Bonnetts Abroad

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As the most easterly Caribbean island, Barbados was the beating heart of the colonial Atlantic trade route (having been colonised by English settlers in 1627). With British rule came shared English laws, political systems, architectural styles, customs and place names – all of which shaped the island's past and resonate in its present. Take the capital, Bridgetown. This trove of architectural and cultural treasures was deemed to be of such historical significance that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Highlights include the Georgian St Mary's Church near Cheapside Market, the elegantly neo–Gothic Barbados Parliament and the Garrison (once home to up to 15,000 British troops). Largely intact, the barracks, canteens, hospitals, stables and forts still survive and are even still in use. The parade ground is a scenic horse–racing track, with football and rugby pitches in the middle.

Beyond Bridgetown, fascinating insights into the past dot the island, among them old plantation houses and signal stations. My favourite, the oddly named St Nicholas Abbey, is located in the hilly north of the island and is a rare example of a Jacobean plantation house. Explore rooms full of antique furniture, visit an artisan rum distillery and watch a riveting home movie of life on Barbados in the 1930s. New and lovely is the St Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway – a steam train ride through the plantation fields and mahogany woods, with vistas over the island's east coast.

Watching the Atlantic surf crash down on the rugged east coast of this richly diverse island and, for a moment, you may feel you could be on the Cornish coast but the moment you hear the waves of gospel singing emanating from a tiny local church you realise you could not be anywhere else but Barbados.

While, over on the sheltered west coast, the glorious beaches are pure Caribbean. And there are more beaches and a lot more bars, cafés, restaurants and clubs creating a vibrant 24/7 lifestyle on the south coast, too.

In the capital and cruise port, Bridgetown, there are intriguing signs of its British colonial past while, across the island, you are really spoilt for choice.  You can enjoy every watersport under the sun; stunning nature walks and bike rides; or maybe a trip to the uniquely magnificent Harrisons Cave underground complex of caverns, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites.

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Best of Barbados

Discover some of the most stunning areas on Barbados and find out how life on the island has evolved over the centuries.

Climb the steps at the Gun Hill Signal Station in the parish of St George and gaze out from one of the best vantage points on Barbados. Take in the spectacular vistas, ‘meet' the stone lion and take a close look at the intriguing collection of military memorabilia at this National Trust site.

Wander among the vibrant outcrops of coral, rock gardens, shaded gullies and serene ponds at Tropical Garden  and be dazzled by the kaleidoscopic flora that flourishes through six acres of tranquil land. Then, head to Sunbury Plantation House, a grand 17th–century home set in lush, manicured grounds. Enjoy a refreshing glass of rum punch and admire the magnificent collection of antiques – one of the finest on Barbados. Be sure to explore the basement, which houses a number of charming carriages.

Duration: 4 Hours

Bridgetown Cruise Terminal

Operated by a private sector joint venture including Barbados Port Inc and officially opened in 1994, the cruise terminal is now home to over 60 businesses.  There is a range of duty free shopping outlets selling everything from clothing and leather goods to souvenirs, crystal, jewellery and liquor, as well as open–air bars where visitors can sample local beers and Bajan cuisine. The terminal pays homage to Barbadian culture in the form of traditional wooden pushcarts manned by smaller vendors selling crafts, souvenirs and other gifts. The heritage of Barbados is reflected still further in the colourful Chattel House shopping area just outside the main terminal, where visitors can buy 100 per cent Bajan–made local items.

History and Heritage

The history and culture of Barbados is unique, and we Bajans (the familiar term for Barbadians) are at ease with our past and proud architects of our future.

Start your Caribbean cultural holiday here with some interesting facts about Barbados:

Our island was colonised by the English early in the 17th century

Before then, Barbados was inhabited by Carib and Arawak Native Americans

Transformed by the plantation system and slavery, we were the world's number one sugar producer by 1650

Barbados is the oldest continuing parliamentary democracy outside England

We achieved universal voting rights in 1943 and opted for full independence from the UK in 1966

Our cultural roots are in the plantation slavery economy, a unique blend of West African and European

We speak English with a distinct accent, spiced with words in West African–English pidgin called Bajan

Enrich your Barbados experience by visiting some of our amazing historical places, including Gun Hill Signal Station, George Washington House and our Parliament Buildings in historic Bridgetown. Take time to look back in time.

Gun Hill Signal Station

Gun Hill Signal Station, located in the parish of St.George, provides magnificent and captivating views of the entire island!

You're first greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens with tropical flowers of every colour! The signal station beckons you up the winding path, pass historic lamps and tempting garden benches, to behold the panoramic views.

The wrap–around balcony affords the first of these views; to the south–west you'll see the capital city Bridgetown and likely some cruise ships in the harbour; the southern and western views are just as captivating. Trees block the full view to the north and east. For an even more impressive view, climb to the signal tower.

Gun Hill is the finest of a series of signal stations built in 1818. These stations sighted ships approaching Barbados and signaled to each other, advising of the type of vessel and whether if was a friend or foe! In case of attack, the forts and soldiers could be quickly readied to defend the island. In the signal tower a chart shows just what detailed information could be relayed with the use of a few flags. The signal stations were also used to warn of slave rebellions on the island.

The signal station is maintained by the Barbados National Trust and houses a collection of military memorabilia. There is a small restaurant where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and snack.

At the foot of signal station is a magnificent lion statue which was carved out of a single piece of rock in 1868 by an officer at the signal station.

Orchid World & Tropical Flower Garden

One such place is The Orchid World and Tropical Flower Garden, located in the heart of St. George's gorgeous countryside, the magnificently arranged garden is an alluring oasis, with a peaceful radiance that encapsulates the entirety of its six acres. Orchids are often thought of as exotic, delicate and very beautiful flowers, within the orchid world garden these already magnificent entities are transformed into a stunning showcase. Not only does the garden contain orchids but other tropical plants and flowers are present there as well. This garden is landscaped strategically to create the ideal conditions necessary for the various plants to thrive. 

The garden is set on an elevated area of land, giving it a bird's eye view of the sugarcane fields that are stretched out below. A welcoming atmosphere greets you at the entrance gates leading you into the enchanting space, with pops of vivid colour, the sweet calls of birds and gentle breezes rustling through the leaves. Traversing the gardens winding path is a delightful task, as it is lined with plants planted in the most interestingly decorated pots, adorable little garden ornaments and statues are set out to add a touch of whimsical charm. A variety of palm trees are scattered throughout the property and brightly painted birdhouses are hung in various other types of trees, a welcoming place for the winged creatures to rest. There are several benches, providing comfortable seating for you to pause and relax while taking in the surrounding beauty, they are strategically placed for optimal enjoyment of the amazing views of the garden and the extended scenery. 

It is intriguing to see the different ways in which orchids are cultivated; some orchids are grown in soil, others exist as epiphytes gracefully climbing tree trunks or artfully suspended in the air, freely growing without soil. Some of the orchids are housed in wire lattice houses that protect these delicate flowers from the elements. The extensive array of colours is exciting; orchids with plain white petals and small hints of yellow, shades of orange blending in a subtle ombre, yellow petals sprinkled with speckled brown spots, dynamic shades of purple, pink, red and peach, and other abstract patterns detailing the petals; add textures to the visual aesthetic. A gentle stream of water flows gracefully over a waterfall and into a shallow pool below, cooing out the distinctive burbling that creates a tropical rainforest sound, like the background music to this live show. 

In addition to the flora and fauna, one can enjoy a relaxing beverage on the lovely shaded deck, with its open yet cosy design. A well–stocked gift shop complements the experience by providing an interesting selection of tangible reminders of the garden's splendour. The Orchid World and Tropical Flower Garden are one of the most tranquil and magical places in Barbados, it's matchless and unforgettable beauty is simply mesmerizing.

Sunbury Plantation Great House

Sunbury Plantation House was built around 1660 by Matthew Chapman, an Irish/English planter, one of the first settlers on the island. He was related to the Earl of Carlisle and through this association, was granted lands in Barbados. Sunbury Plantation House is over 300 years old, steeped in history, featuring mahogany antiques, old prints, antique porcelain dolls and a unique collection of horse–drawn carriages.

The original name of Sunbury was Chapman's Plantation, then Branker's Plantation. During the ownership of the Barrow brothers, then to “Brothers Plantation” and finally Sunbury Plantation, named after their home in Britain.  This is the only great house with all rooms available for viewing in Barbados. 

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