Barbados not only offers sun, two seas and wonderful long stretches of white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, the island abounds with culture, history, sports and activities all of which make Barbados the gem of the Caribbean. Here are some places well worth a visit:-
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Farley Hill - St Peter
Farley Hill is wooded park that has a fantastic view over the Atlantic coast. Here, you can also find a famous ruin and one of Barbados' great houses. The Graeme hall bird sanctuary is the last remaining coastal mangrove swamp. It is a wonderful spot to see local and migratory birds or to spend the day relaxing in the calm and beautiful surroundings.
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Wildlife Reserve - St Peter
Situated in a lush natural mahogany wood it provides a fascinating wildlife experience in the Caribbean. The reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to stroll freely through what is primarily a monkey sanctuary, with the rare chance to observe at close range Green Monkeys in an open setting.
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Flower Forest - St Joseph
A 50-acre plantation over 800 feet above sea level, which has been developed into a tropical garden interspersed with fruit trees and banana groves. It is on the edge of the Scotland district and offers picturesque views.
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Harrison's Cave - St Thomas
This is one of the finest cave systems in the world. It has large chambers, with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, lake streams and waterfalls.
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Sunbury Plantation House - St. Philip
Here you will find a comprehensive collection of Bajan antique furniture and memorabilia with old maps dating back to 1763.
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Andromeda Botanic Gardens - St Joseph
Located near Bathsheba, covers six magnificent acres. A small stream cascades between exotic tropical plants, forming pools and waterfalls. Huge rugged limestone boulders create a natural rock garden, planted with bougainvilleas, hibiscus, philodendrons, orchids, palms and ferns.
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Flower forest
The Flower Forest has brilliantly landscaped paths leading to wonderful views of the Scotland district and thousands of orchids ingeniously grown amidst rock gardens, gullies and pools.
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Gun Hill Signal Station - St George
You will find a magnificent view of the island. It is the finest of the chain of signal stations built in 1818 and was restored and landscaped by the Barbados National Trust. It houses an interesting collection of military memorabilia.
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Chalky Mount - St. Andrew
Chalky Mount is the islands traditional pottery industry, where you can see items made from local clay, being produced in local workshops.
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Golf
Barbados is now recognised as the best golfing island in the Caribbean. The area boasts several world class courses. Royal Westmoreland together with Sandy Lane and Apes Hill are all very close by. The Barbados club is situated back near the airport with a short 9 hole course at Rockley as well. Two other courses are planned for the near future.
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St. Nicholas Abbey - St. Peter
A tour of St. Nicholas Abbey includes the great house, a Jacobean mansion built in 1660 and featuring antiques spanning its 350+ year history. Plus there is rum sampling and a fully working distillery where you can see the cane being crushed.
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Hunte's Garden
Created by a legendary horticulturist with an unusual flair, Anthony Hunte, the extraordinary Hunte's Garden will please even the most keen gardeners and enthusiasts.
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Sunbury Plantation
Sunbury Plantation House is over 300 years old, steeped in history, featuring mahogany antiques, old prints and a unique collection of horse-drawn carriages. This is the only great house in the area where all the rooms are available for viewing.
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Boat Trips
Try a Silver Moon lunch cruise. This is more intimate and friendly than the larger cats. There will be a maximum of 12 guests. You can swim round several wrecks and snorkel with Turtles. They provide a good lunch and afternoon tea as well as a stocked bar which is all included in the price. You can make your own way to the harbour or they will come and collect you from Jus Chillin. Call Silver Moon Charter 438 2088.
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Fun
Some favourite days and nights out:
- Swim with the turtles.
- Silver Moon Boat Trips.
- Fishing.
- Wildlife reserve, see monkeys feeding (walk in zoo).
- Harrison's cave.
- Oistins fish festival on a Friday.
- Sunday lunch at Sandy Lane.
- Tennis at Sugar Hill.
- Harbour Lights and the reggae lounge.
- Trip-over to the east coast.