Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and an independent British Commonwealth nation.
9:00am-12:30pm : Christ Church Parish
1:00pm-2:30pm : Barbados Museum & Historical Society
Established in 1933, Barbados Museum & Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Barbados culture and heritage. Although the building originally served as a military prison of St Ann's Garrison, it now houses thousands of artifacts in displays about natural history, maps, decorative arts, local history, and culture. Temporary modern art exhibits also make appearances in the museum. Check out the gift shop before leaving to pick up special souvenirs, such as map reproductions, Barbadian crafts, and West Indian books.
10:00am-11:00am : Earthworks Pottery
The charmingly decorated exterior-- with colorful ornaments swirling around doors and windows-- lures you to Earthworks Pottery to explore the world of artisan pottery. Find yourself immersed in vivid colors, ornates, and the smell of fresh clay. Tours are not provided but don't hesitate to chat with the local artisans and ask whatever you want to know. Choose from various displays of mugs, plates, vases, and other fully functional dinnerware and serving pieces in 150 different shapes. Buy a souvenir and support the eco-friendly local business.
11:30am-2:30pm : Worthing Beach
Head to Worthing Beach for the chance to snorkel in waters brimming with marine life and enjoy one of the island's quieter beaches. Explore the coral reef located within swimming distance of the shore, where you can spot turtles and an abundance of tropical fish. The safe, gentle waters are perfect for children, less experienced swimmers, and bodyboarding. Alternatively, rent kayaks on site and admire the views of the beach from the sea.
3:00pm-6:00pm : Maxwell Beach
Have some fun in the sun as you enjoy the white coral sand, clear waters, and tropical trees at Maxwell Beach. The slightly lively surf here lends itself to sports such as jet skiing and light bodyboarding. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas or retreat to the picnic benches to cool off in the shade.
10:00am-11:30am : Parliament Buildings
Built in a Neo-Gothic style redolent of Victorian Britain, Parliament Buildings stand as architectural landmarks and make up part of a World Heritage-listed area. The two 19th-century coral-limestone structures served as the seat of the colonial parliament in the late 19th century. Today, you can tour the interior--but be sure to dress appropriately for your visit (no shorts or T-shirts). Head into the onsite museum to bring your visit alive with information and historical background.
12:00pm-3:30pm : Bolador Tours
Come and enjoy a personalised tour with us! Sail along the exclusive West Coast of Barbados. Swim with the friendly sea turtles, take some time to explore one of the most popular reefs and wrecks, relax in one of the many bays along the coast.
4:00pm-5:30pm : St. Michael's Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels (formerly The St. Michael's Parish Church), is an Anglican church located on St. Michael's Row, two blocks east of National Heroes Square; at the centre of Bridgetown, Barbados. The Cathedral is the tallest of the Anglican (Church of England)'s houses of worship within Barbados. Originally consecrated in 1665, and then rebuilt in 1789, it was elevated to Cathedral status in 1825 with the appointment of Bishop Coleridge to head the newly created Diocese of Barbados and the Leeward Islands. The first parish church to be built was the St. Michael's Parish Church, which was located where the St. Mary's Anglican Church now stands. The original St. Michael's Parish Church was a small wooden church constructed between 1660 and 1665. Destroyed by a hurricane in 1780, the church was rebuilt nine years later. The church was later damaged in the great hurricane of 1831 but not destroyed. When the Diocese of Barbados was established, the St. Michael's Parish Church became the St. Michael's Cathedral, with Bishop William Hart Coleridge as its first bishop in 1825.
10:30am-12:00pm : St. James Parish Church
Standing on a patch of land known in Barbados as God's acre, St. James Parish Church is considered one of the four oldest surviving churches in the nation. The original wooden structure of the church was first constructed in 1628, with stone lain in 1874 that still stands today. Today, this peaceful sanctuary contains various beautiful monuments and pieces of historical significance, including Barbados' oldest bell, preserved as a monument that predates the famous Liberty Bell of America. Take a quiet stroll around the church and grounds, observing the various noted Barbadians and original settlers laid to rest in the cemetery.
12:30pm-3:30pm : Heywoods Beach
4:00pm-5:00pm : Harrison's Cave
Venture into an ancient subterranean limestone cavern at Harrison's Cave.. Officially only explored in 1970, it has been developed into a tourist-friendly site, with lighting and trails throughout. Witness bizarre rock formations sculpted over millennia by unseen forces, as you walk under hanging stalactites and around protruding stalagmites. Wander past brightly hued pools, and take a tram to the lowest point of the caves to witness a majestic, buried waterfall.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Best of Barbados Gift Shop
10:00am-1:00pm : Dover Beach
Find a spot on the wide and picturesque Dover Beach and relax in the pleasant atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of shade under the trees, with plenty of nearby amenities, including bars and shops selling an array of beach wares. You can watch wind surfers and jet skiers bouncing on the waves, or hire something and get involved if you’re feeling adventurous. Friendly locals frequent this popular beach, with lifeguards on duty to protect you should the water get too rough.
2:00pm-3:30pm : St. Nicholas Abbey
One of only three Jacobean mansions still in existence in the Western Hemisphere, St. Nicholas Abbey lets visitors experience life on an authentic 17th-century sugar plantation. Roam the chambers of the "Great House" and admire its ornate decorations, antique furniture, and items collected by the owners from all over the world. Take a tour of the grounds to see the sugar cane fields and picturesque courtyard inhabited by a pair of cockatoos, or roam the lush yards, orchards, and herb garden, filled with colorful flowers, mango trees, guinea birds, and medicinal plants.
4:00pm-5:30pm : Soup Bowl
A surfer’s heaven, Soup Bowl features soft golden sand, boulders sticking out of the water just off shore, a scenic hillside abundant with palm trees, and consistent waves produced by the wild waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. The popular surf spot is home to annual international and local competitions. With some luck you’ll spot beach crabs making their way across the sand. Make sure you bring food, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen, as there are no public facilities at the beach.
10:00am-1:00pm : Hastings Beach
Soft sand and clear water make Hastings Beach an ideal spot to swim, snorkel, or kick back with a cold drink and a good book (or magazine). Swaying palms provide plenty of shade here, while a string of restaurants ensure no visitor goes hungry or thirsty while in the area. You can stroll down the boardwalk and soak in unforgettable sea vistas, or take a catamaran cruise and immerse yourself in the many underwater and on-board activities designed to keep you busy and entertained for the duration of the trip.
1:30pm-4:30pm : Brighton Beach
Nestled against the calm waters of the Caribbean, Brighton Beach invites you to jump into the ocean and cool down or bask in the sun’s rays as you recline on its soft white sand. Find plenty of shade with an ample amount of umbrellas lined across the beach’s sand. Grab a bite at one of the restaurants looking over the turquoise water. If one day isn't enough, spend your days waking up to the view of the ocean from one of the many beachside accomodations.
4:30pm-6:00pm : Stavronikita
Head down into the deep blue ocean to discover Stavronikita, a 110 m (360 ft) freighter resting 40 m (130 ft) beneath the water. The sunken ship is home to exotic marine life, including vibrantly colored fish, octopuses, turtles, eels, and a healthy coral system. Don’t forget to take your waterproof camera, as the high visibility creates great picture opportunities. This dive is best suited for advanced divers who are wreck certified.
10:00am-11:30am : Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum
Absorb some history at Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum, the only synagogue in town and one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Learn about the building's history and the people it serviced, and discover how it endured through hurricanes, governmental seizure, and eventual renovation in 1986. Be sure to view the subterranean mikveh, ritual baths, discovered by chance and excavated in 2008, and take a stroll through the tranquil cemetery.
12:00pm-2:30pm : Kensington Oval
The Kensington Oval is a stadium located to the west of the capital city Bridgetown on the island of Barbados. It is the pre-eminent sporting facility on the island and is primarily used for cricket. Locally referred to as "The Mecca" of cricket, it has hosted many important and exciting cricket games between local, regional, and international teams during its more than 120-year history.
3:00pm-3:30pm : Gun Hill Signal Station
Built in the 1818 as a lookout point and storage facility for weapons, Gun Hill Signal Station served as an important part of the island's defense system before falling into ruin. Today, the landmark is protected by the Barbados National Trust and serves as a popular tourist site and wedding destination. Grab a bite and something to drink at the onsite cafe, and enjoy the view.
4:00pm-5:30pm : Bottom Bay
Relax on the white sands of Bottom Bay, a peaceful, semi-enclosed beach on the south coast of Barbados. Surrounded by tall coral cliffs, the bay provides a picturesque setting for a some rest and relaxation. Have a picnic under the coconut palms, or take advantage of the current and sizable waves to surf or boogie board. Get away from the crowds in this Caribbean hideaway, relax with a refreshing coconut drink, and admire the picture-postcard views.