|
 |
| Barbados
Regions |
 |
|
The huge differences
between the east and west coast must not be missed. The east (Atlantic
side) is less developed and naturally beautiful. The west coast
is the Caribbean side, where there is more hotel development, however
the coastline remains elegant and attractive. The sea is clear and
calm and this is the coast where watersports come into their own.
Barbados is actively encouraging ecotourism.
The Barbados National Trust has implemented programmes to support
this venture, owning and / or managing 10 sites that are open to
the public. Various hiking, cycling and walking events are available
and information can be obtained from:
Barbados National Trust
Address: Wildey House, Wildey, St Michael, Barbados
Telephone: 436 9033 or 426 2421
Facsimile: 429 9055
Email address: natrust@sunbeach.net
Bridgetown
Barbados 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 definite 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
brilliant walking tours.
Places worth a visit include the Barbados Museum, the Fairchild
Market, St Michael’s Cathedral (built in 1789), Belleville,
Government House, the Old Synagogue and the Garrison Savannah. Temple
Yard has a Rastafarian street market which is well known.
St John
There is a stunning view of the east coast from
St John’s Parish Church. The church’s cemetery encloses
the grave of Ferdinando Paleologus, a possible descendant of the
Byzantine Emperors.
Codrington
College
Located near Consett Bay, and 1 of the oldest schools of theology
in the Western hemisphere, Codrington College was built in 1745.
Morgan Lewis Mill
Also in the east, this is a brilliant example of a Dutch
windmill from the days of the sugar cane planters. It has
been completely renovated and is open to the public.
Newcastle Coral Stone Gates
Situated in St Joseph, these gates were erected by 20 th Century
Fox for the film Island in the Sun, and the area
affords a commanding view of the glorious east coast beaches.
The East Coast Road
1 of the most exciting drives on the island, with the Atlantic crashing
over treacherous reefs on to the jagged and beautiful coast.
Andromeda Gardens
The array of exotic plants grown along terraced
gardens makes this the most stunninf area of St Joseph.
Welchman Hall Gully
Owned by the National Trust, this botanic garden
in St Thomas is home to several rare fruit and spice trees.
Holetown (St James)
The monument in the town gives the date of the founding of Barbados’
1st settlement by the English as being 1605, although this event
in fact took place in 1627. There are still some structures dating
from that time. St James, the 1st church, still
retains a 17 th century font, and a bell inscribed ‘God bless
King William, 1696’.
Harrison’s
Cave (St Thomas)
This eerie, luminous cavern makes an impressive
excursion. Completely lit, one can see everything from a special
train which takes the visitor on a mile long ride underground. Stalactites
and stalagmites are in great quantity, among underground scenery
boasting a crystal clear waterfall and deep emerald lakes. It is
open every day from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Flower Forest
This is a 50 acre botanical garden in which can be found almost
every plant that grows on Barbados. The grounds offer pleasant walks
and fantastic views of Chalky Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and Mount
Hillaby.
Bathsheba
This is the ideal destination for any diver or lover of watersports,
where small pastel coloured houses cling to the chalky cliffs that
rise above the Atlantic.
Potteries
This village is well known for its ceramic artworks.
Gun Hill Signal Station
Notable both for its marvellous 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
Church
St George's Church is 18th century, and worth a visit for its wonderful
altarpiece.
Platinum Coast
This spectacular stretch of coast is also known as Millionaires
Row. There are sunny beaches of white sand and clear, turquoise
waters.
Speightstown <
br> This is a typical West Indian village,
with attractive wooden houses, shops and old churches.
Animal Flower Cave
This is a cavern carved out by the sea with coral rock tinted almost
every possible colour.
Farley
Hill
Once a fine plantation house, now in ruins, still covered in poinsettias
and hibiscus.
St Nicholas Abbey
Another plantation house, blessed with Persian arches and well kept
gardens.
The Atlantic Coast
Take the inland road through sugar cane country with little churches
and tiny towns with appealing houses. See the striking view from
Crane Beach.
Sam Lord’s
Castle
Once an old plantation house, but now a hotel, wonderfully decorated
with furniture made from Barbados mahogany.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife, some native 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, deer, tortoises,
wallabies, pelicans and otters. There is also a screened aviary
where toucans, peacocks, turkeys, macaws, lovebirds, parrots and
an iguana may be viewed.
Mount
Gay Rum
There are 1,000 rum bars in Barbados. The largest rum manufacturer
of all is located in the west coast. Taste tests are a general component
of any visit here. There is also a restaurant with good food designed
to soak up any excess alcohol. |
| Useful
travel Links |
| Barbados |
Official Barbados
Tourism Encyclopedia |
| |
|
|
|
|
