BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS

Shortly after leaving Bridgetown Harbour, we pass by Pelican Village – a small arts and crafts centre which houses a number of shops offering locally made gifts and souvenirs. Next we drive along Broad Street, the main shopping area of Bridgetown, followed by Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square).

Continuing through the suburbs of Bridgetown, we will soon see the more rural scenery that Barbados has to offer. We pass by the Emancipation Statue, depicting a freed slave, which commemorates the abolition of slavery. Gun Hill Signal Station, high on a hill, appears before us as we ascend through the parish of St George. We will also notice the large statue of a lion, carved from a single piece of coral, which was made by an English army captain named Wilkinson, in 1868.

Our journey then takes us past fields of sugar cane and through sleepy country villages, descending towards the Atlantic coastline and Bathsheba, where we will stop for approximately 15 minutes to enjoy the spectacular views of the East Coast Hills on one side and the pounding Atlantic surf on the other.

Further along the East Coast Road, we stop at Barclays Park for a photo opportunity – a 50-acre gift to the Government of Barbados from the bank of the same name, to commemorate the island’s independence in 1966. The area is known as the Scotland District because Scottish settlers remarked that the hills reminded them of the Scottish Highlands, and has since been declared a National Park.

Through lush vegetation and past chattel houses, our drive continues until we reach the Highland Adventure Centre, located near the centre of the island in the parish of St Thomas, at a elevation of more than 300 metres (1,000 feet) above sea level. On the well-maintained grounds stands a gazebo and a bar where we will enjoy a cool and refreshing complimentary drink. From here the view of the East Coast is truly breathtaking! The deep blue of the Atlantic contrasts with the unspoiled beauty of nearby Mount Hillaby, which at 347 metres (1,138 feet) above sea level, is the highest point of the island.

Our tour progresses westwards, across the northern part of the island, to Holetown, where a monument commemorates the landing in 1605 of the first British settlers, who claimed the island ‘in the name of James I of England’. Continuing southwards, we drive along the West Coast, where the clear sea gently kisses some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and many of the rich and famous have their ‘getaways’. This section of the island is often referred to as the ‘Gold Coast’, because of the number of very wealthy people who have come to live here over the years. It also boasts some of the finest hotels and restaurants.

Our return journey will be via the Spring Garden Highway as we make our way back to Bridgetown and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that this tour does involve a small amount of walking and standing including approximately 20 minutes at the Highland Adventure Centre and 15 minutes at Bathsheba – there will also be two steps to negotiate here. There is also an approximate 300 metre (1,000 feet) walk through the terminal building to reach the tour vehicles. Please note that it is illegal to wear camouflage in Barbados.