Historic Barbados

Barbados is rich in history, with numerous historic sites that showcase its colonial past and cultural heritage. Like all Caribbean islands it’s also got some great beaches .Here are some key historic sites to explore and things to do in Barbados:

 

Rum:

Pirates swilled it, slaves distilled it, planters knocked it back with a dash of lime and sugar, and it emerged as one of the Lesser Antilles’ most enduring icons. The rum tastes better here than anywhere else in the world. There are thousands of rum shops on Barbados.

Mount Gay is the world’s oldest rum distiller.

 

The Morgan Lewis Windmill:

This historic sugar windmill is one of the last remaining sugar mills in the Caribbean. Visitors can learn about the sugar production process and the island’s sugar plantation history. The colonial story repeats itself all over the island where you can visit grand 17th Century plantation homes ,estate gardens and old sugar mills.

 

St. Nicholas Abbey:

This plantation house, dating back to the 17th century, is one of the last remaining Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can explore the house, its gardens, and learn about the history of rum production.

 

Cricket:

Garfield Sobers hailed from Barbados . He was knighted by the Queen on her visit in 1975. The Barbadian five dollar note features Sir Frank Worrell, another cricket hero. Kensington Oval is one of four international cricket test grounds in the West Indies. Cricket is a religion to Bajans.

 

Bridgetown:

This is the capital of Barbados.It used to be known as ‘Little England’ as Nelson’s Column was a land mark. The Government has decided to move Nelson and rename Trafalgar Square to National Heroes Square. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bridgetown features well-preserved colonial architecture, including the historic Garrison area with its military buildings, such as the Main Guard and the Barbados Museum.

The Cathedral of St. Michael and All Angels is a beautiful Anglican cathedral features stunning architecture and a rich history. The church has been a significant landmark since its original construction in the 1660s.

 

Horse Races:

The Barbados Turf Club hosts about 20 races annually at the Garrison Savannah near Bridgetown on alternating Saturdays in March .The Cockspur Gold Cup named after the famous Bajan Rum, is held in March and includes horses from the Caribbean Region.

 

Green Monkeys:

These are rife in Barbados and the population is up to 10,000 strong. Farmers can lose up to a third of their papayas, mangoes and bananas to monkeys. They used to be hunted but now it is more attractive to farmers and locals to catch a monkey and return it to the Barbados Primate Research Centre and claim the reward for each unharmed monkey.

 

George Washington House:

This historic home was where George Washington stayed in 1751 while on a trip to the Caribbean. The house has been restored and offers insights into Washington’s life and the history of the era.

 

Destination: Barbados