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Places of Interest - BRIDGETOWN AREA of Barbados

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THE CITY BRIDGETOWN
(Historic, Military, Tour, Recreational, Duty-free Shopping)

This is the main commercial centre and is Barbados largest and liveliest city. It is a vibrant city with an atmosphere that represents the Industry and the pulse of the people. The look of Bridgetown incorporates historic buildings and sites with modern offices which gives it a unique blend.

Parish: St. Michael



BROAD STREET
Bridgetown - (Historic, Duty-free Shopping)

It has served as the major center of activity and shopping in Bridgetown. This street was originally known as Cheapside, a name that still applies to the lower end where the General Post Office and Market is located. Some historic buildings can still be found here.

Directions: Between Heroes Square and Jubilee Gardens
Parish: St. Michael

HISTORIC SITES IN BRIDGETOWN Back to top
THE BRIDGETOWN BRIDGES
Bridgetown - (Historic)

The Chamberlain Bridge
This Draw-bridge (Swing Bridge) was constructed in 1872 to provide a path across the Careenage, and played a pivotal role in aiding merchants, labourers and workers to make their living. After suffering damage at the hands of a hurricane in 1898, the Swing Bridge was repaired and renamed after Joseph Chamberlain, the colonial secretary who helped Barbados with financial aid after the 1898 hurricane. The Draw-Bridge was raised for tall ships but had been stationary since 1984 because of mechanical problems. In 2005 it was removed and up graded into a state-of-the-art bridge and became operational again in 2006.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (West of Heroes Square / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael

The Charles Duncan ONeal Bridge
This bridge was named after the founder of the Democratic League and the Working Men Association.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (south-west of Heroes Square / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE INDEPENDENCE ARCH
Bridgetown - (Historic)

This Arch commemorates Barbados 21st Anniversary of Independence gained on November 30th 1966. It is located on the Chamberlain Bridge in the capital Bridgetown. On the Arch are projections and displays of all the National Emblems of Barbados, while inside the Arch is information on Barbados Independence and the father of Independence the late Rt.Hon Errol Walton Barrow.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (West of Heroes Square / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Bridgetown - (Recreational)

Previously a car park and known for its political meetings, this area has now been transformed into a recreational square and garden for the benefit of locals and visitors.This 50,000 sq. ft. approx. open area was reopened in 2007 and is located between the Chamberlain Bridge & the Charles Duncan ONeal Bridge and features seating areas, an amphitheatre, two fountains and a 9ft statue of the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, as well as washroom facilities for males, females and the physically challenged.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (West of Heroes Square / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Bridgetown - (Tour, Historic)

It is the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth after Britain and Bermuda. It was founded in 1639 and the present buildings were completed in 1870s. The Parliament buildings are not open to the public while Parliament is in session.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (opposite Heroes Square east / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



NATIONAL HEROES SQUARE
Bridgetown - (Historic, Military, Recreational)

This square was once called the Trafalgar Square but was changed to the Heroes Square in 1999, to celebrate the achievements of some of the outstanding Heroes who played a significant roll in the development of Barbados.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (opposite Parliament Buildings West / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE STATUE OF ADMIRAL LORD NELSON
Bridgetown - (Historic, Military)

The bronze statue was erected in 1813 and pre-dates the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square in London. At the time of his death, because of the impression he made on Barbadians at that time, they purchased the statue as well as the land and named it Trafalgar Square and installed the statue. The Nelson Statue has been at the center of controversy since the 1800s with cries for its removal. The only changes to date are the halting of the traditional wreath laying on the Trafalgar anniversary and the change of direction in which he faced. It was sculpted in bronze by Sir Richard Westmacott.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (opposite Parliament Buildings west / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE FOUNTAIN GARDENS
Bridgetown - (Historic, Recreational)

This garden is one of the towns best relaxing spots and consists of the Mediterranean Dolphin Fountain and the War Memorial. Includes: The Dolphin Fountain was introduced in 1865 in commemoration of the first piped water in the city in 1861. The Cenotaph / The War Memorial with its obelisk grey granite structure and coral stone basin was built in 1925 to commemorate those who died during World War 1. It features the islands Coat of Arms and the names of the Barbadians who died during the (2) World Wars. The Garden itself and the enclosure came later, the earliest work beginning in 1882.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (opposite Parliament Buildings west / South-end of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE CAREENAGE
Bridgetown - (Historic)

This marina is so named because smaller vessels careened there for repairs while larger ships used the deep water harbour. The careenage for (300) years had been the centre of communication and trade for the island. In recent times the modern Bridgetown Harbour overshadowed it and now it is mainly for sleek yachts to berth. Two bridges separate the outer and inner basins; The Charles Duncan Oneal Bridge named after the founder of the Democratic League and the Working Men Association as well as the Joseph Chamberlain Draw-Bridge named after the colonial secretary who helped Barbados with financial aid after the 1898 hurricane. The Draw-Bridge was raised for tall ships but has been stationary for a while because of mechanical problems. It has since been rebuilt and in 2006 was again operational.

Directions: Upper Broad Street (opposite the Parliament Buildings / South of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



THE SCREW DOCK
Bridgetown - (Historic)

This dock was completed in 1893 and is the only dry dock of its kind known to exist in the world. The Victorian engineered dry dock has a capacity of (930 tons) and is (240 ft) in length with a (46 ft) beam and a (13 ft) shaft.

Directions: (South of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael



QUEENS PARK
Bridgetown outskirts - (Historic, Military, Recreational)

Located in Queens Park is Queens House, formerly Kings House which was built in 1783; it was originally a military home for General Gabriel Christie the Commanding Officer of the British forces in Barbados.

Directions: Constitution Road. (South of Broad Street / Bridgetown outskirts)
Parish: St. Michael



THE LAW COMPLEX
Bridgetown outskirts - (Historic)

These Historic Buildings now housing the Police Station, the Magistrates Court and the Law Courts were completed in 1732 and at that time housed the Council of Assembly, the Law Courts and Gaol.

Directions: Coleridge Street. (East of Broad Street / next to the Public Library & opposite the Montifiore Fountain)
Parish: St. Michael



THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bridgetown outskirts - (Historic, Recreational)

The Library was opened in 1904 and was a gift from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Directions: Coleridge Street. (East of Broad Street / next to the Law Complex & opposite the Montifiore Fountain)
Parish: St. Michael



THE MONTEFIORE FOUNTAIN
Bridgetown outskirts - (Historic, Recreational)

This was a gift from John Montefiore in 1940 as a memorial to his father, a respected merchant described as being a free coloured. On the monument, each of its marble statues represents different Ideals: Justice, Fortitude, Temperance and Prudence.

Directions: Coleridge Street (the center point facing the Library and the Law Complex)
Parish: St. Michael



THE JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
Bridgetown outskirts - (Tour, Religious, Historic)

The original Synagogue dates back to 1651 and was the first in the Western Hemisphere with a Jewish congregation of over 300, who originally left South America because of persecution, choosing Barbados to settle.

Directions: Synagogue Lane
Parish: St. Michael



ST MICHAELS CATHEDRAL
Bridgetown outskirts - (Historic, Religious)

The first church of Saint Michael in Barbados was located on the site presently occupied by St Marys Church. After that church proved to be inadequate, the now St Michaels Cathedral was then consecrated in 1665, it was later destroyed by hurricane in 1780 and erected in 1789. This Anglican Cathedral is of Georgian appearance with a Gothic style and pointed arches in the windows. The cemetery is filled with tombs of important dignitaries and soldiers.

Directions: St. Michaels Row (South of Broad Street)
Parish: St. Michael

BRIDGETOWN OUTLYING AREAS Back to top
BLACK PEARL PARTY CRUISES
Bridgetown - (Sea Tour, Souvenir Shopping, Bar)

Join us for a fun-time on the seas, as we sail the island's beautiful coastline of tranquil waters and palm-fringed beaches.

Directions: Carlisle House (northern-end of the Bridgetown Boardwalk)
Parish: St. Michael



PELICAN CRAFT CENTRE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Shopping, Recreation, Entertainment)

On the outskirts of Bridgetown towards the Port is a quaint little community of craft, art and curio shops called Pelican Village. Here you will find a trove of little boutiques, galleries, shops and workshops just filled with local works including pottery, sculptures, clothing, craft items, works of art and much more. You can also watch some of the craftsmen fashioning their works.

Directions: Harbour Road (North-west of the Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St. Michael



JOLLY ROGER PIRATE CRUISES
Bridgetown outlying area - (Sea Tour, Snorkel)

Come step back 300 years with the world famous Jolly Roger Party Cruise, to a time when pirates roamed the Caribbean Seas. Its Party Time as we set sail in the Bajan sunshine; tropical waters, Caribbean breezes, calypso music and barrels filled to the brim with the infamous Pirate Punch while the galley serves up the best barbequed steak, chicken and fish on the high seas. Book in advance to secure your space.

Directions: Bridgetown Boardwalk/Behind Carlisle House (south of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



JOLLY ROGER TAVERN & BRIDGETOWN WALKING TOUR
Bridgetown outlying area - (Tour, Restaurant, Bar, Souvenir Shopping)

This is a great spot for lunch and drinks. The Cafe is situated waterside in the historic Bridgetown and offers both indoor and outdoor table seating, as well as tours of Bridgetown.

Directions: Bridgetown Boardwalk/Behind Carlisle House (south of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



TIAMI CATAMARAN CRUISES
Bridgetown outlying area - (Sea Tour, Snorkel)

It really doesn't get any better than this. Relax on the deck of one of our magnificent catamarans with warm sunshine sparkling on a crystal-clear Caribbean sea and smiling faces offering cool refreshing drinks as you glide past beautiful palm-fringed beaches. Book in advance to secure your space.

Directions: Tall Ships Cruises, Shallow Draught (North of the Bridgetown) (Just East of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St. Michael



OCEAN RACING CHALLENGE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Sea Tour, Yacht Racing)

This is an adventure not to be missed! Have fun sailing authentic 80ft Ocean Racing Yachts with Whitebread Round The World Competitors. Beginners and seasoned sailors are welcome onboard, to just hang out on the rails and enjoy the ride, or be as involved as you wish, the choice is yours. It will be an exhilarating experience.

Directions: Shallow Draught (North of the Bridgetown) (Just East of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St. Michael



ATLANTIS SUBMARINE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Underwater Tour, Souvenir Shopping)

The Adventure begins here. Experience the unforgettable beauty of the marine world in a submarine.

Directions: Atlantis Adventures, Shallow Draught (North of the Bridgetown) (Just East of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St. Michael



KENSINGTON OVAL
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic, Photo Opportunity)

This Cricket Stadium has been known for its historic cricket matches and entertaining atmosphere, since its first match in 1882. The memories of past great matches and spectacular performances by Cricketing Legends from all over will never be forgotten. Dont miss this opportunity to take a picture next to the statue of the greatest cricketer of all time, Sir Garfield Sobers.

Directions: Cnr. President Kennedy Drive & Fontabelle - (North of the Bridgetown) (Just East of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St. Michael



CRICKET LEGENDS OF BARBADOS INC.

This is home to Cricket Legends of Barbados and a tribute to 42 Barbadian Cricketers / West Indian Cricketers who played a significant roll in the past, to the success of their teams. It is where you will find all the merchandising, memorabilia, events and media commemorating Barbados’ Cricket History. Cricket Legends Barbados Inc. offers a wide range of world class products and services, reflecting the rich legacy of West Indies Cricket as well as Barbados Cricket. This location will also be home to the first Barbados Cricket Museum.

Directions: Herbert House, Fontabelle (North of the Bridgetown) (Just East of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St Michael



MOUNT GAY VISITOR CENTRE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Tour, Historic, Shopping)

Mount Gay, one of the world's oldest distilleries, opened its doors to tours some years back and now you can enjoy a glimpse of 300 years of perfecting this spirit. The tour includes the distillery, the bottling plant and the aging area. There is a bar, souvenir shop and other amenities on the grounds.

Directions: Brandons - Off Spring Garden Highway (north of the Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



COCKSPUR BEACH CLUB & VISITOR CENTRE (Fomerly Malibu Beach Club & Visitor Centre)
Bridgetown outlying area - (Tour, Historic, Shopping, Recreational)

This is a versatile stop. The home of Cockspur Rum, this seafront centre offers a fascinating tour of the West Indies Rum Distillery with a personal commentary on the history of rum and how it is made. There is also a cocktail bar, seafront patio lounge, cook-out lunches and facilities for sea activities as well as changing rooms and showers. They also have a lovely gift shop with many unusual souvenir items.

Directions: Brighton - Off Spring Garden Highway (north of the Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



MEDFORD CRAFT VILLAGE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Shopping)

Medford is "the" name in local mahogany work, and this is the place where it all happens. Nestled in a quiet area just outside of Bridgetown, this little handicraft nook offers all that Medford makes in mahogany gift items, from their famous clocks to lovely carvings. A number of other little kiosks also dot this village.

Directions: White Hall Main Rd (East of Bridgetown) / Pelican Craft Centre (North-west of the Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



TYROL COT HERITAGE VILLAGE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic, Tour, Shopping)

This 1854 building was the home of the late Sir Grantley Adams and wife Lady Adams. The house has both architectural and historic value, and is a perfect example of the blending of classical and tropical design. The interior is filled with antiques and memorabilia of the Adams era. Around the grounds there are little art, craft and curio shops that replicate the traditional chattel house.

Directions: Codrington Hill (East of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



ADVENTURE BEACH / THE BOATYARD
Bridgetown outlying area - (Sea-Tours, Watersports, Shopping, Restaurant, Bar & more)

One of the islands most exciting beaches located at the popular Boatyard nightclub. Adventure Beach offers many beach activities and a variety of watersports as well as great beach facilities. Services and activities include the use of Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Showers & Changing rooms, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Snorkelling, Glass Bottom Boats, Scuba Diving, Ocean Trampolines, Ice-berg Climb & Slide, Beach Volleyball, Souvenir shops and much more. Great food and drinks are also available for your consumption.

Directions: The Boatyard, Bay Street. (South-west of Broad Street) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



UNDERWATER BARBADOS
Bridgetown outlying area - (Scuba Diving, Snorkel)

Experience the exotic marine world with Underwater Barbados, ideally located on the beach in the centre of the beautiful and tranquil Carlisle Bay. This bay is known to have more fish than any other part of the island and is also home to four ship wrecks which were sunk between 1917 and 1996.

Directions: Carlisle Bay - Bay Street. (South-west of Broad Street) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



SEGWAY OF BARBADOS:
Bridgetown outlying area - (Tour, Recreational)

Come take a ride across the countryside, through mud, grass, sand, even rocky & loose terrain. You will be captivated by the breathtaking views of the stunning coastlines and its pounding Atlantic surf, as you glide over the rugged cliff-tops with Barbados Segway Tours.

Directions: Bay Street (South-west of Broad Street) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



BARBADOS BLUE WATERSPORTS
Bridgetown outlying area - (Scuba Diving, Watersports)

Located at the Hilton Hotel, in the middle of the best dive sites on the island. It is the only operation with two on staff marine biologists. Fish and Turtle Feeding Safaris are our specialty, and we give free digital underwater photos to groups.

Directions: Needhams Point - (South of Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



NEEDHAMS POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic)

Existing since 1855, this is the second oldest and the smallest of the lighthouses. It was refurbished by Hilton Barbados and is located on their property.

Directions: Needhams Point - (South of Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



HISTORIC GARRISON AREA
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic, Military, Tour, Recreation)

Functioning as a British Garrison for some 126 years, this facility was in fact the first Garrison of the West Indies. Today the focal point of the Garrison complex is the Savannah, which is now the island's only racetrack. Spread along the southern outskirts of Bridgetown is a veritable community of some 60 to 70 old garrison buildings, built from a period beginning in the 1660s and continuing into the 1800s. In 1785 the British Government established permanent land forces in the Windward and Leeward with Barbados as headquarters. Construction of the British Garrison then began in 1789 leaving behind a legacy of buildings, artillery and artefacts.

Directions: Garrison (South of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



GARRISON SAVANNAH RACE TRACK
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic, Recreation)

This is the lone horse racing track in Barbados and has been the home of horse racing since 1845. During this period the officers of the British Regiment stationed in Barbados, used the then parade ground to race their horses.

Directions: Garrison (South of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



GEORGE WASHINGTON HOUSE & MUSEUM
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic, Souvenir Shopping)

This beautifully restored 18th Century Plantation House was where George Washington and his brother Lawrence slept in 1751. It was his first and only visit outside of North America. Theres also a museum showcasing 18th & 19th century Barbados as well as artifacts and recreations of yesteryear. The house sits in beautifully landscaped grounds with a gift shop and a refreshing caf.

Directions: Bush Hill, The Garrison. (South of Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



THE BARBADOS MUSEUM
Bridgetown outlying area - (Historic, Military, Tour)

The Barbados Museum, once a military prison, is one of several buildings that make up the historic Garrison area. Built between 1817 and 1818, the prison was leased to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in 1933. From the building's own structure to its many galleries, each displays an element of old Barbados, the Museum is a fascinating visit. The Museum also hosts visiting exhibits of modern art among other temporary displays.

Directions: St Anns, Garrison Historic Area (South of Bridgetown) (South-east of Garrison Savannah)
Parish: St. Michael



BANKS BREWERY TOUR
Bridgetown outlying area - (Tour, Historic, Souvenir Shopping)

One of the worlds finest small breweries. Come see where the multi-award winning beer is brewed & bottled. The tour includes the bottling hall, the brewseum, the beer garden where you get free beer and the souvenir shop for a wide selection of Banks memorabilia.

Directions: Wildey - (South of the Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



RESTAURANTS IN BRIDGETOWN AREA Back to top
Chefette
Barbecue Barn
Careenage Bar & Grille
The Lighthouse Terrace
The Waters Edge
Jolly Roger Tavern


ACCOMMODATIONS IN BRIDGETOWN AREA Back to top
The Hilton Hotel
The Savannah Hotel


BEACHES IN BRIDGETOWN AREA Back to top
Adventure Beach @ The Boatyard
Bridgetown outlying area - (Sea-Tours, Watersports, Shopping, Bar, Facilities & more)

One of the islands most exciting beaches located at the popular Boatyard nightclub. Adventure Beach offers many beach activities and a variety of watersports as well as great beach facilities. Services and activities includes the use of Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Showers & Changing rooms, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Snorkelling, Glass Bottom Boats, Scuba Diving, Ocean Trampolines, Ice-berg Climb & Slide, Beach Volleyball, Souvenir shops and much more. Great food and drinks are also available for your consumption. Adventure Beach can be found on the South-west coast of Barbados

Directions: At the Boatyard, Bay Street. (South of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



Brandons & Brighton Beach
Bridgetown outlying area - (Watersports, Restaurant & Bar, Facilities)

Very popular, with an amazingly long stretch of beach and only minor breaks of rock or reef. It is fairly calm most of the year, very little undertow, but watch out for sea urchins in some areas near the reefs. Brandons Beach can be found on the South-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Off Spring Garden Highway (north of Bridgetown)
Parish: St Michael



Carlisle Bay
Bridgetown outlying area - (Watersports, Restaurant & Bar)

This is a picturesque long beach with mostly calm and clear waters. It is also called Brownes Beach by some locals as well as being Barbados most important bay, rich in history and great for snorkeling and Scuba diving because of its reef, colourful fish and many wrecks. Carlisle Bay Beach is located on the South-west coast of Barbados

Directions: Bay Street (South of Bridgetown)
Parish: St Michael



Brownes Beach
Bridgetown outlying area - (Facilities)

Calm clear waters with a beautiful view of the Carlisle Bay and the many yachts and fishing boats. It sets the atmosphere for great sunset photos. Brownes Beach is located on the South-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Bay Street St Michael
Parish: St Michael



Pebbles Beach
Bridgetown outlying area - (Watersports, Facilities, Restaurant & Bar)

This beach has mostly calm and clear waters with access to lots of watersports and some restaurants. Pebbles Beach is located on the South-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Aquatic Gap, off Bay St (South of Bridgetown)
Parish: St Michael



Needhams Point / Hilton Beach
Bridgetown outlying area - (Watersports, Facilities, Restaurant & Bar)

This beach has very calm and clear waters with access to lots of watersports. This area is rich in military history and is the location of Hilton Barbados Hotel and the Needhams Point Lighthouse. Needhams Point Beach is located on the South-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: (South of Bridgetown)
Parish: St Michael