Little Good Harbour House

Formerly an important port, nicknamed ‘Little Bristol’ in reference to its trade links to that British city, Speightstown has an authentic edge which sets it apart. It hasn’t been overly developed for tourism, aside from a recent marina development, and this is perhaps what gives it its charm. While it’s no longer a seafaring hub, it’s still busy and enjoyably historic. A museum and gallery of Caribbean Art are among the attractions worth seeking out.

Just north of the town, the Six Men’s Fish Market offers a taste of this still-important Barbadian trade. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a fish fry with drinks and side dishes, where you can the fresh catch under the night sky, often with live entertainment. It is also a popular area for scuba diving – a 165ft-long wreck called the Pamir lies just off Six Men’s Bay, and is the impetus for many people to get down there and see it.

As you head south of Speightstown, you come to the glamorous area known as the ‘platinum coast’, where the rich and famous come to play. Even without the luxury stores and hotels it’s a good-looking place, with beautiful white sands and quiet coves lining the stretch around Holetown.

This is the place to be if you’re looking for upscale nlghtlife, much of it around Holetown’s First and Second Streets, where you’ll find cool hangouts like the Red Door Lounge. There are excellent beachfront restaurants and bars too, and a great atmosphere as you stroll along the boardwalk as the sun sets.

If you choose to head inland from Speightstown, you will be rewarded by the natural beauty of the Farley Hill National Park. Only eight minutes’ drive from town, it enjoys a fresh Atlantic breeze from the east, and views of the coast too – a fine place for a picnic or to enjoy some live entertainment, as it sometimes hosts events like the Barbados Reggae Festival.

Read more about Speightstown

About Barbados

At first glance you could be mistaken for thinking that Barbados is purely a beach holiday destination, but you're urged to reconsider this common belief. The island of Barbados is peppered with astonishing landscapes (both coastal and inland), enchanting locals, sublime cuisine, intriguing rums, fascinating wildlife, symbolic architecture and a selection of striking holiday villas.

Delve deep into the history of the island and start your holiday by visiting Sunbury Plantation House & Museum. This former plantation was built in 1660's and the premises are scattered with antiquities that delicately detail a recent history of Barbados. St. Nicholas Abbey also provides an insightful representation of Sugarcane production, Bajan artefacts and a wonderful observation point at Cherry Tree Hill. If you’re keen to visit one of the oldest Parliamentary buildings within the Commonwealth and appreciate the democratic legacy of Barbados, drop by The Parliament Buildings. This neo-gothic congress can be found in Bridgetown and act as a representation of Barbados’s Independence. There is so much history present throughout the island and as a result, Bridgetown and its Garrison has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, which the locals are very proud of.

Great efforts have been made to persevere the natural beauty of Barbados, so if you’re drawn to the exploration of National Parks and multicoloured gardens, it won’t take you long to realise that Barbados is a haven for such paradises! Within the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Farley Hill National Park, Flower Forest, Hunte's Gardens and Welchman Hall Gully - visitors, and Botanist alike, will be lost for hours admiring these astonishing botanical parklands. Keep an eye out for the Dwarf Poinciana, or Peacock Flower…it’s the national flower of Barbados.

Bajan’s take their food very seriously! If you and your fellow travellers are enticed by the gastronomic aspect of holidaying, we believe you’ve selected the right island. With every aspect of cookery mastered; from pickling to freshly prepared dishes, sweet & savoury, fragrant & spicy and of course, the bountiful choice of seafood. Check out the food stalls in Paynes Bay Church – where vendors exhibit locally made dishes & street food that will scintillate the taste buds. At the end of every working week, locals and tourists both flock to Oistins, for 'Fish Fry Day'. This is a must for those who haven’t undergone the experience! The evening starts with barbecues and then ascends into a joyful party. This caps off a busy few days of work for locals as well as the 'strains' associated with serious holidaying.

Barbados is of course iconic for its Beaches & Rum…so why not bring them together? You will have to go out of your way not to be able to find a beach bar along the west coast of the island, as well as the countless Rum Shops. Yes, you’ve read correctly, Rum Shops! These small and locally run businesses embrace the Bajan spice of life, in liquid form. Very delicious! If you’re searching for something a little more special, take a trip to the east coast and visit Sand Dunes Bar and Restaurant at Windy Hill, for an unforgettable experience.

Barbados is a distinct and striking part of the Caribbean. It’s a great fit for all types of travellers, as the island really does have it all. For a little more information about this delightful island, check out our guide to a remarkable stay!

Prior to Booking

Please be aware that Barbados is an island nation that experiences weather patterns dictated by the Atlantic Ocean to the north of the island and the Caribbean Sea to the south of the island. This tropical rainforest climate results in the island experiencing a hurricane season, which usually occurs between June to November. When thinking about booking your holiday to Barbados Republic, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa upon arrival and Departure Tax is included in most flight costs. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Local Public Holidays

21st January - Errol Barrow Day
28th April - National Heroes Day
1st May - Labour Day
10th June 2019 - Whit Monday
1st August - Emancipation Day
First Monday of August - Kadooment Day
30th November - Independence Day

Getting There

Barbados is served by Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown.

From the US:
Direct flights are available from Charlotte, Miami and New York with AA, JetBlue and US Airways.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on BA and Virgin Atlantic. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.

--------
Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church, Barbados:

View large map