Barbados is one of the most sought after vacation spots in the Caribbean and more and more people are making their way to the island every year, some looking for rest and relaxation and others looking for fun activities. This is a summary of the parishes in Barbados.

 

Christ Church

 

Located on the south coast of Barbados, Christ Church is the islands major tourist centre. The Grantley International Airport is located in Christ Church. Visitors can see the Barbados Concorde Experience and Alpha Echo, a retired Concorde that once made trips twice a week to the island. Here they can learn more about the technology behind the legendary aircraft and how the regular flights helped to boost Barbados’ tourist industry.

 

Christ Church has some of the most well known surfing beaches on the island, however there are many activities available including windsurfing and Kite Surfing. Christ Church also has a number of Golf courses and a drive in movie theatre.

 

Saint Andrew

 

St. Andrew, better known as the “Scotland District” is located on the east coast of Barbados and is where you will find Mount Hillaby, the highest point in Barbados. The site is naturally one of the best view points on the island.

 

St Andrew is also located close to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St Peter, allowing visitors to see the wide range of animals on the island. Tourists can also visit the West Indies sugar Plantation, and the Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station.

 

Saint George

 

St. George is one of only two parishes, the other being St. Thomas that do not have a coast line. However it makes up for this with stunning views.

 

Saint James

 

St. James is home to some of Barbados’ finest restaurants, hotels and duty free shopping. St. James is also home to the oldest settlement in Barbados, Holetown.

 

Saint John

 

St John is located on the eastern coast of the island with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs. St. John is home to some of Barbados’ most historical buildings such as the Anglican Churches and Villa Nova. Built in 1834, Villa Nova was a plantation house and was once the country holiday home of Sir Anthony Eden – a former British prime minister who entertained Queen Elizabeth II there along with Sir Winston Churchill.

 

St John also has some great beaches and bays, like Consett Bay, where fishermen can be seen landing their catch from the jetty.

 

Saint Joseph

 

St Joseph is arguably one of the prettiest parishes on the island. St. Joseph is home to Bathsheba a rugged stretch of coastline that is known for its beauty. It is recommended however that visitors stick to the shallow pools rather than wade into the sea as there are powerful currents and riptides here.  Bathsheba is however a great beach for surfers, the International Reef Surfing Competition is held here.

 

St Joseph is also home to the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, a six-acre tropical garden filled with varieties of exotic flowers and trees and is complemented by a stream which forms several water features such as waterfalls and pools.

 

Saint Lucy

 

St Lucy is located on the northern coast of Barbados and is one of the lesser developed areas in Barbados. There are some great beaches for surfers such as Maycocks Bay.

 

Visitors can see the Animal Flower Cave (if the sea isn’t too rough). Little Good Harbour on the west coast offers calm waters for swimming.

 

Saint Michael

 

St Micheal, on the south coast, is home to the capital city of Barbados, Brigetown, here you will find many duty free shops and the Kensington Oval, the stage for the recent Cricket World Cup Final.

 

Visitors are recommended to take a trip on Bajan Helicopters, offering everyone a birds eye view of the spectacular sandy beaches and diverse geography of the area. Swimmers will enjoy Carlisle Bay, which is also a safe harbour for Yachts. You can also find the Barbados Yacht Club here along with The Boat Yard, offering beach chairs, drinks and food.

 

Saint Peter

 

St Peter is in the north of the island and stretches from the west coast to the east coast. Visitors have much to enjoy here including the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Here you can see the Barbados green monkey, a variety of birds like Parrots, Flamingoes, Peacocks, Brown Pelicans and Sparrows and reptiles like Iguanas, Turtles, Snakes and Tortoises. Barbados is also home to some non-native animals like, Brocket Deer, Agouti, Caiman and Armadillo.

 

Speightstown, the second largest town on the island and once a bustling port, now is more relaxed. Here you can visit a variety of restaurants where visitors can try traditional Bajan cuisine.

 

Saint Philip

 

St Philip is located on the south east coast. Although it is less developed than Christ Church, there is plenty to see and do. The area has recently undergone a significant development in residential properties.

 

Visitors can also see Sam Lords Castle which has been used as a hotel. Sam Lord was rumoured to have used the lights in the castle to attract ships to the reef. The ships would approach the lights thinking that they where Bridgetown Harbour. The ships would be wrecked on the shore and Sam Lords would loot them for their treasure.

 

Saint Thomas

 

St Thomas is located in the middle of Barbados. The area is home to two of the islands best polo fields. Visitors can see the Earthworks Pottery shop, where potters can be seen creating unique pieces in traditional Caribbean fashion.

 

St Thomas has some wonderful natural attractions such as Harrison’s Cave and Welchman Hall Gully. Harrisons cave has a 12 metre underground waterfall and Welchman Hall Gully, which is connected to Harrison’s Cave, is an orchard with various flora and fauna. The area is perfect for nature lovers who can take a 30 to 45 minute tour.