Things to do in St. Peter & Speightstown

Near the Farley Hill National Park, the wildlife reserve is part of a mahogany forest where you can spot green monkeys, parrots and flamingos in their natural environment. See snakes, turtles and iguanas too, as well as non-native species like caiman, armadillo and deer.

Once a highly respected hilltop 19th century mansion and plantation, now ruins surrounded by woodland - but still spectacular. Some of it was rebuilt to film Island in the Sun in the fifties, but after a fire in 1965 it became national parkland. The views up top are incredible – perfect for picnics – and music and theatre events are often hosted here.

There are only three Jabobean mansions remaining in the western hemisphere, and this is one of them. It’s also the oldest Great House on the island, dating back to 1650 or so with a fascinating history, including stories of love, murder, politics and mystery. The rooms feature period furnishings, including pieces that belonged to the original owner. A working 1890 steam mill, restored in 2006, grinds sugar to create the St Nicholas Abbey Rum which can be bought in the plantation gift shop.

Built in 1819, this signal station is one of a group of stations that was used for communication across the island – to provide warning of incoming ships or slave rebellions. Though it’s redundant for communication purposes these days, its hilltop location provides the perfect vantage point to look out over Barbados. The Grenade Hall Forest has some terrific trails to wander around, with signposts indicating certain trees and plants and their remedial uses.

The Animal Flower Cave can be found at the island’s northernmost point, with natural underground pools to take a dip in and absolutely stunning views over the sea. Look out for the formations in the rock of lizards and turtles. Whether you’re following a local guide or setting off to explore the cave on your own, bring a camera and you can capture some amazing silhouette photos here.

The brainchild of Pierre Spenard and masterpiece of John Pugh and Don Small, this incredible mural is a Trompe-l’oeil illusion called ‘The Bridge of Tides’. It depicts the history of Barbados, featuring the iconic Harrison’s cave to indicate the island’s millions of years of history. A bridge symbolises the link between the first settlers and modern day Barbadians. You can spot Arawaks, slave ships, the bearded fig tree the island is named for and the green monkeys that swing all over the island. Fishing, cricket and golf get a mention, as do famous Barbadians like Errol Barrow, the first Prime minister and cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers.

The Morgan Lewis Windmill holds the title of the Caribbean’s biggest and only complete sugar windmill. It was used to grind sugarcane in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Barbados National Trust run demonstrations in the winter months to show how sugarcane was ground using the power of wind.