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A bustling little city, indeed the only city in Barbados, Bridgetown is home to almost 40% of the population. With a history dating back to 1628, it claims to be one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. The architecture reflects the passage of history as well as the blend of the modern times with attractive 19th century coral stone villas and impressive colonial monuments as well as bold modern structures all over the city.
Besides exploring the beautiful white beaches of Carlisle Bay , a stroll through the city would make an interesting excursion. Start with the Parliament Building , overlooking Careenage, where the sea has carved a thin long finger in the land and today is the parking lot for yachts.
An imposing building, characteristic of colonial architecture, it is draped in dull grey - maybe the red roof and green shutters were added on as second thoughts to give it a more friendly appearance!
Nearby is the controversial Lord Nelsons' statue that has recently been turned around so it no longer overlooks Broad Street. If you want to explore the area thoroughly, make sure you are dressed in the proper attire. Just a few minutes walk is the famous Jewish Synagogue erected on the site of one of the first synagogues of the Western Hemisphere. The history of the site dates back to the 1660's when Jews fleeing from Brazil settled in Barbados.
Destroyed in 1831, the present Synagogue was rebuilt in 1838 and is now once again used for religious ceremonies. The graveyard is the resting ground of the famous circumciser, Benjamin Massiah.
Also to be found in the vicinity is the beautiful St. Michaels's Cathedral that houses a quaint single hand clock. With vaulted ceilings and broad long balcony, the structure demands a visit. If you're in a mood for a picnic, continue east till you reach the Queen's Park where you can laze under the shade of a huge baobab tree.
To browse through some 18th century British brigs and cannons, visit the Garrison Savannah , the military headquarters' of the English in the 18th century. The huge grassy ground, the army parade ground of yesteryears, is a racecourse today. The brightly painted buildings now house government offices.
The Barbados Museum houses some excellent exhibits; a must see for those interested in history.
Around the Island
As you explore beyond Bridgetown, the first site to catch your attention would be Holetown , named so because of the tidal hole near the beach. North of Bridgetown, along the Caribbean coast, lies Holetown the oldest town of Barbados, though you’ll probably never believe this as you explore the city. Tourist flock the streets of this town, now an anchor of modernity. Traces from the past can be experienced through the revealing architecture. St. James Church, originally built of wood, is now a stone structure – touch the bell on the porch to hear a tinkle from the 17th century! The colourful fish attract number of snorkellers though the reef is disappointing.
Northwest of Holetown, somewhere in the centre of the Island is Turner’s Hall woods , a 50-acre patch of tropical forest, that trekker’s would probably enjoy exploring. To the south of the forest is the Flower forest with delightful gardens. As you explore the area, you’ll catch glimpses of the east coast or Mount Hillaby on the west (depending on which direction you walk!), which is the highest point of the Island. The interiors of the Island are worth exploring for those interested in parishes. St. George, St. Thomas and the parish of St. Andrews are known to be attractive. Right in the middle of the Island is the star attraction of Barbados, the famous handiwork of nature – Harrison’s cave. A trip to the ‘underworld’ seated in an electric train is quite breathtaking with magnificent underground lakes and beautifully lit stalactites and stalagmites. This should rank first on your itinerary.
If you’re a nature freak, the north end of the Island offers plenty of opportunity to explore the lush green landscape at your own pace. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve , where you can spot the unusual green monkeys swinging around, is located in this area. These shy creatures, natives of West Africa probably arrived in Barbados in the 1650’s as pets of slave traders, and have since then made the Island their home. The reserve deserves an exploration – you’ll probably come across otters, raccoons and the brocket deer, though you’ll probably just about spot his tail as he’s so shy and swift! Bright coloured tropical birds sparkle through the lush green mahogany trees though you’d prefer to see them flying around than caged.
The east coast is known for its scenic beauty and even a drive through the area with stunning views of the ocean, can be very pleasant. The Andromeda Botanical Gardens , which houses a variety of flora and the St. John’s Parish Church that offers excellent views along with a historic building to explore, are worth a stop.
While exploring the east coast, don’t miss Bathseba . As one of the most painted landscapes in Barbados, you would have had plenty of opportunity to admire it on the wall. But very few can capture the picturesque beauty of the quaint little hamlet with its turbulent Atlantic waters. Also known as the Soup Bowl for its booming surf, the bay is a popular spot among surfers and in November the area is bursting with surfers interested in the Barbados International Surfing Championship. If you’re forgotten to pack that surfboard, the locals are prepared and it’s possible to hire one. Even if surfing is not your thing, don’t strike Soup Bowl from your ‘must see’ list - the peaceful bay has a lovely brown beach and is a perfect place to relax.
Caution: This is not a place for a casual dip as the currents are very strong.
For those intrigued by pirates, visit Sam Lord’s Castle on the Southeast coast that supposedly houses a tunnel from the cellars leading to the beach. According to folklore, Sam Lord amassed his wealth by lured ships onto Cobbler’s reef and once they were happily shipwrecked, he looted the spoils. The infamous tunnel from the cellars was used for such expeditions. The castle by itself is nothing spectacular but the mahogany furniture and beautiful paintings, hidden by poor lighting, are worth a look.
A tour of the Sunbury Plantation, a 17th century house, can be interesting. Unlike most houses, you won’t be left wondering what the rest of the house looks like as you can explore every nook and cranny. As you enter the stone structure, you’ll be struck by the colonial ambiance that the house still seems to maintain. The collection of carriages is likely to hold your interest, as the beautiful antique mahogany furniture will.
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