> Sightseeing

One of the most pleasurable activities to be under taken while spending time in Barbados is sightseeing. Sightseeing offers an intimate look into Barbados' rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty.

Andromeda Botanical Gardens (St. Joseph)

Showcasing a breathtaking array of exotic flora and fauna from around the globe, Andromeda Botanical Gardens is one of the foremost botanical gardens in the Caribbean.

Alive with vibrant color, cascading waterfalls and picturesque ponds, Andromeda Botanical Gardens is complete with a café, garden and souvenir shops.

Weddings, group tours, and special events may be arranged by contacting the Andromeda Botanical Gardens directly.

Telephone: (246) 433-9261 or (246) 436-9033
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Open Daily
Location: Bathseba, St. Joseph

Animal Flower Cave (St. Lucy)

The Animal Flower Cave is one of the more fascinating natural sights in Barbados. Located in the northern part of the island (in the parish of St. Lucy), the Animal Flower Cave is made up of wave-eroded caverns that are home to sea anemone (animal flowers) and rocks, which have been shaped by the elements and resemble objects such as frogs and lizards.

The cavern flooring consists of coral that in certain areas dates back more than 400,000 years.

Refreshments are available in a small bar located in proximity of the caves.

Telephone: (246) 439-8797
Location: St. Lucy

Atlantis Submarine Adventure (St. Michael)

The Atlantis Adventure is an unforgettable undersea expedition!

Discover the natural phenomenon of Barbados' undersea world when you board the Atlantis. See the mystery and charm of this fascinating world unfold to reveal a kaleidoscope of exotic fish and marine life.

Your journey takes place in a state-of-the-art submarine, where the emphasis is comfort, to allow your senses the freedom to enjoy this breathtaking experience.

Your crew includes a seasoned pilot to navigate the reef and an experienced co-pilot to narrate your unforgettable journey. Atlantis Barbados offers a variety of tours to suit everyone including a night dive and a Rhino Rider water safari (including snorkeling).

This holiday treat yourself, your family or your special group to an adventure that's unique memorable and one that's not easily available anywhere else.

Phone: (246) 436-8929
Location: The Shallow Draught, Bridgetown, Barbados W.I.

Banks Brewery Tour (St. Michael)

The Banks Brewery Tour is a wonderful place to visit, where Barbados' own beer is carefully brewed and bottled. All visitors over the age of 10 are welcome to experience the warmth and rich history of Barbados' award winning beer, through a carefully constructed tour, which operates weekly.

Special group tours may easily be arranged through advance reservations, while souvenir shops are readily located on the premises.

Telephone: (246) 228-6486
Location: St. Michael

Tours: 3 Tours per Day (Children under 10 are not permitted)
Tour: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm
Hours: Monday to Friday

Barbados Wildlife Reserve (St. Peter)

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers visitors the unique ability to directly interact with wildlife (exotic birds, Bajan monkeys, deer, otters, etc.) all within a tropical mahogany forest.

One of the premier wildlife reserves in the Caribbean, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve hosts several special attractions and is home to a wonderful selection of exotic plants (including Orchids).

Snack and Refreshment facilities are located on the reserve.

Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm Open Daily
Location: Farley Hill, St. Peter

Cherry Tree Hill (St. Andrew)

Cherry Tree Hill offers one of Barbados' most spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful, yet rugged, Scotland District. Located in the North East of the island, Cherry Tree Hill overlooks Barbados' longest stretch of Beach (Cattlewash Beach) and provides visitors with an unforgettable tropical experience.

Location: St. Andrew

Codrington College (St. John)

Codrington College, sitting high on a hill in St. John overlooking the Atlantic, offers one of the most spectacular views of the East Coast of Barbados.

Codrington College, the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere, was built in 1743 after Christopher Codrington had bequeathed the estate and considerable money at his death in 1710. Many West Indian priests have trained at Codrington and the College continues to play an active part in education and theological teachings, working closely with the University of the West Indies.

The setting of Codrington College is especially beautiful with a magnificent lily pond and a driveway lined with cabbage palm trees.

Location: St. John

Flower Forest of Barbados (St. Joseph)

The Flower Forest of Barbados is best described as a breathtaking nature trail full of exotic flora and fauna.

Effectively a botanical garden and nature path combined, the Flower Forest provides a dramatic perspective of Barbados' natural beauty and rugged terrain.

The Flower Forest of Barbados is modernly equipped with maps (in several different languages), umbrellas, walking sticks, benches (throughout the forest) and handicapped facilities. Furthermore, food, shopping and refreshment facilities are available.

Telephone: (246) 433-8152
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Open Daily
Location: Richmond, St. Joseph

Folkestone Marine Park (St. James)

Folkestone Marine Park is truly one of Barbados' most unforgettable sites. Located in the parish of St. James, Folkestone Marine Park with its myriad of wonderful activities offers a tremendous experience for all visitors.

It is complete with a fantastic beach, underwater diving facilities and several unique and interactive displays and exhibits. Visitors are welcome to spend time at the marine museum or rent out snorkeling equipment, diving boats or tour the reef in glass bottom boats.

Location: St. James

Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station (St. Peter)

Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station is another one of Barbados' truly magnificent natural reserves, which provides a glimpse into Barbados's rich past. The Signal Station was constructed in the early 1800's and has been fully restored. It provides a glorious view of island.

Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station, with its environmental sensitive design and user-friendly guide, is designed for the eco and heritage tourism enthusiast, however, like all parts of Barbados everyone is welcome.

Telephone: (246) 422-8826
Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm Open Daily
Location: Farley Hill, St. Peter

Gun Hill Signal Station (St. George)

Originally constructed in the early 1800's Gun Hill Signal Station served as one of the original eleven military watchtowers that were constructed throughout Barbados. Completely restored Gun Hill Signal Station offers an intimate look into Barbados' history, as well as a spectacular view of the island.

Gun Hill Signal Station offers visitors the opportunity to view a wonderful display of military memorabilia and may also be booked for private functions and weddings.

The signal station is complete with both snack and gifts shops.

Telephone: (246) 429-1358
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Open Monday to Saturday
Location: St. George

Harrison's Cave (St.Thomas)

Harrison's Cave is truly a geological marvel and one of the most incredible attractions not only in Barbados, but throughout the Caribbean. Harrison's Cave descends almost a mile below the surface and offers visitors a jaw dropping view of bubbling brooks, tumbling waterfalls and deep pools. Natural stalactites and stalagmites rise and fall throughout the caves.

Visitors are toured through the caves aboard a tram, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and driver, who identifies all of the caves most spectacular details.

The Harrison's Cave site is complete with a visitor's center, light refreshment area, gift shop and gallery (exhibiting Arawak Indian artifacts).

Telephone: (246) 438-6640 or (246) 438-6641, (246) 438-6643, (246) 438-6644
Hours: 9:30am - 4:00pm Open 7 days a week
Location: Welchman Hall, St. Thomas

Morgan Lewis Mill (St. Andrew)

The Morgan Lewis Mill is one of the only two sugar mills in the Caribbean that has been fully restored. The largest of its kind, the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill is truly one of Barbados' most spectacular landmarks.

Rich with history, the Morgan Lewis Mill provides visitors with the opportunity to view a fully restored Windmill complete with wheelhouse and 'sails'. You can see equipment that was used to produce sugar at the time when the industry was run by windpower generated from mills such as this one.

The Morgan Lewis Mill is such a unique site that it has been included in the World Monuments Fund's list of the World's 100 most Endangered sites.

Location: St. Andrew

Mount Gay Rum Tour (St. Michael)

The Mount Gay Rum tour, which begins in the Mount Gay Visitors Center, is truly one of Barbados' most preeminent attractions. Barbados has long been regarded as one of rum's founding fathers, and the Mount Gay Rum Tour offers visitors an intimate perspective into the storied rum creation process and the importance of rum within the Barbadian culture.

Tours of the Mount Gay Rum facilities are offered every 30 minutes, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Tours are generally 30 to 40 minutes in length. The Mount Gay Visitors Center is fully equipped with a restaurant, gift shop and of course a fully stocked bar!

Telephone: (246) 425-9066
Location: Brandons, St. Michael
Hours:
Tour: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Gift Shop: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Orchid World (St. George)

As the name implies, Orchid World is a paradise, not only for lovers of flora and fauna but also for those who enjoy the calm retreat of a lush tropical setting. With literally thousands of Orchids of all different colors, shapes and sizes on display it is easy to spend a full day wandering along one of the winding paths, past bubbling brooks, cascading waterfalls and magnificent fountains.

Orchid World is fully equipped with a restaurant, gift shop and rest room facilities. Furthermore, wheelchair access is available throughout the garden.

Telephone: (246) 433-0306
Fax: (246) 433-8365
Location: St. George, Between Gun Hill & St. John's Church, Highway 3B

St. James Parish Church (St. James)

St. James Parish Church is another of Barbados' truly wonderful historic buildings. It is the site of the island's first church, which was originally constructed in the 1600's. St. James Parish church has been both reconstructed and renovated several times throughout out its steeped history as its original wooden structure was destroyed by a hurricane back in the late 1700's.

St. James Parish Church provides visitors with a glimpse into Barbados' rich and storied history. Visitors are welcome to peruse a wonderful assortment of historical artifacts including the original church bell that dates back to the 1600's.

Location: St. James

St. Nicholas Abbey (St. Peter)

St. Nicholas Abbey was built in 1660 and is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Barbados is home to two of these mansions... St.Nicholas Abbey and Drax Hall.

Distinguishing features of this magnificent, well-preserved mansion are: curved Dutch gables, chimney stacks and coral stone finials, a Chinese Chippendale staircase and fine antiques and china. A rare 1930s film of sugar plantation life can also be viewed.

St.Nicholas Abbey is not without its tale of tragedy! The house appears to have been built by Colonel Benjamin Berringer. His neighbour, friend and business partner was John (later Sir John) Yeamans. When Yeamans began to pay attention to Mrs. Berringer, a feud erupted between Yeamans and Colonel Berringer, culminating in a duel in which Berringer was killed. Soon afterwards, Sir John married Mrs. Berringer and claimed the Abbey. A court ruling later returned the property to Berringer's children and the property was named after Berringer's grand-daughter who married George Nicholas.

Meanwhile, Sir John and Berringer's widow left Barbados in 1669 and helped found the colony that is South Carolina, USA, with Sir John eventually becoming Governor of that settlement in 1672. When he died two years later, his widow married again... for the third time!

Sunbury Plantation House (St. Philip)

Sunbury Plantation House is a beautifully restored sugar estate, originally constructed over 300 years ago. The plantation house offers visitors an unprecedented look into Barbados' rich and diversified history, complete with lush gardens and one of the islands most magnificent collections of antiqued furnishings, silver, and china. Sunbury Plantation house is worth the visit.

Local craft and gift shops, a fully stocked bar and restaurant are conveniently located at the plantation house. Historic tours of the house and catering facilities are also readily available.

Telephone: (246) 423-6270
Hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm Open 7 days a week
Location: St. Philip

Welchman Hall Gully (St.Thomas)

Welchman Hall Gully, simply put is a tropical paradise! A mile long ravine overflows with literally hundreds of rare and exotic plants and trees, while the gully offers visitors a warm serene setting for walking, picnicking or just relaxing.

The wonderfully lush setting of the Welchman Hall Gully was naturally created hundreds of years ago by the collapse of limestone caverns. This picturesque location is truly one of Barbados most wonderful displays of exotic flora and fauna.

Telephone: (246) 438-6671
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Open Daily
Location: Welchman Hall St. Thomas

Source: www.barbados.org