fresh.
There is a buzzing sound of all the voices as they eat dinner and converse about all things imaginable. The essential topic around Barbados these days is politics.
My plate of grilled dolphin, pasta salad, plantain, and tossed salad was delicious. Others at our table had macaroni pie, fried chicken, peas, and rice—all delicious Bajan food.
There is a small stage in the center of the forecourt, for live bands or dance displays. Renowned personalities (some were under the influence of too much rum) were entertaining the crowd with their uniques dancing styles: quite a spectacle but so much part of the integral Bajan nightlife.
On one side of this event was a very intense domino competition. Table after table of men having a blast slamming dominoes, each one was trying to slap down their domino louder and with more enthusiasm than the next.
It seemed to be an official competition with people keeping score on a big blackboard. I am not sure if this happens every Friday, but I am guessing it does. Again a very intimate part of the Bajan culture.
The crowd was very diverse, with tables of local people having dinner and drinks after a long week of work. Tables consisted of sunburnt visitors enjoying a very Bajan cultural atmosphere as well as young kids, babies, and older teenagers.
I recommend that if you haven’t been to Oistins recently, you decide to go and enjoy this experience. If you are a visitor to this island and you want to experience local culture at the fullest to make your way to Oistins and have dinner on a Friday night.
A half-hourly "Bypass" bus can take you from Carita Beach VIew directly to Oistins, its final stop. Many small passenger vans serve this route 1 hour journey time.
By: Anna Page (updated)
Miami Beach
Conveniently located near Oistins, why not spend the afternoon here swimming. It’s a nice family-friendly beach with picnic tables, lots of shade, nice calm waters, always clean toilets and shower facilities, great for a family day out, chairs and loungers are available to hire. without a doubt one of the top beaches in Barbados.
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Miami Beach, Μπαρμπάντος
Miami Beach
Conveniently located near Oistins, why not spend the afternoon here swimming. It’s a nice family-friendly beach with picnic tables, lots of shade, nice calm waters, always clean toilets and shower facilities, great for a family day out, chairs and loungers are available to hire. without a doubt one of the top beaches in Barbados.
St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey is located in the parish of St. Peter on the west coast of Barbados.
The house was built in 1650 by Benjamin Berringer, and is one of only three remaining Jacobean properties in the western hemisphere – another one that Barbados is also home to is Drax Hall in St. George.
Hours of operation are 10.00 a.m.; with the last tour at 3.30 p.m. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit, with a minimum of an hour to tour the property. (All guests must depart the property by 4.30 p.m.) Visitors can enjoy lunch, tea and other light refreshments at the Terrace Café during our opening hours. The steam-operated syrup factory circa 1890, grinds sugar cane from January to May.
Experience the thrill of Victorian era train ride in a tropical setting of an former plantation. approx 45 minutes. Booking required.
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St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey is located in the parish of St. Peter on the west coast of Barbados.
The house was built in 1650 by Benjamin Berringer, and is one of only three remaining Jacobean properties in the western hemisphere – another one that Barbados is also home to is Drax Hall in St. George.
Hours of operation are 10.00 a.m.; with the last tour at 3.30 p.m. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit, with a minimum of an hour to tour the property. (All guests must depart the property by 4.30 p.m.) Visitors can enjoy lunch, tea and other light refreshments at the Terrace Café during our opening hours. The steam-operated syrup factory circa 1890, grinds sugar cane from January to May.
Experience the thrill of Victorian era train ride in a tropical setting of an former plantation. approx 45 minutes. Booking required.
The bus goes to a municipal transit center so be sure to ask to leave the bus one stop before the terminal. Turn right and head to the coast you won't be disappointed.
Located on the west coast of Barbados, Speightstown is the second biggest town on the island, which was founded in 1653 and named after William Speight a wealthy merchant who owned the land in that area.
Speightstown is of great historical importance to Barbados and was once a bustling port with exports of tobacco and cotton until Barbados started producing sugar in vast quantities, which were then shipped to England.
At this time the roads in Barbados were very underdeveloped and there used to be schooners, which ferried passengers and goods up and down to Bridgetown in only 45 minutes.
The town was once such an important place in Barbados that it had three forts built to protect it from invasion, however even with this protection English troops were able to invade the island in 1651 soon overcoming the locals.
Even though the settlers in the area were English, they had all run away to escape the civil war between king and parliament throughout the 1640’s, and this invasion led to the peace agreement known as the Charter of Barbados.
The Charter of Barbados was signed on January 11th 1652 and it stated that Barbados was to accept the authority of the English parliament, but that local people’s taxes could not be raised without their consent. This agreement lasted until Barbados gained independence from the UK in November 30th 1966.
Merchants built grand warehouses and homes in the area reflecting what an affluent town it was, but as the roads became more frequently used, it was more economical to use the main port of Bridgetown and Speightstown went in to decline. In 1941 the majority of these beautiful buildings were destroyed.
Today, Speightstown is relatively quiet and relaxing, with Queen Street being the main road that runs through the town, here you will find a few shops, some corporate offices, a supermarket, the fishing complex and some good restaurants catering to the passing tourist trade.
Here is the only place where you can see some of the original architecture and some of the town’s once very grand town houses that belonged to the wealthy merchants.
You will also find the Gang of Four art gallery here, which displays the work of local artists. Behind Queen Street is a major bus terminal with services operating to various parts of the island.
In Speightstown, on Church Street you will find St. Peter’s Parish Church, which is one of the oldest in Barbados having been built in the 1630’s, the original building was destroyed by 1831 hurricane and after being rebuilt it was again destroyed by fire in 1980, however it is now fully restored and back to its former glory.
Speightstown is a lovely place to wander around, first impressions may be that it is very run down and neglected, however it has an air of the past about it and time does seem to stand still.
For a relaxing day out you can look around the shops, have lunch at one of the restaurants or go for a traditional Bajan lunch at the Fisherman’s Pub, a local landmark and also the unofficial tourist information centre, and then have stroll around art gallery in the afternoon.
There is also a large local supermarket, cosy shopping centre as well as hairdressing, barber and laundry facilities.
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Speightstown
The bus goes to a municipal transit center so be sure to ask to leave the bus one stop before the terminal. Turn right and head to the coast you won't be disappointed.
Located on the west coast of Barbados, Speightstown is the second biggest town on the island, which was founded in 1653 and named after William Speight a wealthy merchant who owned the land in that area.
Speightstown is of great historical importance to Barbados and was once a bustling port with exports of tobacco and cotton until Barbados started producing sugar in vast quantities, which were then shipped to England.
At this time the roads in Barbados were very underdeveloped and there used to be schooners, which ferried passengers and goods up and down to Bridgetown in only 45 minutes.
The town was once such an important place in Barbados that it had three forts built to protect it from invasion, however even with this protection English troops were able to invade the island in 1651 soon overcoming the locals.
Even though the settlers in the area were English, they had all run away to escape the civil war between king and parliament throughout the 1640’s, and this invasion led to the peace agreement known as the Charter of Barbados.
The Charter of Barbados was signed on January 11th 1652 and it stated that Barbados was to accept the authority of the English parliament, but that local people’s taxes could not be raised without their consent. This agreement lasted until Barbados gained independence from the UK in November 30th 1966.
Merchants built grand warehouses and homes in the area reflecting what an affluent town it was, but as the roads became more frequently used, it was more economical to use the main port of Bridgetown and Speightstown went in to decline. In 1941 the majority of these beautiful buildings were destroyed.
Today, Speightstown is relatively quiet and relaxing, with Queen Street being the main road that runs through the town, here you will find a few shops, some corporate offices, a supermarket, the fishing complex and some good restaurants catering to the passing tourist trade.
Here is the only place where you can see some of the original architecture and some of the town’s once very grand town houses that belonged to the wealthy merchants.
You will also find the Gang of Four art gallery here, which displays the work of local artists. Behind Queen Street is a major bus terminal with services operating to various parts of the island.
In Speightstown, on Church Street you will find St. Peter’s Parish Church, which is one of the oldest in Barbados having been built in the 1630’s, the original building was destroyed by 1831 hurricane and after being rebuilt it was again destroyed by fire in 1980, however it is now fully restored and back to its former glory.
Speightstown is a lovely place to wander around, first impressions may be that it is very run down and neglected, however it has an air of the past about it and time does seem to stand still.
For a relaxing day out you can look around the shops, have lunch at one of the restaurants or go for a traditional Bajan lunch at the Fisherman’s Pub, a local landmark and also the unofficial tourist information centre, and then have stroll around art gallery in the afternoon.
There is also a large local supermarket, cosy shopping centre as well as hairdressing, barber and laundry facilities.
St. Lawrence Gap, also known as “The Gap” by locals, is a small street on the South Coast of Barbados in the parish of Christ Church. This is a unique area where young teens and senior citizens walk side by side and Tequila shots and Sunday Mass is served across the street from each other.
Here, Restaurants, Night Clubs, Hotels and a host of small businesses, all ply their trade happily together. If you stay or visit The Gap, you can have a meal or snack, go to a bank or ATM, buy souvenirs, play the slot machines, swim in the sea, buy Aloe for the sunburn and party the night away! Or maybe have a coffee break, check out the street vendors, stop for refreshing ice cream, as you make your way to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic sea.
In true Barbadian style, million-dollar condos co-exist next door to low budget hotels as they hug the shores of the south coast. A large selection of restaurants, snuggle in-between these hotels on both sides of the street and serve a WIDE selection of delicious dishes from around the world.
West End
The west side of The Gap is more active than the quieter east side. If you are looking for dinner and to the party the night away, the west side is definitely the side to visit. You will find a short boardwalk with a few benches where you can sit with a cool drink and watch as the sun dips below the horizon. You could not want more front row seating than that!
Street vendors ply their trade along the bustling west end of The Gap. Stop and admire beautiful handcrafted jewelry, basket weaving or unique souvenirs. At night, try sampling some Barbadian street food from popular vendors. You will be joined by many Barbadians who stop by to pick up their dinner or a late-night snack.
East End
The Eastside of The Gap is a lot quieter with Hotels, Condos and Guesthouses intermingled with private homes. You will notice a more relaxed atmosphere as you stroll to a restaurant and then on to a bar or two for a refreshing drink.
Bars in The Gap
You don’t have to look too far for a bar or “watering hole” in The Gap. Whether you are looking for a quiet drink with friends or a crazy night out this 1.5 Kilometer stretch has something for you. In The Gap, there are MANY bars to choose from. Sit and chat with locals at the Dover Seaside Beach Facilities or maybe chose a bar with music to soothe the soul. You can even find a coconut vendor or two, offering fresh “water” served in the coconut to quench your thirst.
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Saint Lawrence Gap
Saint Lawrence GapSt. Lawrence Gap, also known as “The Gap” by locals, is a small street on the South Coast of Barbados in the parish of Christ Church. This is a unique area where young teens and senior citizens walk side by side and Tequila shots and Sunday Mass is served across the street from each other.
Here, Restaurants, Night Clubs, Hotels and a host of small businesses, all ply their trade happily together. If you stay or visit The Gap, you can have a meal or snack, go to a bank or ATM, buy souvenirs, play the slot machines, swim in the sea, buy Aloe for the sunburn and party the night away! Or maybe have a coffee break, check out the street vendors, stop for refreshing ice cream, as you make your way to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic sea.
In true Barbadian style, million-dollar condos co-exist next door to low budget hotels as they hug the shores of the south coast. A large selection of restaurants, snuggle in-between these hotels on both sides of the street and serve a WIDE selection of delicious dishes from around the world.
West End
The west side of The Gap is more active than the quieter east side. If you are looking for dinner and to the party the night away, the west side is definitely the side to visit. You will find a short boardwalk with a few benches where you can sit with a cool drink and watch as the sun dips below the horizon. You could not want more front row seating than that!
Street vendors ply their trade along the bustling west end of The Gap. Stop and admire beautiful handcrafted jewelry, basket weaving or unique souvenirs. At night, try sampling some Barbadian street food from popular vendors. You will be joined by many Barbadians who stop by to pick up their dinner or a late-night snack.
East End
The Eastside of The Gap is a lot quieter with Hotels, Condos and Guesthouses intermingled with private homes. You will notice a more relaxed atmosphere as you stroll to a restaurant and then on to a bar or two for a refreshing drink.
Bars in The Gap
You don’t have to look too far for a bar or “watering hole” in The Gap. Whether you are looking for a quiet drink with friends or a crazy night out this 1.5 Kilometer stretch has something for you. In The Gap, there are MANY bars to choose from. Sit and chat with locals at the Dover Seaside Beach Facilities or maybe chose a bar with music to soothe the soul. You can even find a coconut vendor or two, offering fresh “water” served in the coconut to quench your thirst.
Located in the central uplands of Barbados, is a magnificent attraction with a world-class property and unmatched beauty anywhere else in the Caribbean. Harrison's Cave is a massive underground cave stream system, with awesome caverns and crystallized formations. Enjoy an unparalleled underground experience as you journey aboard a tram, past clear streams, and cascading waterfalls. This phenomenal underground attraction, is one of Barbados’ premier visitor attractions, truly a must-see when on vacation. Enjoy an unparalleled underground experience on one of our tours. On the Tram Tour, you will journey aboard a tram, past clear streams, and cascading waterfalls on a guided, driven tour of the caves' awesome caverns. Looking for more adventure? The Eco-Adventure Tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Trek along our scenic gully trail before embarking on this amazing underground exploration; crawling and climbing as you traverse some of the caves' natural passages. With other exciting tours also available, including our Scenic Gully tours, Walk-In Cave Tours, the amazing educational programs like the Harrison’s Cave Bat Program and Technical tour, Harrison’s Cave offers visitors to Barbados an entirely new world to discover in one attraction. Unearth the Adventure!
From Trip Advisor Traveller's Choice 2020.
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Σπήλαιο του Χάρισον
Located in the central uplands of Barbados, is a magnificent attraction with a world-class property and unmatched beauty anywhere else in the Caribbean. Harrison's Cave is a massive underground cave stream system, with awesome caverns and crystallized formations. Enjoy an unparalleled underground experience as you journey aboard a tram, past clear streams, and cascading waterfalls. This phenomenal underground attraction, is one of Barbados’ premier visitor attractions, truly a must-see when on vacation. Enjoy an unparalleled underground experience on one of our tours. On the Tram Tour, you will journey aboard a tram, past clear streams, and cascading waterfalls on a guided, driven tour of the caves' awesome caverns. Looking for more adventure? The Eco-Adventure Tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Trek along our scenic gully trail before embarking on this amazing underground exploration; crawling and climbing as you traverse some of the caves' natural passages. With other exciting tours also available, including our Scenic Gully tours, Walk-In Cave Tours, the amazing educational programs like the Harrison’s Cave Bat Program and Technical tour, Harrison’s Cave offers visitors to Barbados an entirely new world to discover in one attraction. Unearth the Adventure!
From Trip Advisor Traveller's Choice 2020.
Located in the South of Island, the first and still one of the best resorts in Barbados, with many top restaurants, multiple swimming pools, and delightful places to have a cocktail.
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The Crane Resort, Barbados
Located in the South of Island, the first and still one of the best resorts in Barbados, with many top restaurants, multiple swimming pools, and delightful places to have a cocktail.
The top Hotel in Barbados and World Class, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren married and honeymooned here, Rihanna uses one of the Villas. It offers top-class Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner for anyone who wants to spend that little bit extra.
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Sandy Lane Hotel
The top Hotel in Barbados and World Class, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren married and honeymooned here, Rihanna uses one of the Villas. It offers top-class Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner for anyone who wants to spend that little bit extra.
Neighbourhoods
Bridgetown History
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and is rich in culture and history; You can visit many historical places with souvenir and duty-free shops nearby. It is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean region with continuous occupation since 1628.
Bridgetown was founded by a small group of English settlers who named it Indian River Bridge because of the bridge that goes over the Constitution River built by the very first inhabitants, believed to be the Amerindians.
Bridgetown was not an ideal location for the country’s capital city as it was a very unhealthy place back then, it sat on a mosquito-infested swamp, and over 20,000 people died from cholera in 1654.
But it looks out over the beautiful Carlisle Bay, and its geography was perfect at the time to develop the port, which becomes one of the main ports in the world during its heyday of the 17th century along with Boston and London.
The port has continued to grow over the years and is one of the largest in the Caribbean to berth some of the supercruise liners now in operation.
The wealth from the sugar and trade slave made Bridgetown, as it was later renamed a very grand city with excellent architecture displayed on colonial homes and warehouses.
However, not much of this grand city still stands after a fire in 1659, which destroyed over 200 houses in the city center. Only eight years later, in 1667, a hurricane then hit Barbados destroying even more of the city, and then there was a great fire in 1668, which burned down a further 800 buildings.
Bridgetown was plagued by fire and was destroyed by a further 12 great fires from 1673 until the last recorded blaze in 1910.
Despite all of these disasters, Bridgetown still has a lot of historic buildings, and there are some monuments and statues to commemorate essential events in Bridgetown’s history.
Guided Tour
As you enter Bridgetown from the south coast you will see a vast expanse of open parade ground with a horse racing track on the outside, this area is called the Garrison Savannah and is now home to the Barbados Turf Club.
The Garrison Savannah was where the British Army was based in the 1600s and is still home today for the Barbados Defense Force. Around the Garrison area, you will find grand military buildings and two other major tourist attractions. These are the Barbados Museum with seven galleries to look around and Bush Hill House now known as George Washington House after his stay there in 1751.
The Careenage is a major focal point in Bridgetown and is home to charter fishing boats, catamarans, and yachts to rent. The Limelight Café and the Waterfront Café, both of which have live bands and entertainment, overlook this tranquil scene.
Opposite The Careenage you will find the start of Broad Street, home to many of the major department stores and gift shops who offer duty-free shopping, here you will also see places to eat and drink.
Much of corporate Barbados have head offices within the city center, so here you will find tourists wandering the streets in shorts alongside office workers in suits.
At this end of Broad Street, you will also find National Heroes Square, which has it’s very own Nelson’s Column erected in 1813, which was before its famous counterpart in London.
In 2007 the square underwent a major overhaul so that it now offers a great place to relax and watch the world go by on a lazy sunny afternoon.
There is a cenotaph to remember the dead from both world wars, the Dolphin Fountain to commemorate piped water into Bridgetown and a statue of Errol Barrow – a national hero of Barbados and previous Prime Minister.
Also in Bridgetown are the Barbadian Parliament Buildings, located next to the Chamberlain Bridge, which was built in 1874 and home to the Barbados Parliament, which was formed in 1639, making it the third oldest in the entire commonwealth.
Within a short walk, you can also find another two historic buildings of religious significance in Barbados, and they are St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Jewish Synagogue.
Close to St. Michael’s Cathedral is Queens Park, where you will find Queens Park House, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1783 which now has an art gallery for you to look around,
If you walk to the very top of Broad Street and onto Fontabelle, you will find Kensington Oval, a very famous cricket ground in operation since 1882 and which was host to the final game of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
If you continue up to Harbour road, you will come to the Pelican Craft Centre, a complex of design and working studios of local artisans selling original and authentic goods. The shops here are very unusual and make an ideal stop for presents.
Just outside of Bridgetown is Tyrol Cot, the family home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first prime minister of Barbados. The house was built in 1854 and exhibited memorabilia from his political career and that of his son, Tom Adams, who followed in his father’s footsteps to also become a Barbadian prime minister.
Finally, you wouldn’t be in Barbados, let alone the capital city if there were no mention of the countries national drink, and that is rum.
While wandering around the city center, try and make time to head out on the Spring Garden Highway for a tour of the Mount Gay rum factory, here you will learn the history of rum and how it is made.
Author: Brett Callaghan
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Bridgetown
Broad StreetBridgetown History
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and is rich in culture and history; You can visit many historical places with souvenir and duty-free shops nearby. It is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean region with continuous occupation since 1628.
Bridgetown was founded by a small group of English settlers who named it Indian River Bridge because of the bridge that goes over the Constitution River built by the very first inhabitants, believed to be the Amerindians.
Bridgetown was not an ideal location for the country’s capital city as it was a very unhealthy place back then, it sat on a mosquito-infested swamp, and over 20,000 people died from cholera in 1654.
But it looks out over the beautiful Carlisle Bay, and its geography was perfect at the time to develop the port, which becomes one of the main ports in the world during its heyday of the 17th century along with Boston and London.
The port has continued to grow over the years and is one of the largest in the Caribbean to berth some of the supercruise liners now in operation.
The wealth from the sugar and trade slave made Bridgetown, as it was later renamed a very grand city with excellent architecture displayed on colonial homes and warehouses.
However, not much of this grand city still stands after a fire in 1659, which destroyed over 200 houses in the city center. Only eight years later, in 1667, a hurricane then hit Barbados destroying even more of the city, and then there was a great fire in 1668, which burned down a further 800 buildings.
Bridgetown was plagued by fire and was destroyed by a further 12 great fires from 1673 until the last recorded blaze in 1910.
Despite all of these disasters, Bridgetown still has a lot of historic buildings, and there are some monuments and statues to commemorate essential events in Bridgetown’s history.
Guided Tour
As you enter Bridgetown from the south coast you will see a vast expanse of open parade ground with a horse racing track on the outside, this area is called the Garrison Savannah and is now home to the Barbados Turf Club.
The Garrison Savannah was where the British Army was based in the 1600s and is still home today for the Barbados Defense Force. Around the Garrison area, you will find grand military buildings and two other major tourist attractions. These are the Barbados Museum with seven galleries to look around and Bush Hill House now known as George Washington House after his stay there in 1751.
The Careenage is a major focal point in Bridgetown and is home to charter fishing boats, catamarans, and yachts to rent. The Limelight Café and the Waterfront Café, both of which have live bands and entertainment, overlook this tranquil scene.
Opposite The Careenage you will find the start of Broad Street, home to many of the major department stores and gift shops who offer duty-free shopping, here you will also see places to eat and drink.
Much of corporate Barbados have head offices within the city center, so here you will find tourists wandering the streets in shorts alongside office workers in suits.
At this end of Broad Street, you will also find National Heroes Square, which has it’s very own Nelson’s Column erected in 1813, which was before its famous counterpart in London.
In 2007 the square underwent a major overhaul so that it now offers a great place to relax and watch the world go by on a lazy sunny afternoon.
There is a cenotaph to remember the dead from both world wars, the Dolphin Fountain to commemorate piped water into Bridgetown and a statue of Errol Barrow – a national hero of Barbados and previous Prime Minister.
Also in Bridgetown are the Barbadian Parliament Buildings, located next to the Chamberlain Bridge, which was built in 1874 and home to the Barbados Parliament, which was formed in 1639, making it the third oldest in the entire commonwealth.
Within a short walk, you can also find another two historic buildings of religious significance in Barbados, and they are St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Jewish Synagogue.
Close to St. Michael’s Cathedral is Queens Park, where you will find Queens Park House, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1783 which now has an art gallery for you to look around,
If you walk to the very top of Broad Street and onto Fontabelle, you will find Kensington Oval, a very famous cricket ground in operation since 1882 and which was host to the final game of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.
If you continue up to Harbour road, you will come to the Pelican Craft Centre, a complex of design and working studios of local artisans selling original and authentic goods. The shops here are very unusual and make an ideal stop for presents.
Just outside of Bridgetown is Tyrol Cot, the family home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first prime minister of Barbados. The house was built in 1854 and exhibited memorabilia from his political career and that of his son, Tom Adams, who followed in his father’s footsteps to also become a Barbadian prime minister.
Finally, you wouldn’t be in Barbados, let alone the capital city if there were no mention of the countries national drink, and that is rum.
While wandering around the city center, try and make time to head out on the Spring Garden Highway for a tour of the Mount Gay rum factory, here you will learn the history of rum and how it is made.
Author: Brett Callaghan
HOLETOWN
Holetown was the first town in Barbados and was discovered in 1625 by an Englishman called Henry Powell, who was blown off course and discovered Barbados by accident.
He returned to Barbados two years later in 1627 with a group of English settlers who named the area as Jamestown after the then king of England James 1st.
This name only lasted for two years until more settlers arrived and because of the inlet from the sea, they renamed the area Holetown, as it is known today. It soon lost its popularity as a dock once Bridgetown became established as it provided a much safer harbor for ships of that time. Holetown is today the third largest town in Barbados.
Holetown has the perfect mix of history with modern-day living; with a beautiful white sandy beach, the tranquil and calm Caribbean Sea, both of which are timeless. Then you have some excellent world-famous restaurants, with exquisite cuisine, giving you some once in a lifetime dining experiences. All this nestles neatly in a backdrop of green hills and a historic town with narrow streets and relics from past years.
In the main Holetown complex, you will find the police station, library, museum (which is only open during the Holetown Festival – see below) and a monument to commemorate those who lost their lives in World Wars I & II.
There is also an interesting memorial to celebrate 300 years since the first settlers arrived in Holetown, which was erected in 1905 and the people of Holetown had a huge party to celebrate. However, somebody made a huge mistake as the 300th anniversary was actually in 1927, so when the 350th anniversary came around in 1977, a new plaque was erected. This is all built on the site of what was the old James Fort, and some of the iron cannons are still in position.
Holetown is also home to the first Anglican Church, St. James Parish Church, which was built in 1628. The original building was made from wood and rebuilt from stone later that century, but over the years through hurricanes and fire, only an iron bell and the baptismal font remain. The structure that stands today dates back to around 1789. Holetown was also home to the first five plantations in Barbados.
Holetown is located on the west coast of Barbados and has the west coast road running through it with luxury hotels, restaurants, and duty-free shopping at a high-end shopping Mall known as Lime Grove with stores like Louis Vitton, Cartier and Apple Center and 2 luxury cinemas with at you seat food service. The cinema is half-price on Tuesdays.
There is also the Chattel House village complex with many quaint boutiques selling designer clothes, tourist souvenirs, and luxury items.
On this same stretch of road, you will also find one of the largest supermarkets in Barbados, Massy. It stocks an international selection of food, wine and vegetables and is a big favourite with visitors.
So head to Holetown if you fancy shopping.
It is a 10-minute drive by bus ($3.50) in the direction of the city. Please note you must have correct payment in Barbados Dollars.
Each year on the second weekend in February the Holetown Festival is held, which is a weeklong carnival of song and dance with both English and African influence to celebrate the town’s heritage. You can enjoy live music, stage performances, historical presentations, and street parades.
Further along the coast (heading south) just past Holetown, you will find Folkestone Marine Park, which is excellent for snorkeling, diving, or a trip in a glass-bottom boat for a glimpse of some beautiful marine life. They also have a visitor center with educational displays on the reef in that area.
Also in the Holetown area, you will find the Portvale Sugar Museum, which pays tribute to the most critical export in Barbados’ history.
So if you are looking for an excellent place to eat, shop, and some great places to stay or if you want to enjoy some history and culture, then Holetown is the place to visit.
Author: Brett Callaghan (updated)
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Holetown
HOLETOWN
Holetown was the first town in Barbados and was discovered in 1625 by an Englishman called Henry Powell, who was blown off course and discovered Barbados by accident.
He returned to Barbados two years later in 1627 with a group of English settlers who named the area as Jamestown after the then king of England James 1st.
This name only lasted for two years until more settlers arrived and because of the inlet from the sea, they renamed the area Holetown, as it is known today. It soon lost its popularity as a dock once Bridgetown became established as it provided a much safer harbor for ships of that time. Holetown is today the third largest town in Barbados.
Holetown has the perfect mix of history with modern-day living; with a beautiful white sandy beach, the tranquil and calm Caribbean Sea, both of which are timeless. Then you have some excellent world-famous restaurants, with exquisite cuisine, giving you some once in a lifetime dining experiences. All this nestles neatly in a backdrop of green hills and a historic town with narrow streets and relics from past years.
In the main Holetown complex, you will find the police station, library, museum (which is only open during the Holetown Festival – see below) and a monument to commemorate those who lost their lives in World Wars I & II.
There is also an interesting memorial to celebrate 300 years since the first settlers arrived in Holetown, which was erected in 1905 and the people of Holetown had a huge party to celebrate. However, somebody made a huge mistake as the 300th anniversary was actually in 1927, so when the 350th anniversary came around in 1977, a new plaque was erected. This is all built on the site of what was the old James Fort, and some of the iron cannons are still in position.
Holetown is also home to the first Anglican Church, St. James Parish Church, which was built in 1628. The original building was made from wood and rebuilt from stone later that century, but over the years through hurricanes and fire, only an iron bell and the baptismal font remain. The structure that stands today dates back to around 1789. Holetown was also home to the first five plantations in Barbados.
Holetown is located on the west coast of Barbados and has the west coast road running through it with luxury hotels, restaurants, and duty-free shopping at a high-end shopping Mall known as Lime Grove with stores like Louis Vitton, Cartier and Apple Center and 2 luxury cinemas with at you seat food service. The cinema is half-price on Tuesdays.
There is also the Chattel House village complex with many quaint boutiques selling designer clothes, tourist souvenirs, and luxury items.
On this same stretch of road, you will also find one of the largest supermarkets in Barbados, Massy. It stocks an international selection of food, wine and vegetables and is a big favourite with visitors.
So head to Holetown if you fancy shopping.
It is a 10-minute drive by bus ($3.50) in the direction of the city. Please note you must have correct payment in Barbados Dollars.
Each year on the second weekend in February the Holetown Festival is held, which is a weeklong carnival of song and dance with both English and African influence to celebrate the town’s heritage. You can enjoy live music, stage performances, historical presentations, and street parades.
Further along the coast (heading south) just past Holetown, you will find Folkestone Marine Park, which is excellent for snorkeling, diving, or a trip in a glass-bottom boat for a glimpse of some beautiful marine life. They also have a visitor center with educational displays on the reef in that area.
Also in the Holetown area, you will find the Portvale Sugar Museum, which pays tribute to the most critical export in Barbados’ history.
So if you are looking for an excellent place to eat, shop, and some great places to stay or if you want to enjoy some history and culture, then Holetown is the place to visit.
Author: Brett Callaghan (updated)
Bathsheba, located on the east coast near Andromeda Botanic Gardens, shows the Atlantic in its full glory. The scenery here is incredible – miles of untouched, windswept coastline along the island’s most rugged and stunningly beautiful stretch of coast.
The beach here is well used but it is not advisable to swim, unless you are a professional surfer! There are lots of natural rock pools, which are very pleasant for taking a dip. There are No lifeguards at this beach.
World famous for its excellent surfing conditions in ‘Soup Bowl‘, Bathsheba provides a hub of activity all year long as surfers from around the world congregate here for some of the best surfing action. Soup Bowl is host to many national and international events throughout the year. There are lots of bars and restaurants with sea views to relax and enjoy watching professional surfers riding the crest of a wave.
Lunch is served daily at both Roundhouse and The Edgewater Inn, which both have cliff side locations and reasonably priced food.
There is quite a lot to do and see in Bathsheba with lots of boutiques, beach bars and snackette shops.
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Βηρσαβεέ
Bathsheba, located on the east coast near Andromeda Botanic Gardens, shows the Atlantic in its full glory. The scenery here is incredible – miles of untouched, windswept coastline along the island’s most rugged and stunningly beautiful stretch of coast.
The beach here is well used but it is not advisable to swim, unless you are a professional surfer! There are lots of natural rock pools, which are very pleasant for taking a dip. There are No lifeguards at this beach.
World famous for its excellent surfing conditions in ‘Soup Bowl‘, Bathsheba provides a hub of activity all year long as surfers from around the world congregate here for some of the best surfing action. Soup Bowl is host to many national and international events throughout the year. There are lots of bars and restaurants with sea views to relax and enjoy watching professional surfers riding the crest of a wave.
Lunch is served daily at both Roundhouse and The Edgewater Inn, which both have cliff side locations and reasonably priced food.
There is quite a lot to do and see in Bathsheba with lots of boutiques, beach bars and snackette shops.
Sightseeing
Just over the road from Carita Beach View, you can book a boat ride featuring swimming with turtles, and a delicious Bajan Lunch
Good Times Catamaran Cruises
Just over the road from Carita Beach View, you can book a boat ride featuring swimming with turtles, and a delicious Bajan Lunch
The world's first Rum and the one which holds a Royal Warrant, meaning it's consumed by the Royal Household of the UK. The tour includes Rum tasting and an explanation of the cherished alcoholic beverage is made.
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Mount Gay
The world's first Rum and the one which holds a Royal Warrant, meaning it's consumed by the Royal Household of the UK. The tour includes Rum tasting and an explanation of the cherished alcoholic beverage is made.
A great way to see the entire island.
If you have any existing injuries or suffer from motion sickness then this probably isn't for you!!
That aside - this was an absolutely fantastic day for all the family. From the start you are off-road bouncing around over fields, through mud and puddles, etc. and this lasts ALL DAY LONG!!!
As well as bouncing around in the back of a Toyota Landcruiser the tour itself was actually very extensive and we covered, literally, most of the island during the day. The history of the island is unbelievable. Food and drinks were readily available - including the Rum Punch!! There is even a stop for lunch.
Prepare for the day though - if it is sunny you will need plenty of sun cream. Likewise if raining you WILL get wet. For the little more adventurous it is perfect
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Island Safari (B'dos) Ltd
A great way to see the entire island.
If you have any existing injuries or suffer from motion sickness then this probably isn't for you!!
That aside - this was an absolutely fantastic day for all the family. From the start you are off-road bouncing around over fields, through mud and puddles, etc. and this lasts ALL DAY LONG!!!
As well as bouncing around in the back of a Toyota Landcruiser the tour itself was actually very extensive and we covered, literally, most of the island during the day. The history of the island is unbelievable. Food and drinks were readily available - including the Rum Punch!! There is even a stop for lunch.
Prepare for the day though - if it is sunny you will need plenty of sun cream. Likewise if raining you WILL get wet. For the little more adventurous it is perfect
Home to the Folkstone Underwater Park, there is a 2km stretch of marine reserve. Snorkeling is particularly good here and equipment is available for rent. As this beach is home to Folkestone Marine Park there are many amenities, food and drink as well as a souvenir shop. The children may play in the adventure park and there are also tennis courts here.
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Folkestone Marine Park
Home to the Folkstone Underwater Park, there is a 2km stretch of marine reserve. Snorkeling is particularly good here and equipment is available for rent. As this beach is home to Folkestone Marine Park there are many amenities, food and drink as well as a souvenir shop. The children may play in the adventure park and there are also tennis courts here.