As a former sugar plantation colony, Barbados was stripped of a lot of its native forest cowl beneath the British, however there are nonetheless some fantastic swathes of tropical greenery to discover. You may roam dense forests, meander by way of rugged seaside parks or stroll pleasant gardens, all inside a brief drive of Bridgetown, Barbados’ historic capital.
Right here’s our information to the highest spots to find the island’s numerous wildlife and luxuriate in a picnic with spectacular views – simply be careful for troupes of pilfering inexperienced monkeys!
Take pleasure in recent air and hikes at Barclay’s Park
This 50-acre seaside park on the island’s less-developed north shore runs up a rugged hillside to a rocky outcrop. Its sweep of grassland is dotted with wiry bushes twisted into summary sculptures by the persistent winds on the island’s wild Atlantic coast.
The regular breeze means it all the time feels more energizing right here than on the extra developed aspect of the island, however this additionally makes the waters tough and unsuitable for swimming. Nonetheless, Barclay’s Park is likely one of the greatest locations on the island for mountaineering or working down on the sands or on the paths that lead up into the hills.
Alongside the shoreline, the park options fruit bushes which the island’s youngsters like to raid. Hold a lookout for island favorites comparable to the ocean grape and cocoplum, which matches regionally by the fantastic moniker of ‘fats pork tree.’
See the legendary baobab tree at Queen’s Park
Bridgetown’s most important city park lies beside the Structure River and it is the place to go for a slice of tranquility away from the bustle of the capital. Place your self beneath any one of many fantastic shady previous bushes for a really nice Barbados afternoon.
The park’s most important pure attraction is a legendary baobab tree that’s mentioned to boast the widest trunk in the complete Caribbean. Native legend has it that the sapling was purchased to Barbados on a slave ship from West Africa late within the seventeenth century, however one other account has the seed floating throughout the Atlantic earlier than selecting the sting of a lagoon lengthy earlier than the primary Europeans arrived on the island.
Both means, the tree is estimated to be over 1000 years previous and is likely one of the nation’s seven wonders, alongside sights comparable to Harrison’s Cave and the Morgan Lewis Windmill.
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Head to Coco Hill Forest for a stroll with a view
A prime spot for hikes by way of towering forests and farmland stuffed with bananas, pineapples, mangoes and coconuts, this 53-acre non-public reserve climbs to a top of almost 1100m (3609ft) above sea degree, which means nice views down the Atlantic slope.
Hikers can take pleasure in 2.5km (1.6 miles) of trails that weave by way of patches of authentic jungle boasting indigenous ferns and palms, and areas being repopulated with native species.
You’ll be given a map to discover the forest at your leisure. Hold an eye fixed out for attention-grabbing birds and monkeys excessive within the cover and produce good footwear because the paths will be slippery after rain.
Hearken to a soundscape of birdsong and strings at Hunte’s Gardens
A riot of shade and birdsong, Barbados’ most-celebrated gardens are situated on a former sugar plantation in a big melancholy fashioned by a collapsed cave. This uncommon setting produces a definite microclimate the place tropical flowers and bushes thrive.
Guests obtain a visible information to assist establish the myriad plant species that line the paths. However you don’t have to be a botanist to understand the hanging fantastic thing about the gardens, with spectacular heliconias, imposing palms and tiny hummingbirds all jostling to your consideration.
Along with the primary backyard, there are smaller “secret” gardens off to the edges, excellent for a picnic or a spot of meditation. The gardens are the lifework of fabulously eccentric native horticulturist, Anthony Hunte, who welcomes guests to his home on the property’s transformed stables (he’s recognized to serve a imply rum punch and freshly baked cake).
Hunte can be the home DJ and spins classical music soundtracks all through the gardens through audio system hidden among the many trails.
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Spot wildlife with the kiddies at Welchman Corridor Gully
Defending one of many final remaining expanses of the wild jungle that when lined Barbados, this 1.2km (0.74-mile) gully proper in the course of the island is an effective place to take a look at native flora and picture how the inside of the island regarded earlier than the plantations moved in.
In addition to teams of monkeys, the gully is dwelling to rabbits and tortoises, making it an excellent alternative for a household outing, and a well-maintained pathway makes it simple to wheel round tiny vacationers. Simply exterior the doorway, there’s a beautiful panoramic lookout level with views of Bathsheba on the Atlantic aspect of the island.
Delve into Barbados’ historical past at Farley Hill Nationwide Park
Wealthy in historical past and set in a distant spot within the island’s northern reaches, Farley Hill as soon as housed Barbados’ most luxurious mansion. The grounds have been off-limits to the general public till a fireplace destroyed the constructing in 1965, and a yr later, the property grew to become a park.
Whereas it’s described as a nationwide park, it is extra a leisure space than a protected swathe of wilderness. However, it’s some of the enchanting out of doors areas on the island, with open grasslands, a small mahogany forest and fantastic panoramic views to the Atlantic.
Marvel on the towering royal palms in Flower Forest
Positioned on the previous Richmond Sugar Plantation, within the coronary heart of the island’s backyard belt, the luxurious, 53-acre Flower Forest is a registered botanical backyard with a wide range of interpretive walks and luxurious views.
Alongside probably the most hanging function of the forest – the Caribbean royal palms that tower over 30m (98ft) – the heliconias and orchids will definitely catch your eye too. A lot of the vegetation are labeled and the well-maintained walkways make getting round a breeze regardless of the hilly terrain.
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Attain new heights at Gun Hill Sign Station
Within the early nineteenth century, Barbados was dwelling to a collection of sign stations constructed on excessive factors across the island to watch marine site visitors. Troopers relayed any risk to the army garrison under by flying completely different flag combos.
The best of those sign stations is Gun Hill – surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens stuffed with tropical flowers with loads of benches for relaxation and contemplation. The gardens entice a beautiful number of birds and butterflies and the panoramic views from the tower are amongst the perfect on the island.
Watch the solar set at Batts Rock Park
Positioned simply north of Bridgetown is certainly one of Barbados’ best-kept secrets and techniques – Batts Rock park is likely one of the island’s smallest seaside parks but in addition certainly one of its most beautiful.
A densely forested hillside inhabited by monkeys sits proper beside the glimmering waters of the Platinum Coast, offering the proper vantage level for watching epic Bajan sunsets. Carry a picnic to take pleasure in on the tables beneath the bushes proper beside the golden sands.
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Go to the small however magical Andromeda Botanical Gardens
Simply exterior the charming east coast village of Bathsheba, and fewer than 500m (1640ft) from the Atlantic breakers, the diminutive Andromeda Botanic Gardens are probably the most low-key and earthy of the island’s floral sights.
What the gardens lack in measurement is greater than made up for by the range of tropical vegetation and flowers, and there are self-guided excursions by way of Andromeda’s 20 distinct zones.
Began as a non-public backyard across the authentic proprietor’s dwelling within the Fifties, Andromeda is now maintained by the Barbados National Trust and the vegetation are grown with out using chemical substances. Should you’re staying close by, tickets are legitimate for a couple of go to so you’ll be able to preserve popping in to benefit from the grounds.
