Barbados Sightseeing

Barbados is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the friendliness of its people and beauty of its beaches and natural wonders.

But for those wanting to do some sightseeing, there are plenty of places to explore. Here are a few places that are sure to keep you entranced.

Barbados Museum

Housed in an 1815 British military prison, this museum tells the story of Barbados from the time of the Arawaks (around 400 BC) to modern times. The museum's collections reveal a great deal about nineteenth-century military history and daily life. Visitor's can see a prisoner's cell as well as period rooms from a plantation house. The Barbados Museum is also known for its wonderful examples of European decorative arts and paintings as well as its numerous works by twentieth-century Caribbean artists. There is also a children's gallery as well as dioramas featuring Barbados' gorgeous flora and fauna.

Harry Bayley Observatory

The observatory, Barbados only one, houses a 14-inch reflector telescope. The observatory, built in 1963, is the home of the Barbados Astronomical Society.

Rum Factory and Heritage Park

This 350-year-old sugar plantation is now the site of a modern rum distillery and eight-acre heritage park that pays homage to Barbados past. Here visitors can see how rum is produced and learn more about sugar processing and seventeenth-century plantation life. The rum distillery, built in 1996, manufacturers ESA Field white rum and Alleyne Arthur Old Brigand labels. The heritage park showcases Barbados culture with its theater, artists' studios, and works by local craftsmen. There is also a children's park and petting zoo on the grounds.

Folkestone Marine Park and Visitor Center

The National Conservation Commission oversees this protected reef. Sections of the water are set aside for research while other areas are available for snorkeling and other watersports. A Greek barge, the Stavronikita, was deliberately sunk for underwater exploration and is home to colorful species of fish. There is also a small aquarium that features a variety of sealife including a mini-reef.

Gun Hill Signal Station

Built in 1818, the Gun Hill Signal Station was constructed as part of a six signal station system that allowed messages to be relayed around the island via lanterns and flags of different colors and sizes. At 704 feet above sea level, Gun Hill offers a magnificent 360-degree view of St. George Parish as well as a glimpse of military life. The station also served as a convalescent station for sick soldiers and remnants of its former role can still be seen--a cannon, guards' bedroom, cooking stove, and other military artifacts are still on view. The full-size lion that British soldier Henry Wilkinson carved out of limestone in 1868 is also still on display.

Harrison's Cave

This limestone cave is reputed to be the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. Visitors ride a tram through an extensive cave system with an amazing spectacle of stalactites suspended from the cave roof and stalagmites emerging from the ground. In some areas, the stalactites and stalagmites have joined together to form pillars. Visitors also pass beautiful crystal-clear underground streams and ponds as well as a 40-foot waterfall.

Animal Flower Cave

Visitors descend into a system of sea caves that are home to beautiful "animal flowers"--small yellow sea anemones that resemble flowers when their tentacles are open. These jewel-like creatures live in underground pools and on the coral rock formations within the limestone sea caves.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

This four-acre open-air zoo is home to both imported and native animals. Here you'll find the island's green monkeys roaming the grounds as well as Australian wallabies, iguanas, peacocks, land turtles, and herons. Alligators and pythons are on view as well behind glass. The complex includes a natural history museum and aviary filled with colorful parrots and other exotic birds.

Tyrol Cot Heritage Village

Charming Tyrol Cot was built in 1854 of coral stone and is a wonderful example of period architecture. In the twentieth century, this cottage became the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados, and his son Tom Adams, Barbados' second premier. The house is filled with their furnishings and memorabilia. The three-acre complex also has so-called chattel houses where the work of traditional artists and craftsman are on display. There is also a replica of a rum shop as well as other shops on the grounds.

Mount Gay Rum Visitors Center

Mount Gay has been in business for 300 years and claims to be the world's oldest rum distiller. Visitors can see how rum is produced at Mount Gay's visitor center. Both historic and modern distillery equipment is on display and gives visitors and understanding of how rum has been produced throughout the centuries.

Flower Forest

This 50-acre botanic garden has been created on the grounds of an old plantation. Visitors can stroll the paved path and enjoy fragrant and beautiful flower species, both native to Barbados and imported from around the world, as well as tropical trees and plants such as mango, golden apple, breadfruit, cocoa, avocado, and bamboo.

Sam Lord's Castle

Now part of a resort, this exquisite mansion was built between 1788-1844 by the notorious pirate, Sam Lord. Lord was reputed to have captured his fortune by luring unsuspecting ships to what appeared to be a safe harbor. The ships ran aground on the treacherous reef and Lord made off with the cargo. With his fortune he built what was once the finest residence on the island.

Chalky Mount

Barbados is known for its pottery, and this small village is home to a number of them. Chalky Mount is built on a clay deposit and received its name from the texture of the clay. Visitors can watch as potters continue to make pots in the traditional way. Plant pots, tableware, pitchers, jugs, and other pottery are also offered for sale.

Atlantis Submarine

Those wanting a voyage to the bottom of the sea might try a trip on the Atlantis submarine. Visitors can embark on a one-hour underwater tour on this 28-passenger submarine, which makes its way past coral reefs, marine life, and a sunken ship.

St. Nicholas Abbey

Actually a Jacobean mansion, St. Nicholas Abbey dates to the early seventeenth-century and is the oldest building on the island. Much of the original circa 1650-1660 building remains, although the interior furnishings have been replaced.

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary
Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is a Barbados National Environmental Heritage Site - a lush 3.5 acre oasis within the historical Graeme Hall Swamp watershed... more

Ocean Park
Welcome to Ocean Park – Barbados’ newest attraction is now open! Ocean Park is a unique attraction bringing the spectacular underwater world of Barbados to all - without having to get wet! Ocean... more

Sunbury Plantation House
Sunbury is located in the tranquil St.Philip countryside, a leisurely 25-minute drive from Bridgetown along Highway 5 through the rolling hills of St.George and into St.Philip... more

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