North Point Lighthouse
Though it is no longer operable, this majestic, cylindrical-shaped relic in all its grandeur still attracts visitors to its doors. They visit this 85-foot majestic ivory tower and sometimes, at their own risk, climb the tall winding staircase to the top to experience the 360-degree wrapped lantern and gallery or conversely, they visit to simply view the tower and ruins of the lightkeeper’s quarters.
Historically speaking, the 20th century built tower was the last lighthouse built on the island and is listed as one of four (4) remaining lighthouses in Barbados. Its construction began on June 22, 1925, when its first foundation stone was laid by His Excellency Sir C.M. O’Brien K.C.M.G and Governor. One year later, upon completion, the tower stood at 145 feet above sea level and carried a beacon which gave two white beam flashes at fifteen-second intervals. That beacon (officially lit by His Excellency W.C.F. Robertson, Governor on April 1, 1926) was used to provide a navigational warning to vessels to stay away from the northern coastline, or else be lost to the toiling surf, jagged cliffs and naturally carved limestone fringes that lay hidden there. The lighthouse, currently managed by the Barbados Port Inc, no longer provides those beam flashes and along with the other three lighthouses have long been retired.
Today, Harrison’s Point Lighthouse still boasts phenomenal views that have been said to have left some visitors completely awe-struck. Photographers can take advantage of every photo opportunity, as this unique vantage point of the northern coast is set upon the backdrop of the magnificent blue hues of the Atlantic Ocean. From this point, you may even be able to see a nearby popular attraction, the Animal Flower Cave, another great stop on any visit to st. Lucy.
Notably, North Point is also located adjacent to what was once the United States Naval Facility, Barbados (NAVFAC Barbados) which operated on island for 22 years from October 1957 to March 1979. The location was identified at that time as a prime location to use sonar to search the waters of the Atlantic ocean for Soviet nuclear submarines. In 2005, Many years after its 1979 U.S. decommission, the secure, and somewhat isolated location, was again quickly retrofitted and brought back to life to be used as a temporary holding facility to house local prisoners after the island's main prison, Glendairy, was severely ravaged by fire. Today the facility has again been repurposed, has received a complete reconstruction and is now being used as a multipurpose medical facility, managed by the government of Barbados.
Additional Information:
- Price: n/a
- Suited for: Adults preferred
- Access: A vehicle is required to get to the North Point Lighthouse
- Activity Level: Moderate walking
- Surface Level: Combination of gravel, soil and concrete
- Wear:
- Comfortable shoes (preferably sneakers)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Scenery: Fantastic for Photos
- Important Notes:
- The North Point Lighthouse is not opened for public access into the structure.
- Not suited for wheelchair access.
- There are no bathrooms available