Sightseeing in Barbados

Codrington College

Near Bath, Barbados. The early-18th-century Principal’s Lodge at Codrington College was once the great house of the Consett Plantation, and the college itself was built as a result of the legacy left by Christopher Codrington, one of the richest planters in Barbados.

Private Houses

The National Trust runs an ‘open house’ programme, through which you can visit some of the most beautiful private houses on the island (including Heron Bay and St Nicholas Abbey)

St John’s Church

Hackleton’s Cliff, Barbados. St John’s Church is one of the loveliest churches on the island. It is also the burial place of Ferdinando Paleologus, last member of a family descended from ancient Greek royalty, who was a warden of the church and died in 1665. Open daily, 6am-6pm.

Barbados Museums

At St Ann’s Garrison in St Michael, Barbados Explores the history of Barbados , and hosts lectures and jazz evenings.

Folkstone Marine Park is an underwater park where vacationers view exhibits beneath the ocean surface, go diving, and take part in other ocean-related activities. The park also has shops, museums, and a place to rent snorkelling gear.

George Washington House

Was the home of the US president and his brother Lawrence during their stay in 1751. It now houses a museum bringing 18th-century Barbados to life.

Oistins Fish Fry

The heart of Oistins is its large, bustling seaside fish market. On Friday and Saturday it hosts the island’s best party, the Oistins Fish Fry, with soca, reggae, pop and country music, vendors selling barbecued fish and plenty of rum drinking. It’s roughly 80 per cent locals, 20 per cent tourists, and rocks till 2am.

Barbados events and festivals

Thousands of people flock to Barbados each year specifically to attend a particular event or festival. Events and festivals are a great way to get to experience local culture, and learn about what things are important to the people of Barbados – that is, what things are worth celebrating.

Barbados cultural Celebrations

Holetown Festival

The Holetown Festival is the annual celebration of the founding of Barbados in 1627. It was in February of that year that the first European settlers arrived in Holetown, and the event is now celebrated each February with live music, crafts booths, and food.

Barbados Independence Day

After more than 300 years as a British colony, Barbados gained independence in November of 1966. That day is celebrated each year with a parade through Bridgetown, sporting events, religious ceremonies, and street fairs throughout the island.

Music Festivals

Barbados Jazz Festival

Each January the island celebrates jazz music with a week of jazz concerts that are all a part of the Barbados Jazz Festival. Though the concert has been put on hold for the 2011 season, organisers expect to continue putting on the festival in future years.

Holders Season

For two weeks each April the gardens of Holders House hosts an arts festival, with music as its main focus. Attendees are served wine while they enjoy live music concerts, opera, and theatrical performances.

Gospelfest

Gospelfest is the celebration of family-friendly gospel music, held in May. Concerts are held at various locations throughout the island; some are free, while others charge a fee.

Other Events and Festivals

Barbados Horticultural Society’s Annual Show

The Barbados Horticultural Society kicks off each January with a showcase of the seasons most beautiful and exotic plants.

Oistins Fish Festival

The Oistins Fish Festival honors the fisherman of the small village of Oistins in April with boat races, fishing competitions, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and lots of seafood.

Crop Over Festival

Barbados celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest each year in July or August with the Crop Over Festival. This event dates back to the 18th century when Barbados was the leading sugar producer in the world. It begins with the ceremonial delivery of the last crop, and continues on with a parade, crafts booths, food, and the crowning of the festival king and queen.

National Independence Festival of the Creative Arts

The entire month of November is dedicated to the arts in Barbados. Creative folks of all ages share with the country their talents. Categories include singing, dancing, drama, music, fine art, arts and crafts, photography, and writing.

Many events and festivals may pop up at any given time during your stay at our hotels and we will make sure you’re aware of them and help you plan your visit. Celebrate with the locals, and make an everlasting memory while you’re at it.

All sightseeing is with short distance of our St James Hotels Barbados.