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Places of Interest – WEST of Barbados

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PORTVALE SUGAR FACTORY/ MUSEUM
West Coast Area - (Historic, Tour)

The Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum is an adjunct to the Portvale Sugar Factory and is set in an old 'boiling house' of past sugar grinding times. The museum traces the story of sugar through large photographs and machinery. Tours of the working factory can also be arranged during the harvesting season (February to June).

Directions: Portvale (off Highway 2A)
Parish: St. James



ST. JAMES PARISH CHURCH
West Coast Area - (Historic)

This is the site of the island's first church. While most of the existing church dates from the 1800s, the first stone building, built around the 1660s, replaced the original wooden structure. After it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1780, the present building was constructed. This church has a number of interesting features, including the original church bell, which pre-dates the US Liberty Bell by some 50 years.

Directions: Outskirts of Holetown, Highway 1. (Northern Holetown – next to Folkestone Marine Park)  
Parish: St. James



CHATTEL HOUSE VILLAGE
West Coast Area - (Shopping)

There are two such shopping villages on the island that are fashioned after the quaint chattel house. One located in St. Lawrence Gap and the other in Holetown, both with a variety of shops and products. This cluster of chattel shops offers something for everyone, from T shirts to gift items and local souvenirs.
Directions: Holetown, Highway 1. (just South of West Coast Mall)  
Parish: St. James



HIGHTIDE WATERSPORTS
West Coast Area (Scuba Diving, Watersports)

Located at the Coral Reef Club, Hightide Watersports has become the most recognisable name in Barbados Scuba diving and Watersports.
Directions: Coral Reef Club, Highway 1. (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. James



FOLKESTONE MARINE PARK
West Coast Area - (Tour, Recreational, Souvenir Shopping)

Although a Marine Reserve, Folkestone offers a Visitor’s Centre and Museum as well as a play park, making it perfect for an educational and fun-filled day for the family. While you’re there you can take in some snorkelling or Souvenir shopping.

Directions: Outskirts of Holetown, Highway 1. (Northern Holetown – next to St James Parish Church)
Parish: St. James



HOLETOWN
West Coast Area - (Historic, Shopping, Recreational)
This town had the first settlement in Barbados and is the third largest town on the Island. Although a small town, it is among some of the most luxurious hotels and villas on the island and has access to beaches and practically ever thing you would need while in Barbados, especially duty-free shopping and restaurants.

Directions: Highway 1. North of Bridgetown (North of Sandy Lane Resort & Almond Beach Club)
Parish: St. James



PRIVA BARBADOS NIGHT CLUB & BAR LOUNGE
West Coast Area - (Historic, Shopping, Recreational)
This town had the first settlement in Barbados and is the third largest town on the Island. Although a small town, it is among some of the most luxurious hotels and villas on the island and has access to beaches and practically ever thing you would need while in Barbados, especially duty-free shopping and restaurants.

Directions: Highway 1. North of Bridgetown (North of Sandy Lane Resort & Almond Beach Club)
Parish: St. James



WEST COAST MALL
West Coast Area - (Shopping, Recreational)
Duty-Free Shopping on the west coast with everything you need under the sun. A variety of services for health, beauty, men, women, kids as well as a food court and lots more.

Directions: Holetown, Highway 1. (North of Almond Beach Club) (North of Sunset Crest Mall)
Parish: St. James



SUNSET CREST MALL
West Coast Area - (Shopping)
This mall offers Duty-free Shopping at its best, with a variety of other services for everyone.

Directions: Holetown Area, Highway 1. (just opposite Almond Beach Club) (South of West Coast Mall
Parish: St. James


ATV QUADS 4 U TOURS
West Coast Area - (Safari Tour / Scenic)

On your ATV tour safari you will be taken on a guided on and off-road expedition through some of the most remote and picturesque spots while exploring the lush outback of Barbados on your all-terrain quad bikes.

Directions: Ellis Land, Fitts Village, St James - Highway 1. (North of Bridgetown) (South of Holetown)
Parish: St. James

NORTH WEST Back to top
MULLINS BEACH
North-west Coast Area – (Watersports, Restaurant & Bar, Facilities)

A popular hang out, this is another picturesque bay with a nice, placid beach almost all year round, a fantastic photo opportunity. Plenty of facilities and activities, as well as parking and eating, Mullins is also a very good snorkelling spot or for romantic sunset walks and dining.
Mullins Beach can be found on the North-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Mullins, Highway 1 – (North of Holetown) (next to Mannie’s Suga Suga)  
Parish: St. Peter



THE SHELL GALLERY
North-west Coast Area – (Art & Craft Souvenir Shopping)

A world of rare & exotic sea shells can be seen at this Shell Gallery. It is one of the largest sea shell shops in the Caribbean. Here you can find shells of all shapes and sizes, as well as an attractive array of locally hand crafted souvenir gift items such as pictures, frames, jewellery and ceramics, just to name a few.

Directions: “Contentment”, Gibbes, off Highway 1 – (North of Holetown)  
Parish: St. Peter



SPEIGHTSTOWN
North-west Coast Area - (Scenic, Historic, Shopping)

The island's northern-most town, Speightstown, was once a major seaport and important fishing village. The wooden two-storey balconied buildings that gave Speightstown so much character still dot the town and give it a quaint atmosphere. In this area there are quite a few eateries, nice beaches and it’s even great for shopping.

Directions: Speightstown, Highway 1 – (North of Holetown) 
Parish: St. Peter



THE GALLERY OF CARRIBBEAN ART
North-west Coast Area – (Art Exhibition)

These prestigious facilities are the only galleries in the whole region committed to promoting the art of the entire Caribbean. It hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year highlighting the work of the region's finest artist, sculptors and photographers from Haiti and Cuba in the north through Jamaica, and Barbados and Guyana in the south. Be part of the ultimate art experience.

Directions: Queen St, Speightstown, Off Highway 1 – (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. Peter 

SOUTH WEST Back to top
MALIBU VISITOR CENTRE
South-west area - (Tour, Historic, Shopping, Recreational)

This is a versatile stop. The home of Malibu Coconut 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 Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



MOUNT GAY VISITOR CENTRE
South-west 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 Bridgetown)
Parish: St. Michael



PELICAN CRAFT CENTRE
South-west area - (Shopping, Recreational, 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: Princess Alice Highway - Harbour Road (North-west of the Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal) - 5 min walk
Parish: St. Michael



JOLLY ROGER PIRATE CRUISES
 South-west 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. It’s 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 serve’s up the best barbequed steak, chicken and fish on the high seas. Book in advance to secure your space.

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



HARBOUR MASTER CRUISES
South-west area - (Sea Tour, Snorkel, Entertainment)

By Day - Stroll along a beautiful sandy beach at the beach stop; snorkel on a nearby reef or for the more adventurous try the 70´ Cockspur Water Slide.
By Night – entertainment features a spectacular cultural floorshow including exotic belly dancing, tropical dancers.
Sunny days or starry nights, this floating entertainment centre will take you away on a journey of fun, delicious local food, spectacular cultural entertainment, excitement and romance. Book in advance to secure your space.

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



TIAMI CATAMARAN CRUISES

South-west 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 Draft (North-west 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
South-west area - (Underwater Tour, Souvenir Shopping)

The Adventure begins here. Experience the unforgettable beauty of the marine world in a submarine. Book in advance to secure your space.

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



BAJAN HELICOPTERS TOURS
South-west area - (Air Tour, Photo Opportunity)

Enjoy the hidden secret treasures of Barbados not seen on a land tour, as you soar over the lush countryside and breathtaking coastlines on a flight-seeing tour not to be missed. Book in advance to secure your space.

Directions: Bridgetown Heliport, Hincks St – Off Harbour Road (South of Cruise Terminal) - 10 mins walk
Parish: St. Michael



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

One of the island’s 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. Plenty to eat and drink are also available for your consumption.

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



UNDERWATER BARBADOS
South-west area – Bridgetown outlying area(Scuba Diving, Snorkelling)

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 Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



SEA SPI ADVENTURES – ZIPLINE ADVENTURES BARBADOS

With Sea Spi Adventure Tours you can experience the colourful marine life, and eco-systems native to the Carlisle Bay area, through the bubble-free viewing glass of your own watercraft. You will glide the crystal waters above the many ship wrecks, while being greeted by schools of tropical fish.

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



BARBADOS BLUE WATERSPORTS
South-west 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: Needham’s Point - West off Bay St – Highway 7 (South of Bridgetown) (South of Cruise Terminal)
Parish: St. Michael



WEST CENTRALBack to top


GUN HILL SIGNAL STATION
East Central Area - (Scenic, Historic, Military)

This historic stop affords a stunning view of the south and east of the island. The station was part of a chain of six signal stations used island-wide by the British is the early 1800s. Built in 1818 Gun Hill, with its famous carved lion, is now under the stewardship of the Barbados National Trust.

Directions: Gun Hill – Highway 3B (East @ Norman Niles Roundabout, off ABC Highway)
Parish: St. George



FRANCIA PLANTATION
East Central Area - (Historic, Tour)

A regal plantation house perched above the lovely St. George valley, Francia is owned by descendents of the original owner. Still a working plantation, the grounds are beautifully landscaped with gardens, lawns, orchards and ferneries, which visitors are free to roam. The house itself is furnished with period furniture and other antiques. This is a rear opportunity to glimpse into the lifestyle of bygone days.

Directions: North off Highway 3B – West of Gun Hill
(East @ Norman Niles Roundabout, off ABC Highway)   Parish: St. George



HARRISON'S CAVE
East Central Area - (Scenic, Tour)

Managed by the government of Barbados, Harrison's Cave is a wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, cascading pools and pristine streams. The hour-long tour takes you down into the caves by electric tram into what is considered one of the most spectacular caves in the entire region. There is also a little nature path outside the cave entrance as well as a visitor centre and refreshment stand.

Directions: Off Highway 2  
(East @ Everton Weekes Roundabout off ABC Highway - between Ayshford Park & Welchman Hall)
Parish: St Thomas



RESTAURANTS IN THE WEST COAST AREA Back to top


Barbecue Barn
Chefette Restaurant
Lone Star Restaurant
Olives Bar & Bistro
Ragamuffins Bar & Restaurant
The Cliff Restaurant

ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE WEST COAST AREA Back to top


Coral Reef Club
Sandpiper Hotel
The Lone Star
Almond Beach Club
Almond Beach Village
Colony Club
Crystal Cove Hotel
Discovery Bay Hotel
Glitter Bay Hotel
Mango Bay Hotel
Royal Pavillion
Sandridge Beach Hotel
Tamarind Cove Hotel
Treasure Beach Hotel
Little Good Harbour Hotel
Paradise Villas

BEACHES IN THE WEST COAST AREA Back to top


BRANDONS BEACH / BRIGHTON BEACH
West Coast Area – (Watersports, Facilities, Restaurant & Bar)

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

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



PARADISE BEACH
West Coast Area – (Watersports)

Paradise, Brighton and Batts Rock beaches are separated by a small stand of woods. This is another lovely, placid beach with virtually no undertow and calm waters most of the year. It was the beachfront to the old Paradise Hotel, now closed for several years. Close by is a small fishing village.
Paradise Beach can be found on the South-west coast of Barbados.

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



BATTS ROCK BEACH
West Coast Area – (Facilities, Playground)

This beach has calm waters with lots of trees for shade. It’s also great for relaxing and taking sunset photos. To the north of the beach tends to have clearer and calmer waters than the south of the beach. This is a nice family beach, ideal for the kids.
Batts Rock Beach can be found on the South-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Prospect – Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



PROSPECT BAY BEACH
West Coast Area
This beach has calm waters with the Escape Hotel located just inland of it. It’s great for relaxing and taking sunset photos.
Prospect Beach can be found on the South-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Prospect – Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



FITTS VILLAGE BEACH / GOOD SHEPHERD BEACH
West Coast Area
This beach is quiet and great for relaxing under the many trees. Many reefs can be seen in these waters. There’s also a church located just inland of the beach.

Directions: Fitt’s Village – Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



CRYSTAL COVE BEACH / APPLEBY BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This beach has calm waters with the Crystal Cove Hotel located just inland of it. It’s great for relaxing and taking sunset photos.

Directions: Appleby - Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



MOHOGHANY BAY BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This beach has calm waters with no undertow and natural pools surrounded by coral reefs. It also offers a beautiful sunset view as well as a small fishing village. 

Directions: Lower Paynes Bay – Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



PAYNES BAY BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This is a busy beach with a small bay, it is great for relaxing under the many trees but not as quiet as Fitts Village beach. It is always calm, with no undertow, and is quite popular with the west coast crowd.

Directions: Paynes Bay – Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



SANDY LANE BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports, Facilities)

The beach of Sandy Lane is the home to the island's most opulent five star hotel, The Sandy Lane. This nice, long, wide expanse of beach is in pristine condition, well-maintained and is great just for relaxing. Since it sits in something of a bay, the beach is nicely sheltered with little wave movement most of the year and no undertow.
This hotel being one of finest hotels in the Caribbean has welcomed the elite of Royalty, International Business and Celebrities such as Tiger Woods among many others.

Directions: Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



HOLETOWN BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports, Facilities)

This is a busy beach with a small bay. It is always calm, with no undertow, and is quite popular with the west coast crowd.

Directions: Holetown - Highway 1 (North of Bridgetown)
Parish: St. James



DISCOVERY BAY BEACH / SANDPIPER BEACH / TRENTS BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This is a nice beach, always calm, with no undertow. Discovery Bay Hotel and Sandpiper Hotel are located just inland of the beach.  

Directions: Trents - Highway 1 (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. James



FOLKESTONE BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports, Facilities)

This is basically an underwater park with exhibits, diving and beach facilities. Folkestone is a great family beach, with many water-related activities, along with fresh water showers and shops.
Located here is the Folkestone Marine Park & Museum, an interpretive centre and museum with marine and coastal environment displays, exhibits of the island’s fishing industry and a salt water aquarium. The underwater park zone extends from Sandy Lane to Colony Club and you can rent gear for snorkelling around the fringe reef, or secure a boat for diving. A glass bottom boat also plies the area.

Directions: Outskirts of Holetown, Highway 1. (Northern Holetown – next to St James Parish Church)
Parish: St. James



CHURCH POINT BEACH / COLONY CLUB BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This beach is not terribly wide and somewhat sheltered, the waters are almost always placid with no undertow and good snorkeling. Just watch out for urchins on the far right reef close to shore. This beach fronts the magnificent Heron Bay House, which is almost as bedazzling to look at as the pristine beach it looks upon. With chandeliers in the trees and the looming coral stone house, this is 14 acres of sheer opulence.

Directions: Porters - Highway 1 (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. James



GIBBS BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This beach has calm and clear waters with no undertow. It is also great for sunset photos and is one of the beach stops for Harbour Master Cruises and Tiami Catamaran Cruises.  

Directions: Highway 1 (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. James



MULLINS BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports, Facilities)

A popular hang out, this is another picturesque bay with a nice, placid beach almost all year round, a fantastic photo opportunity. Plenty of facilities and activities, as well as parking and eating, Mullins is also a very good snorkelling beach or a romantic spot for sunset walks and dining. Mullin’s Beach can be found on the North-west coast of Barbados
 

Directions: Mullins - Highway 1 (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. Peter



KINGS BEACH / COBBLERS BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This beach has calm and clear waters with no undertow. It is also great for sunset photos.
King’s Beach / Cobbler’s Beach can be found on the North-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Road View - Highway 1 (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. Peter



GODINGS BAY BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports)

This beach has calm and clear waters with no undertow. Goding’s Beach can be found on the North-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Queen St., Speightstown – Off Highway 1 (North of Holetown)
Parish: St. Peter



HEYWOODS BEACH
West Coast Area - (Watersports, Facilities)

This is a nice beach with calm waters and small natural swimming pools. It is also great for snorkeling off the reef.
Heywood’s Beach can be found on the North-west coast of Barbados.

Directions: Orange St., Speightstown – Off Highway 1 (North-end)
Parish: St. Peter