Find out more about a holiday in Barbados
Though Barbados’ Garrison was the largest British military establishment in the Caribbean in the late 18th century, only recently has the historical significance of this 150-acre complex been given the attention it deserves.
In 2011, Unesco placed Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison on its World Heritage List as “an outstanding example of British colonial architecture”.
Many buildings – forts, barracks, hospitals, stables – remain intact, though most now serve other uses. The Garrison’s centrepiece, the former parade ground, is today encircled by the impressive horse-racing track.
The Barbados Garrison Historical Consortium runs guided tours on Thursday and Friday mornings. These include access to St Ann’s Fort, where you can view a great collection of British 16th- and 17th-century cannons.
Behind the Garrison is Barbados Museum, with a collection of artefacts from prehistoric times to the present day. It is housed in the Garrison’s former military prison.
Another highlight is watching the Changing of the Sentry ceremony, performed by retired soldiers in colourful uniforms once worn by the West India Regiments.
On the site and open to the public is the beautifully restored house where George Washington, the first president of the US, lived briefly in 1751.
Close by, a recently discovered underground tunnel – part of a fascinating network of passageways beneath the Garrison — can be viewed via a live video feed. By the spring, you should be able to walk through the tunnel.
The old part of Bridgetown also comes under Unesco’s listing. While the colonial heritage of the bustling capital is less readily apparent than at the Garrison, a number of historic buildings are evident.
You can tour the House of Assembly and Senate of the island’s handsome Parliament Buildings, while the Museum of Parliament provides an engaging overview of the long journey to self-governance. And do pop in to the under-visited synagogue, the oldest in the western hemisphere, dating from the 1650s.