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Airport
Grantley Adams International Airport (airport code BGI, after Bridgetown, the island’s capital), t 418 4242, is located approximately 10 miles/16km south east of Bridgetown city centre.
The airport has recently undergone a multi-million dollar expansion programme which started in 2001, with the final phase completed in 2007. This included the construction of a new, much larger arrivals terminal (next to the former arrivals hall), which now houses 22 immigration work stations, five large luggage carousels and two duty free shops. The old arrivals hall has become part of an extended departure lounge and houses a new airside food court and retail concourse. The existing departure lounge has been completely refurbished and extended, and now has airside views of the aircraft parking apron. Other improvements include an additional ticketing area, the relocation of the upstairs airport restaurant and bar to a casual food courtyard at ground level, a chapel on the mezzanine level along with new airline executive lounges and a new landside retail area. Other facilities include a bank and postal services. Approximately four air bridges are part of the next set of improvements and there has been talk of enclosing the check-in area and installing air-conditioning.
A Tourist Information Help Desk, t 428 7101, ext 4605, is open from 8am to 10pm and is located in the arrivals hall.
The 28,000 sq ft Barbados Concorde Experience, situated next door to the airport, opened on 16 April 2007. Visitors can board one of the seven supersonic jets that were flown by British Airways from the 1970s until they were retired in October 2003. Barbados is one of just a handful of destinations around the world to which the jet flew, but it did so during the winter season for over 20 years. The trans-Atlantic crossing took around four hours, leaving London after breakfast and arriving in Barbados in time for lunch. Four of the remaining jets have stayed in Britain (Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Heathrow), whilst the other two have gone to North America (Seattle and New York). The Barbados centre features a gift shop, interactive exhibits and a multi-media show about the aircraft. |
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Banks
International and local commercial banks operating in Barbados include the Bank of Nova Scotia/Scotiabank, Barbados National Bank, First Caribbean International Bank, Butterfield Bank, RBTT Bank and Royal Bank of Canada. The Central Bank of Barbados has been in operation since 1973. The island also offers offshore banking and insurance services.
Bank opening hours are generally Mon-Thu from 8am to 3pm and Fri from 8am to 5pm, although some banks located in shopping centres open later. First Caribbean’s branches at Warrens and Sheraton Centre are open Mon-Thu from 9am to 4pm and Fri from 9am to 6pm. Most banks are closed on the weekend, but the RBTT Bank, Butterfield Bank and Royal Bank of Canada have branches that open on Saturdays from 10am to 2-3pm. ATMs are located across the island, including the airport, harbour, some petrol stations and shopping malls. Note that ATMs will only give out Barbados Dollars (not US Dollars) and some charge for overseas cash transactions.
Banks require customers to show their passports when cashing traveller’s cheques. You will need to show a transaction slip as well if you wish to convert Barbadian dollars (BDS) back to your home currency. |
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Bars & Nightlife
There is no shortage of bars in Barbados. There are the beach bars, which are open all day of course and then others, including restaurant bars that open up in the evenings and have a bar crowd as well as their diners, particularly on the West Coast. There are even a few wine bars in Barbados, which is unexpected for the Caribbean, but they attract a good crowd. It is also fun to visit the local rum shops. The Bajans are gracious hosts and will generally be very welcoming. Just don’t think you can take them on at dominoes after a few, that’s all. And then there are late bars and clubs that have dancing as well as drinking.
The South Coast is the liveliest spot, and St Lawrence Gap has a string of places to choose from, but there are also a couple of very lively nightclubs in Bridgetown. From season to season there are clubs on the West Coast too. Clubs and bars often have their particular night, which can change from year to year.
SOUTH COAST
Café Sol – Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar, St Lawrence Gap, t 435 9531, info@cafesolbarbados.com
Lively in the early evening (often all evening in fact), Cafe Sol is a Mexican bar, with sombreros on the walls, chilli fairy-lights and raised seats looking onto the street and the crowds passing by. Excellent margaritas. Last Friday of every month they have a ‘Wild Fiesta Friday’ party, complete with piñata. Daily Happy Hours 5pm-7pm and 10pm-midnight, plus a ‘2 for 1’ drinks special every night from 6pm until they close. Tex-Mex menu available until 11pm.
Jumbie’s, St Lawrence Gap, t 420 7615,
An eye-catching, two storey wooden tree-house – upstairs is a dining pavilion with splendid views of the bay and downstairs a dance floor and a semi-open air bar (serves snacks) known for its extensive selection of Caribbean rums. Jumbie’s sees a busy crowd of locals and visitors, particularly towards the weekend (it’s easy to judge with everything in full view as you walk/drive past), when patrons spill out onto the surrounding patio. Live entertainment with either an in-house DJ or a band, regular Happy Hours, 5pm-7pm, 10pm-1am, Mon-Sat, all day Sunday. Update– Jumbies closed in 2009 and the property has now been converted into a Brazilian themed restaurant, Paulo’s Churrasco do Brasil
McBride’s Pub & Cookhouse, St Lawrence Gap, t 435 6352, info@mcbridesbarbados.com
Theme Irish pub, very lively and often packed. Large indoor bar area, air-conditioned pool room and a dining room, dining terrace outside (the kitchen is open until 11pm and serves pastas, pizzas and pub grub). Live entertainment most nights of the week, reggae on Wednesdays, rock on Thursdays and a Latin band with salsa classes on Fridays. Nightly Happy Hour, 11pm-1am with a ‘2 for 1’ drinks special. Just around the corner from ‘sister’ nightspot, Café Sol.
The Ship Inn, St Lawrence Gap, t 420 7447, info@shipinnbarbados.com
Perennial bar and night club established in 1974 as a pub and still going strong, set around a traditional Barbadian house and a second bar outside in the courtyard. Attracts a mixed crowd of party-goers young and old - locals, ex-pats and tourists - depending on the night and time of year. Sports bar area with live satellite feed on big screen TVs. Top live bands perform two to three nights a week and DJs on other nights. Their Captains Carvery has roasts and a salad bar in the early evening and The Restaurant has a casual a la carte menu with international and ‘pub grub’, served outside on the deck. Barnacle Bill’s BBQ does late night snacks. Entrance fee US$10 on Thurs and US$5 on Sat nights.
Reggae Lounge, St Lawrence Gap, t 435 6462
Extremely rustic, open-air night spot for (reasonably priced) drinking and dancing while DJs play the latest (oldies too) reggae, dancehall and other Caribbean music. Popular with younger locals. Occasional live bands.
Friday Fish Fry, Oistins Fish Market
Recently re-developed as Oistins Bay Gardens, the Fish Fry is housed in a collection of colourful, purpose built cabins, dining areas with picnic tables and a bandstand (it may now have less rustic appeal for some). Street party atmosphere with live entertainment. Sees a nice mix of locals and visitors and makes a fun and cheap early evening out.
Bert's, Rockley, t 435 7924, info@bertsbarbados.com
Sports bar and more with a lively Bajan-Canadian atmosphere, run by ‘Bert’ Inniss since 1976 now with a new fellow Canadian partner, Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Canadian ice hockey team the Ottawa Senators (all their games are screened). Covered bar area with 24 plasma TVs and a wall-size projection screen, spacious decked courtyard seating area with parasols around a small pool and an indoor restaurant with an open, stone-fired pizza oven. Also known as the ‘The House of the Daiquiri’ for their banana daiquiris which you can order by the jug. Open daily 11.30am-midnight (or later during seasonal events), Happy Hour 4.30-6pm. Wheelchair access.
Bubba’s Sports Bar & Restaurant, Rockley Main Road, t 435 8731, bubbas2@caribsurf.com
Animated, American-style sports bar and restaurant with a good mix of locals and tourists - popular for early evening drinks after work, or as a start to a big night out, but also popular with families. Fully air-conditioned, with split level dining and seating areas - the main room, ‘the pit’ (also the smoking area), is encircled by three 10ft screens and twelve smaller TVs. The upper, non-smoking area is much quieter. Very reasonable prices and generous portions. Daily Happy Hour and ‘2 for 1’ drink specials. Open Mon-Thu 11.30am-11pm, Fri 11.30am-1am, Sat 11am-1am and Sun (only day for breakfast) 8am-11pm.
Mojo Bar, Worthing Main Road, t 435 9008, mojobarbados@caribsurf.com
Popular pre and post party chill out spot with a rock n’ roll theme. Cosy, pub-like atmosphere in a traditional, two storey Barbadian house with an enclosed gallery and wooden louver shutters. Known for its considerable music collection and lively, mixed crowd. Occasional live music on Monday nights.
Tapas (former Aqua Restaurant and Lounge), Hastings Main Road, Christ Church, t 228 0704, info@tapasbarbados.com
One of the ‘cool’ places along Barbados’ South Coast Boardwalk and popular meeting spot, so you can simply sit and enjoy a drink. It is set in a sleek looking, two-storey shorefront building of contemporary design. Upstairs is the spill-over dining area, so it is only open on busy nights (usually Fridays and Saturdays). Downstairs has a bar and lounge with the dining area extending out to the Boardwalk.
39 Steps Bistro & Wine Bar, Chattel Plaza, Hastings, t 427 0715
Cosy setting upstairs in a traditional-looking Bajan-style building, just off the main road close to the race course at the Garrison Savannah. Balcony seating to the rear. Live jazz every other Saturday and occasional live entertainment on alternate Fridays. Open Mon-Fri for lunch and dinner, Sat dinner only. Closed Sundays.
BRIDGETOWN
Waterfront Café, Careenage, t 427 0093, waterfrontcafe@sunbeach.net
Historic setting in a former warehouse right on the Bridgetown Marina, with views to the Parliament Buildings and Nelson’s Statue. Friendly atmosphere, frequented by an older crowd of regulars. Live jazz music most nights, gets busy on Thursday nights when the VSOP Dixieland jazz band attracts a large, loyal following. People often get up to dance. Tuesday nights with live steel pan music and a Caribbean buffet. Open Mon-Sat from 10am-midnight.
Harbour Lights, Bay Street, southern Bridgetown, t 436 7225, www.harbourlightsbarbados.com, contactus@harbourlightsbarbados.com
A well established open air nightclub in a traditional beach house (Marine Villa). The small indoor bar leads out to the main club area with a large covered bar and a raised open-air dance floor. Then further out to the torch-lit beach with more bars, BBQ grill, picnic tables and a stage. Fun beach party on Monday and Wednesday nights with barbecue buffet dinner, live music by house band and an impressive Bajan folkloric floorshow (moko jumbies, green monkey and shaggy bear). Monday attracts mostly visitors whilst Wednesdays gets more of a mixed crowd due to the free drinks from 9pm-2am. Fridays very lively with more locals and drinks free 9.30pm-3am. Occasional themed party nights. The Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show, Mon & Wed, 7pm-10.30pm (all ages welcome until 10.30pm) includes drinks, which remain free until 2am, transfers, dinner and show. Cover charges apply to the free drinks nights and dinner show.
Sharkey’s Bar at The Boatyard, Bay Street, Carlisle Bay, t 436 2622, boatyard@sunbeach.net
Central bar with covered area for mingling, open air dance floor, all just steps from the beach. Appeals to the younger on themed nights, which tend to attract a boisterous crowd of both locals and tourists. There is live music on Fat Tuesdays with a top local band and free drinks 8pm-2am. Sunset Wednesday is a beach party night and then it’s Friday Night Lime with drinks specials from 5pm until late. Cover charges on all three nights. Note themed nights change each season so do check locally. The Boatyard is usually busy with cruise ship visitors during the day and it can get very lively on the right night.
WEST COAST
Groots Bar & Restaurant, Trents, St James, t 432 7435
Popular watering hole among the West Coast ex-pat community, visitors from nearby hotels and the occasional famous face – mostly British. Easy going, friendly atmosphere. Simple setting in a pickle-pine chattel house with a large central bar and adjoining dining area (fish and chips, steak & kidney pudding, rotis) under canvas. A unique Groots custom ensures the interior walls will never need repainting - they are covered in graffiti, compliments of customers. The bar keeps a supply of felt-tip markers for the job. Impromptu live music when regulars pitch up with guitars.
Nishi Restaurant (former Olives), 2nd Street, Holetown, t 432 8287
Classic townhouse set on the corner of the West Coast’s ‘hip strip’, with a Sushi and Sashimi bar in the air-conditioned upstairs section. Downstairs is the Bistro with a choice of air-conditioned dining room or a garden courtyard with a bar. The courtyard setting makes for a nice retreat from the bustle out on the street and there is often live music on Friday nights in the winter season – open to 1am Fri-Sat.
The Mews, 2nd Street, Holetown, t 432 1122, themews@caribsurf.com
Well established restaurant and bar which has been at the heart of the Holetown social scene for many years. It is a firm favourite with a more mature set and the chosen haunt of a number of Bajans and winter regulars. Cosy atmosphere which moves up a gear on weekends when it gets busy. People also gather out on the street. Live music on Friday nights.
Elbow Room - Bar and Grill, 2nd Street, Holetown, t 432 1927
The latest 'hot-spot', which was an instant hit with the in-crowd when it opened in December 2006. Gets extremely busy on Friday and Saturday nights with a mixed crowd of well-heeled locals. Live DJ Saturday and Sunday nights. Open-fronted, so drinkers spill out onto the street and mingle with the crowd from The Mews next door. Casual atmosphere with stonegrill dining earlier in the evening from 7pm.
Lexy Piano Bar & Japanese Restaurant, 2nd Street, Holetown, t 432 5399, Lexy@LexyPianobar.com
An immensely popular addition to the Holetown scene back in early January 2007, Lexy's has a loyal following of locals and visitors. Run by former Broadway cabaret singer and pianist Alex 'Lexy' Santoriello, who acts as host and also provides live music and entertainment on a nightly basis. During the season there are guest appearances by international pianists. See www.lexypianobar.com for guest artiste details. Open 9pm until late. Closed Mondays.
Spago Restaurant & Bar, 2nd Street, Holetown, t 432 7394
Small Italian restaurant (former Benny’s) which is one of the places to be on a Friday night, with occasional live music and liming in the street.
The Beach House, Sunset Crest, St James, t 432 1163, thebeachhouse@caribsurf.com
The beachfront replacement for the former ‘Coach House’ (now closed), which opened early 2008 with a turnaround in style. Now it has stylish, contemporary décor mostly in blue and white in a covered sitting area with smart natural fibre seating that gives out to a spacious terrace with potted plants and water features. A raised dining deck under canvas overlooks the beach, while a large open-sided bar is set back to the side of the terrace. Attracts a more mature clientele, a mix of locals, ex-pats and visitors. Perfect spot for sundowners. Live jazz on Friday nights from 8pm.
Scarlet, Paynes Bay, St James, t 432 3663, scarlet@caribsurf.com
Über trendy bar and bistro with a striking scarlet and black interior. Enclosed and air-conditioned, with contemporary lighting, black mosaic tiles and bold Andy Warhol prints of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy that might be found on the streets of London or New York, Scarlet is deliberately styled to offer a change of scene to those suffering from ‘island fever’. Innovative and extensive cocktail list using freshly made fruit purees and herbs. Signature drink ‘Scarlet Rocks’ with vodka, raspberry schnapps, strawberries, basil, cranberry juice and black pepper. Part of St James’ weekend social scene. Open Tue-Sun from 5pm.
Sassafras at Sugar Hill, Mount Standfast, St James, t 422 6644, sassafras@sunbeach.net
Bistro-style restaurant with bar set in the resort’s elegant club house. Relaxed setting on the poolside terrace with views to the West Coast. Mostly frequented by residents and guests of Sugar Hill and nearby hotels, and some locals. Open for dinner Wednesday and Friday nights only (plus Thursdays from 15 Dec) when there is live music, also live music for brunch on Sundays. Open for lunch Tue-Sat.
Whilst most hotels have their own floorshow and live entertainment, a night out to the Plantation Theatre, t 428 5048, for their Bajan Roots & Rhythms dinner show (every Wednesday and Friday) is worthwhile. |
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Beach Bars
Mullins Restaurant & Beach Bar, Mullins Bay, St Peter, t 422 2044, info@mullinsbarbados.com
Well loved beach bar and restaurant that has reverted to its original name (it was Mannie’s Suga Suga for a while) after a complete renovation in late 2007. Attractive setting in a contemporary Bajan beach house with criss-cross balustrades and fretwork. There is a large bar and dining area under cover, with additional seating out on the wooden deck. Excellent beach and swimming area with a good range of watersports. Beach chairs and umbrellas for hire. Open for lunch and dinner. Very busy in season when reservations are required.
Surfside Beach Bar & Restaurant, Holetown, St James, t 432 2105, surfsiderestaurant@caribsurf.com
Archetypal beachfront bar tucked behind the Police Station and Post Office. Very simple, open-plan layout with covered dining areas, an open-sided bar with a beach terrace and picnic tables right on the beach. The plain décor has a lived-in look but this is part of its appeal. Sees a good mix of locals, ex-pats and visitors and is a regular haunt for sports (particularly English football) fans – sports are screened on a large TV. Excellent sand, good swimming, beach chairs and plenty of watersports. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reasonably priced local and international fare. Live steel band on Sunday nights.
Zaccios Restaurant, Holetown, St James, t 432 0134, Zaccios@hotmail.com
Cheery restaurant and bar in the heart of Holetown, set on an excellent stretch of beach. A large covered wooden deck with sit-around bar and dining inside and on a boardwalk. Relaxed, friendly atmosphere with broad appeal. Former ‘Cocomos’ which changed ownership in September 2008 but has kept the same staff and menus - keenly priced local and international fare with salads, seafood platters, burgers, steaks, roti, fish & chips, pasta, pizza etc. Now a new ‘sunset’ colour scheme of vibrant yellows and oranges. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Happy Hour 4pm-6pm, occasional live music. Beach chairs for hire from private beach vendor, roped off swimming area, watersports available from various beach operators.
The Beach House, Sunset Crest, St James, t 432 1163, thebeachhouse@caribsurf.com
The beachfront replacement for the former ‘Coach House’, now with stylish, contemporary décor in mostly blues and white. A covered sitting area with smart natural fibre seating gives out to a spacious terrace with potted plants and water features, and a raised dining deck under canvas overlooks the beach. The large open-sided bar is set back to the side of the terrace. Open daily for lunch with a Bajan buffet (not Saturdays) 12pm-2.45pm or the beach menu from 11am-6pm, and 7pm-10pm for dinner (except Sunday) a la carte. Perfect spot for sundowners.
Blue Monkey Bar & Restaurant, Paynes Bay, St James, t 432 7528
Set mid way along a sweeping curve of excellent sand with good swimming and snorkelling areas, Blue Monkey tends to attract cruise ship passengers during the day, so best to check what is in port before setting off. Good spot for a cold beer or cocktail at sunset, by which time the crowds will have gone. Open daily 11am-11pm. Update July 2009 - no longer in operation.
Malibu Beach Club & Visitor Centre, Brighton Beach, St Michael, t 425 9393
Sees mainly cruise ship passengers on island for the day. Use of a beach chair, umbrella and changing facilities, plus a Malibu based drink, are included in the cost of their distillery tour (West Indies Rum Distillery). Beach bar, grill and gift shop. Excellent stretch of sand and good swimming. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.
Sharkey’s Bar, The Boatyard, Bay Street, Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown, t 436 2622, boatyard@sunbeach.net
Set on a lovely curve of white sand, Sharkey’s is an ever active, all day bar with watersports which sees a lot of cruise ship passengers during the day and locals in the evenings. Often used for post regatta parties. Popular nightspot with themed nights and occasional live music.
The Water’s Edge, Hilton Barbados, Needham’s Point
Large, spacious gazebo bar with covered terrace right on the beach, next to a huge meandering pool. Very deep beach (man-made) with two swimming areas, one very lively. Not a typical Caribbean beach bar but it's very popular with locals and ex-pats on weekends, especially on Sunday afternoons when there is karaoke. Daily Happy Hour, 5pm-6pm.
Carib Beach Bar, 2nd Avenue, Worthing, Christ Church, t 435 8540
Open-sided deck on the fantastic stretch of powder white sand at Sandy Beach in Worthing. Faithful local following and still busy on Sunday nights when it attracts a mixed crowd. Popular on weekends with Bajan families with young children because of the broad beach and shallow waters. Occasional live music. Beach chairs and umbrellas for hire from ‘Spock,’ who can be found by the parking area on the beach.
Surfers Café – Obskewer, nr Oistins, Christ Church, t 420 9283
Hip, chilling spot for ‘grown-ups’, which was an instant hit when it opened early 2008. The bar sits on a narrow strip of beach between the waters edge on Oistin Bay’s and Highway 7. There are only a couple of parking spots, so best to use Southern Plaza’s car park across the road. The best tables are by two huge doors which open to views of the bay. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, often until late. Occasional live entertainment. |
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Beaches
The West Coast of Barbados is Caribbean picture-postcard perfection - calm seas that wash up onto superb blond sand backed by palm trees. The sand, with the occasional interruption from equally pretty cliffs, runs pretty much the whole length of the West Coast. If you are not staying in a beachfront hotel there is still public access to all the beaches through marked paths and tracks. As with all the Caribbean islands, beaches are public up to the high water mark on Barbados. Perhaps try Payne’s Bay, Holetown and Folkestone Beach, and Mullins Bay.
As you head south and east around the coastline the water gets steadily livelier and the sports more adventurous, though there are still many beaches that are protected by reefs along the southern shore which offer good and safe swimming. Try Worthing Beach and the lagoon side of Miami Beach for instance. There is good windsurfing and kitesurfing around the south of the island, at Maxwell (protected, good for beginners) and at Silver Sands (full-on, with waves, for advanced surfers). Silver Sands can be very lively during the winter season (December to February), particularly at weekends.
There are also some lovely, secluded stretches of sand cut into the coastal cliffs in the south-east of the island - Crane Beach, Bottom Bay and Harrismith Bay – which are ideal for a day out, for a picnic and boogie-boarding.
Farther around, on the dramatic Atlantic side, around Bathsheba, the coast sees huge waves rolling in from the Atlantic and is known for its surfing.
Hazards
Note that there are strong undercurrents on the East Coast (and in some places on the South Coast too), so swimming outside designated beaches (those protected by offshore reefs) can be extremely dangerous. Please heed local warnings.
Beware of the caustic manchineel trees that line the West Coast beaches. They are fairly large and have small dark green leaves and small yellow/green apples. Contact with the sap of the tree or apples will cause blistering. In fact even rainwater dripping off the leaves can have the same effect, so do not shelter under them during rainfall. Manchineel trees are usually marked by a red ring around the trunk. Extra care should be taken with small children, as the small apples are fairly prevalent – please seek immediate medical advice if consumed.
A pick of the beaches on Barbados, in order from Speightstown high on the West Coast, then along the South Coast and round to the Atlantic side, is as follows -
WEST COAST
Six Mens Bay
Small stretch of sand in a Bajan fishing village north of Speightstown where you can still see traditional boat building. There is an excellent restaurant, the Fish Pot in nearby Shermans.
Port St Charles
This is a glorious 1300ft stretch of broad sand running in front of the Port St Charles beachfront apartments, just north of the narrower Heywoods Beach. There is a public access road with parking in between Almond Beach Village and the Port St Charles residential marina. Watersports available.
Heywoods
A pleasant stretch of tree-lined beach with golden sand, home to Almond Beach Village. Areas of shallow reef provide good snorkelling and enclose natural pools which are ideal for children. The main beach area (the widest section, which is used most by the resort) is just south of Port St Charles. A public access road with parking runs in between the two properties.
Mullins Bay
A very attractive strip of sand with shallow water and a busy beach bar/restaurant. Beach chairs and umbrellas and watersports equipment for hire. Royal Westmoreland’s beach facility (they own the beach bar) is also located here and an area of beach is set out with loungers and umbrellas for the use of their guests. The beach is good for children. See a Review of Children on Mullins Beach.
Gibbs Beach
Wonderful stretch of bright white sand with excellent swimming. Relatively quiet – there are mostly holiday villas fronting the beach.
Reeds Bay
A stunning stretch of blazing white sand, one of Barbados’ better kept secrets, unless you are at the helm of a sail boat (it is often used as a lunch/swimming spot on day cruises). Otherwise it’s mostly used by guests and owners staying in a string of private beachfront villas, and some locals. Very little natural shade.
Glitter Bay
A first class strip of golden sand with excellent swimming and a good sunbathing area (set out with sun loungers for residents and guests of Glitter Bay Estate). The beach extends north from Glitter Bay Estate to Fairmont Royal Pavilion next door. There is no public beach access nearby although the beach is accessible by sea or on foot along the sand from nearby Colony Club/Heron Bay.
Church Point
Location of Folkstone Underwater Park, where there is a marine reserve that is excellent for snorkelling. A popular picnic spot with locals at the weekends.
Discovery Bay
Curved stretch of sumptuous sand along the Holetown area with good swimming, plenty of activity, watersports and places to stop off for lunch.
Sandy Lane
An excellent beach set on its own wide, broad bay which has perfect sand that shelves gently to a sandy bottom. The Sandy Lane hotel is set back off the beach amongst vast mahogany and manchineel trees. There is a public footpath for access just south of the hotel, where Paynes Bay beach begins. Watersports available.
Paynes Bay
A broad, deep sweeping curve of excellent sand with good swimming and snorkelling areas. One of the pleasures of this stretch of beach is to walk along it, and it is possible to do so from the fish market to the south right up to Sandy Lane to the north. Some watersports available.
Fitts Village
A fairly quiet stretch of pure white sand which attracts mainly locals, but which is also used by villa guests from the area. There is an esplanade with a small bandstand that occasionally hosts events. Good snorkelling nearby.
Batts Rock
Take the sign-posted track just south of Prospect and down to the beach, which has good swimming and snorkelling, plus a small children’s playground. There is a parking area with lots of shade, picnic benches, shower and changing facilities. Please note that the Four Seasons project/construction site is next door, although it is currently on hold
Brighton Beach
Fairly active strip of endless, excellent sand that is home the Malibu Beach Club, which itself is popular with cruise ship passengers. Located between Paradise Beach (Freshwater Bay) and Brandons Beach. At the northern end is the electricity generating plant and what is known as the ‘hot pot’, an inlet of hot water created by one of the run-off pipes (water used to cool equipment) which is frequented by local bathers. Take heed, as there are warnings of this area being unsafe for bathing in. This is due to strong currents and often undertow created by the force of water coming out of the pipes.
Brandons Beach
A broad sweep of sand just north of the shallow draft and deep water harbour, and the first of the West Coast beaches. The southern end runs along part of the Spring Garden Highway and is a main venue for Crop Over. Popular with locals.
SOUTH OF BRIDGETOWN - SOUTH COAST
Brownes Beach / Pebbles Beach, Carlisle Bay
A long stretch of fine white sand set on a huge bay in the south of Bridgetown, with excellent swimming in calm waters, which also make it a good yacht anchorage. To the north it is very lively with beach bars, activities and watersports, including snorkelling and diving (there are six wrecks). The Boatyard, which is popular with cruise ship passengers, also has ocean trampolines, a glass bottom boat and a floating ‘mountain climbing iceberg’ and waterslide. South of here, the Bay Street Esplanade gives onto Brownes Beach (opposite Government Headquarters) and at the southern end The Barbados Yacht Club is located on Pebbles Beach.
Drill Hall
Located behind St Anns Fort just south of the Hilton, near the Garrison Savannah, this is a popular picnic spot for families with young children. There are good areas of shallow water, rock pools and plenty of shade. It is also a good spot for boogie boarding or surfing during the winter season.
South Coast Boardwalk
The mile-long South Coast Boardwalk is all but complete (as of June 2009). It runs along the seafront from Rockley just north of Accra Beach to Hastings and includes an offshore breakwater and five headlands, each with a new sitting area, as well a new beach at Hastings Rocks (created with sand dredged during the expansion work at Bridgetown Port). The boardwalk became an instant hit with both visitors and locals, many of whom use it to keep fit, having switched from using the track around the Garrison. It is at its busiest with joggers and walkers in the cool of the morning and early evening, when even groups of mothers can be spotted speeding along with their pushchairs. There are plans to create a similar boardwalk in Holetown.
Accra Beach (Rockley Beach)
A lovely stretch of white sand, with shallow water, which is ideal for children - though it can get choppy at times. There is a beach bar and a snack wagon, several craft and beachwear stalls, a small playground with a slide and climbing frames and a large indoor playroom across the road at Chefette. There are lots of hotels nearby. Beach chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards for rent. See a Review of Children on this Beach.
Sandy Beach/Worthing Beach
Narrow stretch of bright white sand with reef-protected swimming. Home of the Carib Beach Bar. See a Review of Children at Worthing Beach.
Dover Beach
A long and wide stretch of sand, with several hotels, a watersports shop (kayaks, hobie cats, boogie boards, windsurfing and jetskis) and a vendors’ market for crafts, beachwear, snacks and drinks. Beach chairs and umbrellas for hire. Located opposite Dover Playing Fields which sees regular cricket and football matches of both local and visiting teams. Review of Children on Dover Beach.
Casuarina Beach
Pure white sand and deep stretch of beach with nice breeze and lively waters. Directly in front of a popular family hotel.
Miami Beach (Enterprise Beach)
Fantastic turquoise waters and shell pink sand, just outside Oistins. There is shallow swimming in a protected area, but the seaward section has livelier water and is open to sea. Popular picnic spot with lots of shade from casuarinas trees. Beach chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards for hire. Public beach facility and a mobile snack bar. See a Review of Children on Miami Beach.
Silver Sands/Silver Rock
An active beach at the southern tip of the island, with windsurfing, kitesurfing and plenty of spectating. Local championship windsurfer, Brian Talma has his deAction Beach Shop just above Silver Rock’s ‘deAction’ beach. You can hire equipment (surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand up paddle surfing) and arrange lessons. Upstairs there is a small bar with snack service. A short walk away there is a playground and beach facility at the Silver Sands end.
Crane Beach
A glorious beach with soft, pink-tinged sand and startling turquoise water set between limestone cliffs. Crane Beach is a popular picnic spot with big waves, making it ideal for body-surfing and boogie-boarding. Note that there are often strong undercurrents. There are two access options, from The Crane Beach Resort and Residences (it charges an admission fee, which can be redeemed at the bar, which serves an excellent rum punch, or restaurant) and from the cul-de-sac at the opposite end of the beach (parking is limited to the roadside and can get busy at weekends). From there, a rough pathway leads over the rocks down onto the beach.
Foul Bay, Bottom Bay, Harrismith Beach
Three extremely pretty coves cut into the south-eastern cliffs. Big waves, body-surfing, boogie-boarding, sometimes strong undertows – do not go out alone. It is a popular picnic spot on weekends. See a Review of Children on Harrismith Beach.
EAST COAST
The East Coast is beautiful but it can be dangerous. It has extremely strong undercurrents (there are signs pointing out the dangers) and it is not safe for swimming unless the water is protected by a reef offshore. Please seek local advice on where you can enter the water.
Bath
A reef-protected Atlantic beach with a spectacular setting. Bath is a popular picnic spot on weekends and bank holidays, and there is a small playground and snack bar. Behind the beach are several private beach houses, used by well-to-do Bajan families as weekend/holiday retreats.
Martin’s Bay
Small fishing village in a shallow, reef-protected bay with lots of rock pools. There is little activity outside bank holiday weekends.
Bathsheba
A surfing beach that gets the full brunt of the Atlantic. The main surfing spot is known as the ‘Soup Bowl’, which is the venue for a number of local and international surfing competitions. There are several rum shops and small restaurants, plus weekend beach houses.
Cattlewash
Another spot on the rugged Atlantic coastline where Barbadians get away to their beach houses. The bay is good for surfing and boogie boarding, though currents are strong (there should be a life guard). There is a broad area of sand for beach games and rock pools for paddling. |
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Calendar of Events
2010
JANUARY
02, 21 & 30 Jan, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah. 03-31 Jan, International Polo (excludes chukkas): 03 Jan, E Williams Trophy, 6 goal tournament final at Apes Hill/Waterhall. 05-17 Jan, Colin Deane/Audi Trophy, 6 goal tournament at Holders, Clifton, Lion Castle and Apes Hill/Waterhall with final 17 Jan at Clifton with a Haiti Disaster Relief Fundraiser match. 23 Jan, Generation Match/Tony Archer Memorial Trophy, Holders. 24-31 Jan, Waterhall Special – International Polo Week, Apes Hill Polo Club/Waterhall and Clifton. 31 Jan Sentebale Polo Cup, Apes Hill Polo Club/Waterhall, inaugural charity tournament launched by patrons Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso. Day of polo and entertainment with gates open from 10.30am. Admission by advance purchase ticket only Bds$50 – children under 5 free. 03,10 17, 24 & 31 Jan, *Hike Barbados: 03 Jan from Cove Bay in St Lucy, 10 Jan from Orange Hill Pavilion in St James, 17 Jan from Bottom Bay in St Philip, 24 Jan from Codrington College in St John (moon hike) and 31 Jan from St Thomas Post Office in St Thomas. 10 Jan, Barbados Music Awards, Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium Complex. 10-24 Jan, Barbados Masters G4S Cricket Tournament, with 27 teams competing at various venues across the island. 10, 17 & 24 Jan, Barbados Horticultural Society Open Garden Season from 2pm-6pm, cost Bds$15 - 10 Jan the garden of Prof & Mrs Clive Landis, #1 Fairview, Kendal in St John, 17 Jan the garden of Senator & Mrs Geoffrey Cave, Windermere, Brittons Hill in St Michael and 24 Jan the garden of Ole Dam Mikkelsen, Gibbs Hill in St Peter. 11-17 Jan, 17th Annual Barbados Jazz Festival featuring international & local artists. Headline act this year is Smokey Robinson. Venues are Sunbury Plantation House, Heritage Park at Foursquare Rum Refinery, Garfield Sobers Complex, The Crane Resort, Ilaro Court and Farley Hill National Park. 13, 20 & 27 Jan, Barbados National Trust Open House Season, properties open from 2.30-5.30pm, cost for National Trust members (including other countries) US$5 otherwise US$10: 13 Jan at Stanford House, Polo Ridge, St James, 20 Jan at Carlton House, Lower Carlton, St James and 27 Jan at Chimborazo Great House, Castle Grant, St Joseph – shuttle bus from parking area near Huntes Gardens. 21-24 Jan, Slam-a-Dom Extravaganza, international domino tournament. 29 Jan, Gun Hill by Moonlight, monthly Barbados National Trust cocktail party held at Gun Hill Signal Station, St George during full moon (January-June only) – BNT members Bds$20 non-members Bds$30. 30 & 31 Jan, Barbados Horticultural Society Annual Flower & Garden Show, 11am-6pm, cost BDS$20, Balls Plantation, Christ Church. ART EXHIBITIONS - The Gallery at Lancaster Great House, St James: Jan-May, Wind Sculptures by Lyman Whitaker as part of the Vernissage, Sculpture in the Garden series by Jerome Radigois from Martinique. 01-30 Jan, Through the Eyes of a Muse, photography by Pattie Boyd plus work by Bob Kiss. LESC (former Sherbourne Centre), St Michael:17-24 Jan, Chinese Watercolour Paintings, work by 50 Chinese artists. Queen’s Park Gallery, Bridgetown: 10 Jan-06 Feb, Art Beyond the Sea, group exhibition of Barbadian artists. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 04-08 Jan, Compositions by Catherine Forter Chee-A-Tow. 10 Jan-05 Feb, Barbados by Moonlight, by American artist, Fran Scott Attaway. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 18-30 Jan, Group Exhibition. The Old Pharmacy Gallery, Speightstown: 10-30 Jan, Secret Diaries, recent works by Ras Ishi Butcher. Aweipo Gallery, The Crane Village: 16 Jan-05 Feb, Common Threads, textile works by Ayissa Burnett, Christine Kumchy, Margaret Herbert and Shelah McGrath.
FEBRUARY
03, 10, 17 & 24 Feb, Barbados National Trust Open House Season, properties open from 2.30-5.30pm, cost for National Trust members (including other countries) US$5 otherwise US$10: 03 Feb at Bellevue Plantation House, Waterford, St Michael, 10 Feb at Pollards Mill, St Philip, 17 Feb at Fisherpond Plantation House, St Thomas and 24 Feb at St Ann’s Fort and Drill Hall, Garrison, St Michael. 03 Feb, Bajan Pride Exposition, 4th annual local art and craft fair held in Bathsheba. 06-07 Feb, Waterman Festival, Silver Rock Beach, celebration of Barbados beach culture with windsurfing, surfing, kite surfing, fishing, long distance swimming, paddle surfing, beach cricket and conch shell blowing competitions. 07-28 Feb, International Polo(excludes chukkas): visiting teams from Canada/India, Singapore and Cheshire – 07-14 Feb, Canada/India Tournament at Holders and Lion Castle. 18-21 Feb, Singapore Tournament Waterhall/Apes Hill, Lion Castle and Clifton. 28 Feb, Cheshire Tour, Mickey Hutchinson Trophy, Holders. 07, 14, 21 & 28 Feb, *Hike Barbados: 07 Feb from Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St Peter, 14 Feb from Heywoods Beach (car park north of Almond Beach Village, 21 Feb from Independence Square in Bridgetown is the Colin Hudson Great Train Hike (takes all day) and 28 Feb from Lester Vaughn School in St Thomas (moon hike). 07 & 21 Feb, Barbados Horticultural Society Open Garden Season, from 2-6pm, cost Bds$15 - 07 Feb the garden of Dr & Mrs Stephen Collins and Mr & Mrs Michael Carter in Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church and 21 Feb the garden of Mr & Mrs deVere Cole, #1 Husbands Road, Prior Park, St James. 12-21 Feb, Paint Me Barbados, new art event from the Creative Artworx Design Group with ‘en plein air’ excursions around the island, various art workshops, and an Art Expo and Exhibition. 13 Feb, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 13 Feb, Rotherley Construction Inc. Race Day. 14-21 Feb, Holetown Festival, annual cultural event with street parade (classic and vintage cars), street fair, Police Band concert, floodlit tattoo, steel band concerts, calypso and gospel music, folk dancing, Queen of festival beauty show, 7km road walk and road run. 26-28 Feb, Agrofest 2010, agricultural based fair at Queens Park, Bridgetown. 26 Feb, Gun Hill by Moonlight, monthly Barbados National Trust cocktail party held at Gun Hill Signal Station, St George during full moon (January-June only) – BNT members Bds$20 non-members Bds$30. ART EXHIBITIONS - The Gallery at Lancaster Great House, St James: Jan-May, Wind Sculptures by Lyman Whitaker as part of the Vernissage, Sculpture in the Garden series by Jerome Radigois from Martinique. 05-08 Feb, Tails of the Green Monkey by English painter, Michael Jackson. Also includes wildlife sculptures by Steve Winterburn. 12-27 Feb, Colours of Hope II, photographs by Andre Williams and Corrie Scott. Queen’s Park Gallery, Bridgetown: 01-06 Feb, Art Beyond the Sea, group exhibition of Barbadian artists. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-05 Feb, Barbados by Moonlight, by American artist, Fran Scott Attaway. 06 Feb-05 Mar, The Treasures of Grenada, oil and acrylic work on canvas by Susan Mains, American artist living in Grenada. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 01-29 Feb, group show. The Old Pharmacy Gallery, Speightstown: 01-13 Feb, London Calling, w ork created by William Cookson, Artist in Residence at Lancaster Great House. Aweipo Gallery, The Crane Village: 01-05 Feb, Common Threads, textile works by Ayissa Burnett, Christine Kumchy, Margaret Herbert and Shelah McGrath.
MARCH
02-28 Mar, International Polo(excludes chukkas): visiting teams from Cheshire and Jamaica/Ireland - 04-07 Mar, Cheshire Tour, 04 Mar at Lion Castle and 07 Mar, Mickey Mosely Memorial Trophy at Holders. 14-21 Mar, Barbados Open, 8 goal tournament at Lion Castle, Holders, Clifton and Waterhall/Apes Hill. 23-28 Mar, Jamaica/Ireland Tournament at Holders, Lion Castle Waterhall/Apes Hill and Clifton. 03, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Mar, Barbados National Trust Open House Season, properties open from 2.30-5.30pm, cost for National Trust members (including other countries) US$5 otherwise US$10: 03 Mar at Malvern Great House, St John, 10 Mar at Buttals Plantation, Manager’s House, St George, 17 Mar at Buttsbury House, Polo Ridge, St James, 24 Mar at Tyrol Cot, St Michael and 31 Mar at Chukkas, Lion Castle Polo Estate, St Thomas. 06 & 27 Mar, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 06 Mar, Sandy Lane Gold Cup Day, feature race is a 9 furlong invitational with a purse of US$100,000. 06-27 Mar, Holders Season with opera, classical music, poetry, comedy and theatre at Holders House. 07 Mar, Barbados Horticultural Society Open Garden Season, from 2-6pm, cost Bds$15 - the garden of Mr & Mrs Gordon Walker, Grassy Hills, 21 Mount Wilton, St Thomas. 07, 14, 21 & 28 Mar, *Hike Barbados: 07 Mar from Holetown in St James opposite the Police Station, 14 Mar from Haggatts Old Sugar Factory, Belleplaine in St Andrew, 21 Mar from Barbados National Trust Headquarter, Wildey House in St Michael and 28 Mar from District C Police Station in St Philip (moon hike). 09-10 Mar, Royal Westmoreland Ladies Golf Open, 10th Anniversary. 27-30 Mar, BGFA International Game Fishing Tournament/Sagicor-Mount Gay Rum International Tournament, Port St Charles, a Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship qualifying event. 26 Mar, Gun Hill by Moonlight, monthly Barbados National Trust cocktail party held at Gun Hill Signal Station, St George during full moon (January-June only) – BNT members Bds$20 non-members Bds$30. ART EXHIBITIONS - The Gallery at Lancaster Great House, St James: Jan-May, Wind Sculptures by Lyman Whitaker as part of the Vernissage, Sculpture in the Garden series by Jerome Radigois from Martinique. 04-08 Mar, Australian Aboriginal Art. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 21 Mar-10 Apr, solo show of watercolours and oils by Barbadian artist and BAC president, Neville ‘Oluyemi’ Legall. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-05 Mar, The Treasures of Grenada, oil and acrylic work on canvas by Susan Mains, American artist living in Grenada. 06 Mar-03 Apr, work by English painter, Janice Sylvia Brock, who has studios in Barbados and Cheshire, UK.
APRIL
03-05 Apr, Oistins Fish Festival with boat racing, grease-pole, fish boning and fishing competitions, live music and entertainment, plus food and drink stalls. 03-25 Apr, International Polo (excludes chukkas): 03-11 Apr, Ladies Tour (Battle of the Sexes) at Holders and Waterhall/Apes Hill. 18-25 Apr, Mexico/USA Tournament at Lion Castle and Clifton. 04, 11, 18 & 25 Apr, *Hike Barbados: 04 Apr from Indian Ground Sports Field in St Andrew, 11 Apr from Harrison Point Lighthouse in St Lucy, 18 Apr from Barclays Park, East Coast Road in St Andrew and 25 Apr from Searles Old Sugar Factory in Christ Church (moon hike). 10 & 28 Apr, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 28 Apr, Digicel Barbados Guineas Day, first leg of the Barbados Triple Crown. 18-25 Apr, The Barbados Reggae Festival: 18 Apr, Digicel Reggae Beach Party, 3pm-10pm at the Carlisle Bay Centre, Bay Street, Bridgetown. 23 Apr, Digicel Vintage Reggae Show & Dance, 9pm-3am at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, Wildey, St Michael. 25 Apr, Digicel Reggae On The Hill, 10am-8pm at Farley Hill National Park, St Peter. 23-25 Apr, Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf, Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane and the Barbados Golf Club courses. 23 Apr, Gun Hill by Moonlight, monthly Barbados National Trust cocktail party held at Gun Hill Signal Station, St George during full moon (January-June only) – BNT members Bds$20 non-members Bds$30. 24 Apr-07 May, Fireball World Sailing Championships, Barbados Yacht Club, Carlisle Bay. ART EXHIBITIONS - The Gallery at Lancaster Great House, St James: Jan-May, Wind Sculptures by Lyman Whitaker as part of the Vernissage, Sculpture in the Garden series by Jerome Radigois from Martinique. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 01-10 Apr, solo show of watercolours and oils by Barbadian artist and BAC president, Neville ‘Oluyemi’ Legall. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-03 Apr, work by English painter, Janice Sylvia Brock, who has studios in Barbados and Cheshire, UK. 05 Apr-08 May, watercolours and oils by English artist, Steve Bonner known for his realist figure paintings, nude studies and Caribbean landscapes.
MAY
01-07 May, Fireball World Sailing Championships, continues at the Barbados Yacht Club. 02-29 May, Polo (excludes chukkas): 02-09 May, Apes Hill 10 Goal Tournament at Waterhall/Apes Hill, Clifton Holders and Lion Castle. 15 May, Colonel Dowding Memorial/D Manning Trophy at Holders. 16 May, Charity Match at Clifton. 22 May, Presidents/Pat Kearns Trophy, Holders. 29 May, End of Season, Holders. 02, 09, 16, 23 & 30 May, *Hike Barbados: 02 May from Bathsheba Community Centre, Hill Crest in St Joseph, 09 May from Applewhaites Plantation Yard in St George, 16 May from Skeete’s Bay in St Philip, 23 May from Conrad Hunte Cricket Ground, Shorey Village in St Andrew (moon hike) and 30 May from Oistins Car Park in Christ Church. 02 May, Ship Inn Fun Run, in aid of Auntie Olga’s Needy Children’s Fund. 05-16 May, ICC World Twenty/20 Championship 2010: Super Eight stage matches at 9.30am and 1.30pm on 05, 06, 07, 08 and 09 May. 16 May, Men’s Final at 11.30am and Women’s Final at 4pm, Kensington Oval. 15 & 22 May, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah. 15-29 May, Celtic Festival, various venues, two weeks of Celtic music, dancing, rugby, golf and beach highland games. 20-23 May, Mount Gay Rum/Boatyard International Regatta, Barbados Yacht Club, Carlisle Bay. 20-24 May, Barbados Masters International Football Festival, Wanderers Football Club. 22-30 May, Barbados Gospelfest, 18th annual event held at various venues including Farley Hill National Park. 22-30 May, SOL Rally Barbados 2010 - 20th Anniversary. 22 May, Scrutineering at Simpson Motors Ltd, Warrens. 23 May, Shell V-Power King of the Hill, location tba. 24 May, Beach Cricket Challenge and Pig Roast, Boatyard Beach Bar. 27 May, ‘Last Chance’ Scrutineering, location tba. 29-30 May, the Barbados Rally Club’s annual international race meet with 9am start on 29 May from Simpson Motors Ltd, Warrens and 7.30am re-start on 30 May from a location tba, with location of finish and Shell V-Power SuperSpecial stage also tba. 31 May, prize giving ceremony and party at The Boatyard. 28 May, Gun Hill by Moonlight, monthly Barbados National Trust cocktail party held at Gun Hill Signal Station, St George during full moon (January-June only) – BNT members Bds$20 non-members Bds$30. ART EXHIBITIONS - The Gallery at Lancaster Great House, St James: Jan-May, Wind Sculptures by Lyman Whitaker as part of the Vernissage, Sculpture in the Garden series by Jerome Radigois from Martinique. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 09 May-05 Jun, group show of watercolours. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-08 May, watercolours and oils by English artist, Steve Bonner known for his realist figure paintings, nude studies and Caribbean landscapes. 10 May-03 Jun, sculptures and artwork by Jamaican artist, Nakazzi Hutchinson who uses a variety of mediums and methods.
JUNE
05 & 19 Jun, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 05 Jun, Fillies Guineas Day. 06, 13, 20 & 27 Jun, *Hike Barbados: 06 Jun from Andrews Sugar Factory in St Joseph, 13 June from Castle Plantation Yard in St Peter, 20 Jun from Hackleton’s Cliff Top in St Joseph (moon hike) and 27 Jun from Rock Hall Plantation in St Peter. 10-13 Jun, Segway World Polo Championships, the 5th Annual Woz Challenge Cup will be held at Kensington Oval. Defending champions are actually Barbadians, of team Barbados Flyin’ Fish. 25-27 Jun, Beacon Barbados Open Golf Championships, Royal Westmoreland. 25 Jun, Gun Hill by Moonlight, monthly Barbados National Trust cocktail party held at Gun Hill Signal Station, St George during full moon (January-June only) – BNT members Bds$20 non-members Bds$30. 26-30 Jun, Digicel Series 2010 - South Africa in the West Indies, 3rd Digicel Test Match at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. 28 Jun-03 Jul, Caribbean Golf Association Team Championships, Royal Westmoreland. ART EXHIBITIONS - Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 07 Jun-04 Jul, watercolour group show. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-03 Jun, sculptures and mixed media artwork by Jamaican artist, Nakazzi Hutchinson. 05 Jun-08 Jul, Newcomers Art Group show.
JULY
03 & 17 Jul, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 03 Jul, Pinnacle Feeds Barbados Midsummer Creole Classic Day, second leg of the Barbados Triple Crown. 04, 11, 18 & 25 Jul, *Hike Barbados: 04 Jul from St Thomas Post Office in St Thomas, 11 Jul from Portvale Sugar Factory in St James, 18 Jul from Cove Bay in St Lucy and 25 Jul from Kendal Plantation in St John. 03-22 Jul, 24th Annual Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament, 3 week event. 03 Jul-02 Aug, Crop Over Festival: 03 Jul, Opening Gala, Queen’s Park, Bridgetown; 24 Jul, Junior Kadooment, National Stadium; 25 Jul, Party Monarch Finals, Ermy Bourne Highway, (East Coast Road); 30 Jul, Pic-o-de-Crop Finals, Kensington Oval; 31 July, Bridgetown Market, Spring Garden Highway and Foreday Morning, Spring Garden Highway. 05-10 Jul, Caribbean Golf Championships, Royal Westmoreland. ART EXHIBITIONS - Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 01-04 Jul, watercolour group show. Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-08 Jul, Newcomers Art Group show.
AUGUST
01-2 Aug, Crop Over Festival continues: 01 Aug, Bridgetown Market, Spring Garden Highway; 01 Aug, Cohobblopot, Kensington Oval; 02 Aug, Grand Kadooment Day, National Stadium to Spring Garden Highway; 14 Aug, Crop Over Awards Ceremony, Frank Collymore Hall. 07 & 21 Aug, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 07 Aug, United Insurance Barbados Derby Day, third and final leg of the Barbados Triple Crown. 01, 08, 15, 22 & 29 Aug, *Hike Barbados: 01 Aug from Lodge School in St John, 08 Aug from Archers Bay in St Lucy, 15 Aug from Hayman’s Old Sugar Factory in St Peter, 22 Aug from Carrington’s Old Sugar Factory in St Philip, (moon hike) and 29 Aug from Barclays Park, East Coast Road in St Andrew. 22-28 Aug, Banks International Hockey Festival with teams from Europe, UK North America & the Caribbean. ART EXHIBITIONS - Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 02-07 Aug, local scenes by Barbadian artists, Denzil Mann, Neville Legal and Omowale Stewart. 09 Aug-04 Sep, mixed media and stitched textile artist Christine Rollitt and mixed media artist, Harriet Rollitt.
SEPTEMBER
04 & 11 Sep, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah. 05, 12, 19 & 26 Sep, *Hike Barbados: 05 Sep from Foul Bay in St Philip, 12 Sep from Turners Hall Wood at former site of Turner’s Hall Plantation in St Andrew, 19 Sep from Bath Beach in St John (moon hike) and 26 Sep from Bulkeley Plantation in St George. ART EXHIBITIONS - Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-04 Sep, mixed media and stitched textile artist Christine Rollitt and mixed media artist, Harriet Rollitt. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 05-25 Sep, Little Gems Group Show.
OCTOBER
03, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Oct, *Hike Barbados: 03 Oct from Spring Hall Old Sugar Factory in St Lucy, 10 Oct from Codrington College in St John, 17 Oct from Gun Hill in St George (moon hike), 24 Oct from Haggatts Old Sugar Factory in St Andrew and 31 Oct from Long Beach in Christ Church. 16-17 Oct, Sagicor Run for Life Weekend. 10 Oct, National Triathlon Championships, Spring Garden Highway. 19-23 Oct, Sun, Sea and Slams International Bridge Festival, Island Inn Hotel. 23-24 Oct, National Surfing Championships, Soup Bowl, Bathsheba. ART EXHIBITIONS - Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 31 Oct-30 Nov, Independence Group Show
NOVEMBER
01 Nov, Lighting Ceremony, Heroes Square, Bridgetown, start of the Independence celebrations with lighting ceremony and cultural folk show. 06-07 Nov, Sizzlin Sand Barbados Sunsplash Volleyball, Brandons Beach. 06, 13, 27 Nov, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah: 13 Nov, Diamonds International/Audemars Piguet Day. 07, 14, 21 & 28 Nov, *Hike Barbados: 07 Nov from Pool Plantation in St John, 14 Nov from Indian Ground Sports Field in St Andrew, 21 Nov from Barclays Park, East Coast Road in St Andrew (moon hike) and 28 Nov from Roberts Manufacturing in St Michael. 19-21 Nov, The Barbados Independence Surf Festival, Pro Surfing Championships, Soup Bowl, Bathsheba. 19-22 Nov, Barbados Food & Wine and Festival, special events, cooking demonstrations by international and local chefs and wine/rum seminars held at various locations, including Sandy Lane hotel, Lion Castle Polo Estate, George Washington House, Mount Gay Visitor Centre and St Nicholas Abbey. Tickets from US$45 for demos, $75-100 for events and $250 for dinner at The Cliff. 21 Nov, Nation Fun Walk. 27-28 Nov, RBTT Golf Classic, Barbados Golf Club. 30 Nov, Independence Day, celebrating 44th year. Commences with parade and ceremony at the Garrison Savannah. tba, CLOBI Cup, international Twenty/20 masters (ages 35 and over) tournament, Kensington Oval. ART EXHIBITIONS - Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 08 Nov-04 Dec, neo-cubist art using oils on canvas by Barbadian/Egyptian artist Howaida Moussa Weel. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 01 Nov-04 Dec, Independence Group Show
DECEMBER
01-05 Dec, Barbados International Film Festival, showcase for Caribbean, Latin American and worldwide independent films. 03-05 Dec, 28th Run Barbados Festival, with Expo & Health Fair, a Midnight Fun Mile, a 10K race, a Half Marathon and a Marathon. 04, 11 & 27 Dec, Horse Racing, Garrison Savannah : 11 Dec, Diamonds International/Audemars Piguet Fans Appreciation Day. 04 Dec, Barbados Museum Fine Craft Festival, museum courtyard, 10am-6pm. 02 Dec, Polo Season, start of the Barbados polo season which runs December to May, with majority of matches or chukkas taking place on Thursdays and Saturdays at one of four polo fields - Holders, Clifton, Lion Castle and Apes Hill/Waterhall. 05, 12, 19 & 26 Dec, *Hike Barbados: 05 Dec from Drax Hall Plantation in St George, 12 Dec from Ministry of Agriculture, Graeme Hall in Christ Church, 19 Dec from Brandons Beach opposite Malibu in St Michael (moon hike) and 26 Dec from Andrews Sugar Factory in St Joseph. ART EXHIBITIONS - Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown: 01-04 Dec, neo-cubist art using oils on canvas by Barbadian/Egyptian artist Howaida Moussa Weel. Barbados Arts Council Gallery, Pelican Craft Centre: 01-04 Dec, Independence Group Show. 05-30 Dec, Christmas Group Show.
Barbados Public Holidays 2010: 01 & 21 January, 02, 05 & 28 April, 01 & 24 May, 02 August, 30 November, 25 & 27 December.
*Hikes take approx. 3 hrs and start mornings at 6am when there are four groups at varying speeds from slow/stop & stare, medium, fast medium and fast/grin & bear, and afternoons at 3.30pm (changes to 5.30pm on full moon) with one group at the stop & stare pace.
Please note that the above events and dates may be subject to change/cancellation. Please check locally for confirmation of details. |
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Car Hire
Hiring a car is an excellent addition to a visit to the Caribbean, but particularly so in Barbados because there is plenty to do and because the island is surprisingly good to explore. There are some delightful beaches cut into the cliffs of the south east, which make for an excellent day out and picnic, and the Atlantic coast is wonderfully dramatic. Getting lost in the cane fields is almost par for the course, so don’t worry when you do. Just stop and ask and someone is bound to help. Finally, there are all the restaurants to visit in the evening. From an island perspective, cars are a vital aspect of local life. The majority of Bajans would prefer to drive a few hundred yards to work than to walk and so there is actually a serious rush hour each morning and evening. There are a staggering 1719 km of paved road network on the island.
A local driving permit is required to drive in Barbados. This costs Bds$10 and can be obtained from the car hire company when you hire the car, or at any police station. If you are visiting during the winter season and know that you will want a car then it is advisable to book it well in advance otherwise, due to demand, it could prove impossible to get hold of one. You must have held a licence for at least two years to hire a car in Barbados, and be at least 21 years of age and under 75 years of age. We have found consistently that the best car hire company on the island is Stoutes Car Rentals. Their service is island-wide although they are based in St Philip. They also have the exclusive concession at the cruise port and have a booth at the airport.
On Barbados, we recommend Stoutes Car Rentals. Please see here for our review on Stoutes Car Rentals together with full details of their services and special offer discounts.
2009-2010 Stoutes Car Rentals Rate Guide in US$ per day/week:
Mini Moke Auto (4str) - 61/265
Jimny Jeep (Hard top) A/C Auto (4str) – 70/330
Jimny Jeep (Soft top) A/C Auto (4str) – 74/350
Vitara Jeep 1500cc (Hard top) A/C Auto (5str) – 85/420
Terios Jeep 1500cc (Hard top) A/C Auto (5str) – 85/420
Vitara Jeep 2000cc (Hard top) A/C Auto (5str) – 98/490
Small Car A/C Auto (4str) - 62/275
Med Car A/C Auto (5str) - 67/325
Large Car Fully loaded A/C Auto (5str) - 72/350
Kia Carens A/C Auto (6str) - 95/450
Suzuki APV Van A/C Auto (6str) – 77/370
Toyota Noah Van A/C fully loaded (6str) - 92/440
Rates are in US$, subject to 15% VAT and are valid 05 Jan 2009-16 Dec 2010.
Comprehensive insurance is included in the rental rate except for a deductible of US$1,500 in case of loss, accident or damage to the vehicles - regardless of fault.
A collision damage waiver (CDW) is offered to cover this deductible at a cost of US$49/week or US$10/day. Clients are charged for the petrol in the vehicles at the time of hire, and should return the vehicles empty. Child seats and booster seats are available for hire on request. Car hire rates, CDW, petrol, and extras such as child and booster seats are subject to 15% VAT. Payment is made for the hire at the time of delivery.
Credit cards are accepted - American Express, Visa, Discover or MasterCard. You may also pay by cash (U.S., Canadian, Sterling or Euros) or Traveller’s Cheques.
Please read our Essential Notes for Caribbean Driving
Stoutes Car Rentals
This company has been known to us for 15 years and comes highly recommended. Good cars, efficient service with a smile. Island-wide deliveries/collections including airport. They have exclusive concession for the Barbados Port and is the only car hire company with a booth at the Cruise Terminal (located just outside). |
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