Barbados - Inland Travel Guides | Barbados | Sub Regions | Barbados - Inland

A short way inland from the wild Atlantic coast, but also within easy reach of the west coast, are several stunning gardens and natural attractions such as ancient forests and caves.

Sights

Parish of St Andrew.

West of Barclays Park and Chalky Mount and reached from St Simon’s Church, Turners Hall Woods provide a good vantage point. It is thought that the wood has changed little since the days before the English arrived, although it is less specialized than a true tropical forest, with only 13 species of lianas and three species of epiphyte. The 50-acre patch of tropical mesophytic forest has never been clear-felled (although individual trees were often taken out) and it managed to survive the massive clearance for sugar cane which took place in the 17th century. You can walk over the steep paths here and see many species, ranging from the sandbox tree to the 100-ft locust trees supported by massive buttresses. This is the only place where you can see Jack-in-the-box trees on Barbados and the forest is a sanctuary for them. The island’s first natural gas field was here and the main path through the wood is the remains of the old road.

Richmond Plantation, St Joseph, T 4338152, ffl@sunbeach.net Daily 0900-1700. US$7, children 5-16 half price. Combined ticket with Orchid World US$11.50. Turn off Highway 2 on the Melvin Hill road just after the agricultural station and follow the signs.

A 50-acre, landscaped former plantation, 850 ft (270 m) above sea level, opened in 1983 with beautifully laid out gardens. The original wooden plantation house, which used to house the snack bar, unfortunately burned down in 1990, so the current administration building was built to replace it. Named paths wend their way around the hillside; they are well-maintained and even suitable for wheelchairs, although there are a few which go off the main tracks and can only be negotiated on foot. The garden contains species not only from Barbados but also from over the world, beautifully arranged with plenty of colour year round. You can find heliconias, ginger lilies, orchids, anthurium, ixoras and bougainvillea as well as productive plants such as bananas, cocoa, coffee and breadfruit. The outstanding feature of this garden, however, is the forest. Enormous trees loom above you, with Royal and other palms giving shade to the paths, while in between you can find bearded fig trees and huge baobab and mango trees. Here and there they open onto large grassy areas affording excellent views over the valley to the east coast. Liv’s Lookout in particular has a fantastic view right up the northeast seaboard. To the west you can see Mount Hillaby, at 1,116 ft (340 m) the island’s highest point. The gardeners pride themselves on using only natural fertilizers and no herbicides, except on the orchids, where they use environmentally friendly products. There’s also a Best of Barbados shop, cafeteria and toilets, and a good information sheet.

Highway 2, St Andrew, T 4387011, newden@sunbeach.net 1000-1600 Mon-Sat. Sun by appointment.

Springvale is an 80-ha former sugar plantation converted into a folk museum of Barbados with a presentation of historical rural Barbadian life. Fairly educational, there are eco-tours and a resources information centre, as well as a café. It’s close to the Flower Forest, so worth a detour if you’re in the area.

From Bathsheba you can head inland, driving up Horse Hill to Cotton Tower signal station. Then head south to Wilson Hill where you find Mount Tabor Church and Vila Nova, a plantation Great House dating from 1834. It was once owned by the former British Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden, and until 1994 was part of the National Trust’s heritage trail. The Queen and Prince Philip visited in 1966 during independence celebrations and planted two portlandias, which have very fragrant blooms. Now a five-star, 28-room country resort hotel, it is the ultimate in luxury country living and perfect for a restful break away from the sea, for a meal or to stay, with lush shady gardens, impeccable decor and an elegant restaurant. Very popular for a long, lazy lunch or afternoon tea.

Travel Guides | Barbados | Sub Regions | Barbados - Inland
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