Strolling through Bridgetown, I was approached by a driver who offered me a great deal on a tour of Barbados. His name was Gene and I spent the next couple of hours with him touring the west side of the island. We started in Bridgetown and rode up the coast, stopping at St. James Parish Church, passing through Holetown and Speightstown. We eventually worked our way inland towards St. Nicholas Abbey and Cherry Tree Hill.
The drive began on Spring Garden Highway which is known as the coastal road of Highway 1. The coast is absolutely breathtaking with its crystal clear waters and a myriad of blue seas on the horizon.
Gene slowed down along a stretch of beach to point out the pyramid monument. The memorial marks the location where terrorists took down a Cuban Airliner in 1976 which was traveling to Jamaica. Unfortunately, all 73 passengers were killed.
Our next stop was Sandy Lane, known for its upscale resorts and luxury homes. Many celebrities and millionaires have made their homes here. Behind a wrought iron fence and security, we caught a glimpse of Rihanna’s new $22 million dollar condo.
Gene slowed down to point out where Tiger Woods was married as well. Sunderlin is another fashionable, extravagant housing development in Sandy Lane, Barbados.
On the outskirts of Holetown is Barbados’ oldest church, St. James Parish. Gene suggested we stop due to its historic importance to the island. I was happy to walk into the auditorium, admiring the stained glass windows and church organ. Outside of the church was an old cemetery, dating back to the early 1600s.
North of St. Peter’s Parish is a little fish market in Speightstown. Second to Bridgetown, this is one of the largest town centers on the island with several historic structures dating back to the time of slavery. Arlington House and the Bridge of Tides Mural are some of the top attractions.
Our journey led us through the beautiful scenery of historic Speightstown, heading a little further north.
Gene stopped for a few moments so I could takes photos of Coral Cliff Beach Club. One of the newer developments in the area, there are properties here that are available for sale starting at $1 million.
The scenic road began to curve inland as we passed the entrance to St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation. This small neighborhood is located in the Irish/Scotland District. The plantation, the Cherry Tree Hill scenic view and Morgan Lewis Windmill are a part of this lovely community.
Driving further down the road towards the water, the high tide was crashing up against the rocks. We had a beautiful view from Cherry Tree Hill and with a closer look, there was a small village not too far from the shoreline. Nestled in the parish of St. Andrew, I was standing about 850 feet above sea level. An avenue of mahogany trees have since replaced the cherry trees that once stood here.
I could tell we were nearing town as cows were randomly chained along the side of the road. Gene explained that this is a very common tradition as people do not always have property for the cows to roam in an enclosed space. He also said that the roadside cattle benefit the city as the cows maintain the height of the grass along popular roadways.
I thoroughly enjoyed my taxi tour of Barbados’ west end and thanked Gene for his hospitality. It is not often that you have the opportunity to see a place from the perspective of one who lives there and of course, it is always wonderful to explore rather than staying on the ship. Just another beautiful day in paradise.
Have you visited the island of Barbados? What attractions did you see or would you recommend for future trips? I would be so happy to read your comments below! Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
St. James Parish Church
Church Road
Holetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 422 4117
- Admission Fee: No Charge, donations appreciated
- Length of Visit: 1 hour
- Tips for Your Visit: Dress appropriately for a place of worship. At times the church may display a table with local food items for purchase.
St. Nicholas Abbey
Cherry Tree Hill
St. Peter, BB 26007
Barbados
Telephone: 246 422 5357
- Admission Fee: Adults: $45 BBD (US $23); Children ages 5 – 12: $20 BBD (US$10)
- Hours: Open Sunday through Saturday from 10AM to 4:30PM. Last ticket sold at 3:30PM. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Kadooment Day.
- Amenities: Light refreshments at the Terrace Café, steam operated syrup factory, sugar cane grinder; hourly tours of the grounds and factory, formal gardens, Cherry Tree Hill (avenue of Mahoganies), museum, complimentary rum drink on the terrace overlooking the gully, rum tasting tour (visitors over 18), detailed brochure to go on your own and the opportunity to take a train ride of the grounds.
- Scenic View: Breathtaking view of the coast
- Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: The abbey is not air conditioned so it can become extremely hot, so wear comfortable, modest clothes for the weather. Wear appropriate shoes for walking should you decide to explore the grounds. You may be greeted by Simon who is one of the owners of the property who will be happy to provide you with information about the plantation as well as answer your questions. Only the first level of the home is open to visitors.
Where to Stay:
Hilton Barbados Resort
Needhams Point, St. Michael
Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000
Telephone: +246 426 0200
Where to Eat:
Waterfront Cafe
The Careennage
Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
Telephone: 246 427 0093
Order the local beer and a flying-fish sandwich!
What to Eat:
- Flying Fish – the national dish of Barbados
- Fish Cakes – salted cod or whitefish
- Pepperpot – meat with Bajan spices and hot peppers
- JugJug – guinea corn flour, pigeon peas, salted beef brisket, ham or other salted meats, pork or chicken, onions, and other herbs and spices
- Pudding and Souse – steamed sweet potatoes made with onions, salt and pepper and souse is a picked pork dish
- Roti – island burrito
What to Read:
- Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan
- A Caribbean Mystery, by Agatha Christie
- Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini
Photo Guide for Barbados:
- The Animal Flower Cave
- Cherry Tree Hill
- Silver Sands Beach
- Almond Beach Resort
- Speightstown
- Rihanna Drive, Bridgetown
Monument of Plane that Crashed as a Result of Terrorism
Mullins Beach
House for Sale in Barbados!
The entrance into St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation
Another view from Cherry Tree Hill
My wife and I will be in Barbados for two days in March 2025 before embarking on a cruise. The tour you describe is exactly what I have been looking for. Do you know how we can contact your driver or the company he works for? Many thanks for any advice.
Hi Thomas! You will absolutely love Barbados! The people are so friendly and the island is spectacular! I apologize for the late response as I had reached out to Gene several times and have not heard back from him. Working for the cruise line for over three years, a group of us would walk into Bridgetown (about a 15 minute walk) to catch a taxi rather than select one at the port. They are usually less expensive in town and you will find the drivers to be very knowledgeable about the island. I hope this helps and should I hear from Gene, I will certainly reach out to you.