Include a Visit to The Abbey on your Tour of Barbados

Located in St. Peter, Barbados, the St. Nicholas Abbey is one of those must visits on your vacation. The centerpiece of this plantation is the Jacobean style mansion, built in 1658. It is one of only three surviving in the Western Hemisphere. The house has been lovingly maintained and restored to period and features a look into 17th century Barbados. Then there is the rum distillery. This working distillery produces award-winning rums in limited runs using traditional sugar-cane distillation methods. The cane is grown on the working plantation and is of a unique varietal for this specific use. While you may have gotten up to The Abbey in your hired car, you will want to make sure your visit to the estate includes a ride on the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway. This steam railway takes you back to a time when Barbados had a functioning railway system which connected the remote parts of the island to the capital in Bridgetown.

When you eventually climb back into your rental car, we suggest that you look east and avail yourself of the spectacular vistas of the eastern side of St. Peter and beyond from your vantage on Cherry Tree Hill. The tree lined approach from the west is enchanting, and then the landscape opens up to reveal one of the most stunning views on the island. Definitely a photo op every day!  With this month’s We Gatherin’ Barbados 2020 focus on St. Peter, what better time to take the drive up north and allow yourself a day with your hired car exploring these gems of Barbados.

Although small in size, Barbados offers a dense road network with many hidden treasures and the best way to explore is when you rent a car and make your own itinerary. Enjoy the freedom of moving on your own schedule and make the most of your tropical getaway. Remember, it’s never winter in Barbados!