The dramatic differences between the east and west coast must not be missed. The east (Atlantic side) is less developed and ruggedly beautiful. The west coast is the Caribbean side, where there is more hotel development, but the coastline remains elegant and attractive. The sea is calm and clear and this is the coast where watersports come into their own. Barbados is actively promoting ecotourism. The Barbados National Trust has implemented programs to support this venture, owning and/or administering 10 sites that are open to the public. Various hiking, cycling and walking events are available
and information can be obtained from the Barbados National Trust, Wildey House, Wildey, St Michael, Barbados (tel: 436 9033
or 426 2421; fax: 429 9055; e-mail:
natrust@sunbeach.net).
BridgetownThe island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1536, but throughout its colonial history, which ended with the Declaration of Independence in 1966, Barbados was under British sovereignty. This is strongly reflected in the old capital of Bridgetown which has a decidedly English character; so much so that there is even a miniature of London’s Trafalgar Square, complete with a statue of Lord Nelson. The city is small and there are many excellent walking tours. Places worth a visit include the Fairchild Market, St Michael’s Cathedral (built in 1789), Belleville, Government House, the Barbados Museum, the Old Synagogue and the Garrison Savannah. Temple Yard has a Rastafarian street market.
St JohnThere is a breathtaking view of the east coast from St John’s Parish Church. The church’s cemetery contains the grave of Ferdinando Paleologus, a possible descendant of the Byzantine Emperors.
Codrington CollegeSituated near Consett Bay, and one of the oldest schools of theology in the Western hemisphere, built in 1745.
Morgan Lewis MillAlso in the east, this is a splendid example of a Dutch windmill from the days of the sugar cane planters. It has been completely restored and is open to the public.
Newcastle Coral Stone GatesSituated in St Joseph, these gates were erected by 20th Century Fox for the film
Island in the Sun, and the area affords a commanding view of the magnificent east coast beaches.
The East Coast RoadOne of the most exciting drives on the island, with the Atlantic crashing over treacherous reefs on to the rugged and beautiful coast.
Andromeda GardensThe array of exotic plants grown along terraced gardens makes this the prettiest area of St Joseph.
Welchman Hall GullyOwned by the National Trust, this botanic garden in St Thomas is home to many rare fruit and spice trees.
Holetown (St James)The monument in the town gives the date of the founding of Barbados’ first settlement by the English as being 1605, although this event in fact took place in 1627. There are still a few structures dating from that time. St James, the first church, still retains a 17th-century font, and a bell inscribed ‘God bless King William, 1696’.
Harrison’s Cave (St Thomas)This eerie, luminous cavern makes a spectacular excursion. Completely lit, one can see every part from a special train which takes the visitor on a mile-long ride underground. Stalactites and stalagmites are in abundance, among underground scenery boasting a crystal-clear waterfall and deep emerald lakes. It is open every day 0900-1600.
Flower ForestA 50-acre botanical garden in which can be found almost every plant that grows on Barbados. The grounds offer pleasant walks and spectacular views of Chalky Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Hillaby.
BathshebaSmall pastel-colored houses cling to the chalky cliffs that rise above the Atlantic. This is the ideal destination for any diver or lover of watersports.
PotteriesThis village is famous for its ceramic artworks.
Gun Hill Signal StationNotable both for its splendid view of St George’s Valley and for the lion carved out of a rock by a British soldier in the days when Gun Hill was an army look-out point.
St George’s Church18th-century, and worth a visit for its wonderful altarpiece.
Platinum CoastThis beautiful stretch of coast is also known as Millionaires Row. There are fine beaches of white sand and clear, turquoise waters.
SpeightstownTypical West Indian village, with attractive wooden houses, shops and old churches.
Animal Flower CaveA cavern carved out by the sea with coral rock tinted almost every imaginable color.
Farley HillOnce a fine plantation house, now in ruins, still covered in hibiscus and poinsettias.
St Nicholas AbbeyAnother plantation house, graced with Persian arches and well-kept gardens.
The Atlantic CoastTake the inland road through sugar-cane country with little churches and tiny towns with pretty houses. See the dramatic view from Crane Beach.
Sam Lord’s CastleOnce an old plantation house, but now a hotel, beautifully decorated with furniture made from Barbados mahogany.
Barbados Wildlife ReserveWildlife, some indigenous and some introduced to the island, roams free in a mahogany forest. Animals that visitors may expect to see during their visit include green monkeys, tortoises, deer, wallabies, pelicans and otters. There is also a screened aviary where peacocks, turkeys, toucans, macaws, lovebirds, parrots and an iguana may be viewed.
Mount Gay RumThere are 1000 rum bars in Barbados. The largest rum manufacturer of all is situated in the west coast. Taste tests are a standard component of any visit here. There is also a restaurant with good grub designed to soak up any excess alcohol.
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