HUNTE'S GARDENS:
Website: http://www.huntesgardensbarbados.com/
This is located at Castle Grant, St. Joseph. It is open most days. There are signs all over the island directing you. It’s not far from St. John’s Church. We just discovered it several years ago and always visit each time we are on the island--it's magical!
It was started in the 1950s and horticulturalist, Anthony Hunte, transformed the gulley into a gorgeous tropical garden. A must for horticulture fans. We feel it is the best on the island. Several tour companies, including Glory Tours, have this on their tours.
We usually go on our own, and for $10 US admission you can tour this fascinating garden and you can also enjoy a delicious rum punch made by Anthony. Sometimes he regales you with interesting stories while you sip the punch.
HARRISON'S CAVE
Website: http://www.harrisonscave.com/
Duration of Tram Tour: 1 hour. Please note, there are several different tours you can take and prices vary.
Tour Schedule: Daily 8:45 am to 3:45 pm
Harrison's Cave is a massive underground cave stream system, with awesome caverns and breathtaking formations. The new Harrison's Cave visitor experience begins at the cliff top location overlooking the valley floor. As visitors disembark, they will be able to enjoy our first exhibit located in our new car park. They will then proceed to the Visitor Reception Centre (VRC), where they can purchase tickets and enjoy the interpretative exhibits at their leisure.
There are three options for descending from the cliff top to the valley floor; one of the two scenic tourism trails, including our cliff trail or valley trail or one of the three breathtaking, state-of-the-art, glass-fronted elevators.
We recommend visitors wear comfortable footwear and note that the cave is an active cave and water dripping from the formations should be expected.
Visitors will then enter the re-developed Cave Interpretative Centre (CIC) which showcases exhibits as well as interactive displays for adults, teens, and children. There is a nine-minute video presentation in the multimedia room before boarding a tram for a forty-minute underground journey. Visitors are welcome to explore the valley floor with its lush flora and fauna or take the self-guided Scenic Walk.
The admission fee for the Tram Tour in Harrison’s Cave has been increased to BBD $60.00 ($30 US per visitor), children ages 3-12 at half price. Other tours vary in prices and length of time.
CODRINGTON COLLEGE:
Website: http://www.codrington.org/cms/
Built in 1743, Codrington College is the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere. Open 9 am - 5 pm. The grounds leading to the college are spectacular with stately cabbage palms lining the street. It is located on the perfect hill-top overlooking the magnificent Atlantic. The college boasts breathtaking views of the East Coast of Barbados. The tranquil surroundings include a driveway lined with cabbage palm trees and a beautiful lily pond.
Insider Tip: Barbados is a great place to rent a car and travel all over the island to enjoy the varied scenery and explore some interesting places. I will try to give you a few ideas on various short trips you can take. You can always pick and choose among the types of things you enjoy, but these suggestions should help get you jump started.
INTERESTING THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AROUND THE ISLAND
SPEIGHTSTOWN - located about 10 minutes north of Holetown on the west coast. It was formally settled around 1630 and in the earliest days of settlement was Barbados’ busiest port. Ships laden with sugar and other commodities left Speightstown bound directly for London and especially Bristol. For this reason, Speightstown is sometimes known as “Little Bristol”. This quaint town has now become the center of a tourist area as well as a secondary shopping center.
Several new restaurants are now in this area but an old one we've enjoyed for years is Fisherman’s Pub. This is a great lunch stop. The pub started out as a rum shop selling local rum, beer, and snacks like ham and cheese cutters to the fishermen and local people. That has evolved into a popular beach bar and restaurant selling authentic Bajan food to tourists who want a taste of the real thing. Excellent food and inexpensive. Try the macaroni pie!
ANDROMEDA GARDENS
Website: http://www.andromedabarbados.com/
Located in Bathsheba, St. Joseph
There are 6 acres of tropical gardens here with a unique collection of plants
Fees From 1st Jan 2016 - Adults BDS $30, ENTRANCE FEE INCLUDES UNLIMITED RETURN VISITS WITHIN 3 WEEKS
GARDENS
WELCHMAN HALL GULLEY
Website: http://www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com/
Open Daily from 9 am to 4 pm, last tour at 3.30 pm
Closed on December 25 and the first Monday in August.
ONLY CASH ACCEPTED (no credit/debit cards)
Adult US $12.00 (booklet included)
Children US $6.00 (5 to 12 years old)
Under 5 years old free
WELCHMAN HALL GULLY – This is an interesting, self-guided, one mile walk through a deep, densely wooded gully filled with large variety of trees, plants, and flowers. It is the “Black Forest” of the island. It was once part of the network of caves linked to Harrison’s until the roof collapsed, forming a uniquely deeper gully -- you can spot wild green monkeys here at feeding times (early morning or late afternoon). There are signs throughout the gully describing various plants and trees and telling the history of their growth in Barbados.
From January to July, during the dry season, two troops (families) of approximately 20 monkeys each visit the gully every day to snack on bananas, their favorite food. One family feeds in the mornings and the other after 1:00pm, however, sometimes you will see smaller troops during the day. These troops are usually very playful. During the rainy season, from July to December, when trees have ample fruit and the monkeys’ feeding patterns become a little less predictable.
There is a restaurant called “View Point” across from the gully - inexpensive lunch stop for great Bajan food if this is still open. The gully is about 5 minutes from Huntes Gardens (see below)
EARTHWORKS POTTERY
Website: http://earthworks-pottery.com/
Open Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-1.
When you want to take a break from sightseeing, this is in the general vicinity of several interior attractions. We've been coming here for many years and always have them package pottery for us to enjoy when we are back home. We now have quite a collection.
This is a pottery studio located on Edgehill Heights in St. Thomas which began the mid 70’s and today is described as “no ordinary pottery.” It ships its pottery throughout the Caribbean and the world. In addition to their blue and green designs you will now also find new and brighter tropical colors and some very unusual pieces. You will really want to take some back home with you. It is sold around the island, but it’s interesting to go where it is made.
Upstairs in the On The Wall gallery next door is a great little place for lunch, the Arthouse Cafe. They specialize in the tastiest gourmet sandwiches around and the view from the open veranda of the St. George Valley is breathtaking.
Sunbury is an interesting 300 year old Great House to tour.
It’s the only great house that opens all rooms for viewing -- we enjoy a snack in their picturesque and cozy Courtyard Restaurant when we visit there. They also offer a wonderful Bajan buffet. The grounds are lovely as well.
FARLEY HILL NATIONAL PARK: (information courtesy of Glory Tours)
Farley Hill, first built in 1818, was the most imposing mansion in Barbados, described as the most splendid of the old Barbadian merchant palaces. Situated in spacious grounds almost 900 feet above the level of the sea, it entertained many Royals in its Glory Days (1856-1883). The grounds are spectacular. Many years later, in 1940 and in a state of decay, it was purchased by Mr. William Worley Bradshaw (an ancestor of Sarah Taylor of Glory Tours).
In 1956, Farley Hill was partly, albeit temporarily, restored to its former splendor for some of the sequences of the film “Island in the Sun” staring Harry Belafonte, Joan Fontaine, Joan Collins, Dorothy Danridge, Michael Rennie, Stephen Boyd, Patricia Owens, John Justin, Diana Wynard, and Basil Sydney.
Sadly, large quantities of wood and other inflammable material were used for the restoration and a few years later fire destroyed everything but the walls.
LITTLE BAY - For some spectacular scenery check this out. This area is located just between Laycock Bay and Cuckold Point. Little Bay is known for its wild blowholes, natural swimming pools, and rugged cliffs and has a fantastic view of the waves crashing the cliffs of the northern coastline. The natural pools at Little Bay are safe for swimming as long as you are cautious and do not swim out of the pools and out to sea where there are strong currents.
COVE BAY - lies just south of Little Bay. To reach this (near Pie Corner) it involves driving through a field where you will see some cattle. A stunning view from this cliff-ledge situated in a deep cut cove and surrounded by calming casuarinas trees and gorgeous palms. From here you can see as far Ragged Point in the east.
CATTLEWASH - It is said that Cattlewash derived it's name from the cows bathing in the sea. The area is popular with locals and well known for health resorts with it's fresh breezy climate.
This is the longest beach on the island. It is rough and rugged and is a popular sightseeing and relaxing spot. The beach is several miles long, and chances are you won't see many others there. Be warned, however: the waves and undertow currents are very strong, so be extra careful if you venture into the water. There are several small “rock pools” in this area you can sit in and they are quite warm and gentle.
BATHSHEBA - is a wild and beautiful part of the island and probably the most well known landmark on the east cost of Barbados. Perfect white beaches and striking rock formations make Bathsheba a must see for any visitor. You should see surfers in this area. A great lunch stop is The Round House.
FLOWER FOREST
Website: http://www.flowerforestbarbados.com/
This is a large botanical area - 53.6 acres. There are 7 acres of wild garden in the Barbados ‘Scotland District’ 750 ft above sea level! So there are panoramic views looking over Chalky Mount and the East Coast! This was a former sugar plantation and is set in one of the most scenic parts of the island. There are great nature walks here. Flowers all year round! They also have an informal cafe for lunches and teas.
Admission to Gardens:
Adults: US $12.50 / BDS $25.00
BARBADOS WILDLIFE PRESERVE: This is across the street from Farley Hill. The animals live in freedom here. Established with Canadian help in 1985, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is set in four acres of mature mahogany trees and is primarily a monkey sanctuary. The reserve offers visitors an excellent sightseeing opportunity to observe the Green Monkeys of Barbados at close range and in their own natural habitat.
Several of these photos courtesy of Sarah Taylor, Glory Tours
GEORGE WASHINGTON HOUSE
Website: http://www.georgewashingtonbarbados.org/
The Barbados National Trust has restored the house and outlying buildings, creating a heritage site on the historic Garrison that celebrates Washington's visit and the role that Barbados played in the settlement of America. This opened to the public in 2007 and is quite interesting.
Cost is $20 BDS for adults and $5 BDS for children 5-12 years.
SUNBURY PLANTATION HOUSE:
website: http://www.barbadosgreathouse.com/
THE CONCORDE EXPERIENCE: This is located next door to the Grantley Adams International Airport is home to the Alpha Echo - one of the seven supersonic jets owned by British Airways.
We thought this was a fantastic attraction. As you check-in at the desk you will be given your boarding passes to pass through security and into the VIP departure lounge that simulates the actual VIP departure lounge at Heathrow in London, England.
As you move through the tour you will experience via an exciting media presentation of the history of the Concorde and relationship with beautiful Barbados, as one of its only four regular destinations.
Your friendly guide will take you up the famous steps and onto one of the most luxurious and fastest planes in the world.
Enjoy a video presentation on board as you sit in the authentic leather seats, then venture to the cockpit as well as view other interesting novelties on board.
As you leave the plane you can try your flying skills on the Concorde flight simulator and explore other fun aviation exhibits. Finally you can tour the observation deck where you can see the planes and runway of the Grantley Adams Airport in full action.
SIGHTSEEING
ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY:
Website: http://www.stnicholasabbey.com/
St. Nicholas is likely the last remaining authentic house of the 17th Century that exists anywhere in the “New World”. When this Jacobean home was built around 1658 of brick and limestone, many of the structures in the North America were made of timber, and have long since perished. The residence was built only 30 years after Barbados' settlement by the British in 1627, so it is of significant historical value to the island and as such its preservation and continuing access to the public and display as a heritage tourism site is fundamental to the overall marketing and business plan. Its potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a goal that embraces the overall objectives of the project. It is located near Cherry Tree Hill.
Be sure to try some of their special 10-year old rum in very special bottles or their gourmet sugar or molasses:
Opening Hours: Sunday - Friday 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (including most holidays) -
please call them for details - Telephone: 246.422.5357 / 246.422.8725.
Email: heritagetourism@stnicholasabbey.com General Admission: BDS $40 (Adults) - BDS $20 (Children)
Insider Tip: There are lots of things to enjoy in Barbados. Here I will mention a few that we enjoy, but consult your Visitor Map, Ins & Outs of Barbados, and your Nutshell Guide for a complete listing.
While in this area you may want to check out both of the following:
PORT ST. CHARLES MARINA is located in St. Peter and is a 22 acre community, either on the lagoon-front or directly on the beach front with your berth and boat just outside your doorstep. Here you will find beautiful luxury villas and apartments for either a short holiday or permanent residence.
PORT FERDINAND MARINA and Luxury Condominium Resort is the other marina in this area which is newer than Port St.Charles. It is a sixteen acre exclusive residential marina resort located just north of historic Speightstown on the Barbados Riviera. I'm told that the newly opened restaurant 13°/59° at Port Ferdinand delivers a dining experience of international standards. It is open to the public. Check it out at: http://www.1359barbados.com/