Expect to leave some of the modern-day pleasures behind as you travel north into the parish of St. Peter. Here, flanked on three sides by St James, St. Lucy and St. Andrew, the contemporary structural trappings are replaced by quaint towns fishing villages and a natural oasis.
St. Peter's Top Things To Do
St. Peter with its northern town, various attractions and landmarks, add to the Barbadian experience. Visit to make it a part of a truly memorable stay.
Speightstown
A historic town with a wonderful blend of modern buildings and amenities, contrasted against centuries-old colonial structures. Streetside vendors with trays filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, seaside restaurants, fine art galleries, museums, stores, churches and rum shops are just a few of the offerings. The seaside town steeped in history was sometimes called Little Bristol. This is because of its trading connections with Bristol, England which took part in the early colonial years. This quaint town was originally the first major port and commercial hub of Barbados and walking through it will tell the tale of its once prominent position. Its old-world charm is further enhanced with the beauty of the calm blue sea and white sandy beaches. Speightstown is the perfect place to find something to do or spend the day lounging doing nothing at all.
Arlington House Museum
There is no better way to explore the history of Speightstown and Barbados than to visit the Arlington House Museum. Located in the heart of the Speightstown, the Arlington House itself is an architectural piece of the past that has been magnificently refurbished. The eighteenth-century building stands three stories tall, and within, is a well thought out interactive museum which tells the tale of the past. You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy the Arlington experience. Enjoy engaging audio-visual displays from the first to the third floor. It is a perfect example of how history and modern-day technology can combine to give a very worthwhile experience.
Speightstown Mural
Just around the corner on the beachside of Speightstown, is an 80 feet wide and 20 feet tall mural. Completed in 2012, the mural depicts various aspects of Barbadian culture and history and was created to encompass ultra-realistic characters and 3d effects utilising a technique called "trompe l'oeil" (French for deceiving the eye). Painted by world-renown Californian muralist John Pugh and assisted by his wife and Barbadian artist Don Small the creation took almost two years to complete. Take a walk along the boardwalk and view this lovely piece of art and let your eyes be deceived by its brilliance.
Six Men’s Fishing Village
Sitting on the outskirts of Speightstown, on the border into St. Lucy rests in a fishing village that has seemingly ignored the passing of time. This is evident from the charming chattel houses that line the street, to the fish market where the bounty from the sea is displayed and sold, to the popular rum shop where locals and visitors sit enjoying great conversation and good company. Six Men’s is a favourite hangout spot for long-stay visitors who have fully embraced the island life. Visit later in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset as the golden rays of the sun dance on the water and the fishing boats sway with the tide.
Mullins Beach
As like many of the parishes of the island, St. Peters’ coastline boasts a bevy of magnificent beaches including Mullins Beach. Only a few miles from Just before you get to the lovely Speightstown there is a stretch of white sand and blue water heaven, this is Mullins Beach. Located in St. Peter, this oasis is easily accessible and has all the amenities on your wish list. Rent a Beach chair and umbrella, partake in the various water sports or swim with the turtles. One popular attraction though is the Mullins Beach Bar and restaurant serving up a myriad of cocktails and delicious meals. Mullins Beach is one of those special points on the island, where you can enjoy the sun as it disappears into the Caribbean Sea.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a natural habitat for birds, mammals and reptiles. Sloping hills, natural wooded landscape, mature trees and patches of shaded greens provide the home where monkeys, deer and peacocks roam freely. Snakes are kept indoors in special enclosures along with some species of birds. Take your time, walk the trails and enjoy this engaging family experience located in St. Peter and visit at feeding time to enjoy a truly immersive experience.
Grenade Hall Signal Station
Built in 1819, the Grenade Hall Signal Station was once used by the British military as a means of communication. The stations were strategically placed, at the highest points around the island to provide an early warning system for the entire island to protect against invasions or rebellions. Stations were placed in the north, west, east and south view of the island. At Grenade Hall, visitors can experience a genuine piece of British Military history as they peruse the artefacts and listen to an audio presentation which is played as they explore. The panoramic views offered at the top of the station present a unique perspective of the island and provide an excellent photo opportunity and the surrounding Grenade Hall forest provide trails and footpaths also waiting to be explored.
Farley Hill Recreational Park
There has always been something majestic about mighty ruins! One's mind often drifts towards the who, the when and the what.
The lush greenery that is The Farley Hill Recreational Park, the perfect place to set your mind free to wonder. Set amongst tall mahogany trees and undulating hills is the centerpiece of the park - A colonial, coral stone mansion. Though the structure has been consumed by shrubs, roots and grass, the beauty remains in the juxtaposition of the grey and dark-coloured tones of the stones, contrasting with the rich green colour palette, provided by mother nature.
The ruins of the mansion tell the story of what was once a prestigious show of wealth and power. Originally built in 1818, the house was improved upon through the years to host royalty and those with Colonial power. In 1965 the property was ravaged by fire and instead of rebuilding, the estate was instead transformed into a national park and officially opened by one year leather by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Today the grounds offer an ideal spot for picnics and are popular among the locals on Bank Holidays. Here the tall trees create a beautiful canopy where rays of sunlight flicker through, to create the perfect picnic shade. A venture uphill to the highest point in the park reveals a stunning view of the east coast of the island. The park is also home to a simple kids play park and a beautiful gazebo. By nature of its size and shape, the hills create a natural amphitheatre which is frequently used by some of the biggest music festivals on the island.
St. Nicholas Abbey and Heritage Train
Several grand treasures of past eras are concealed within the boundaries of St. Peter. St. Nicholas Abbey is evidence of this claim. An architectural wonder, the St. Nicholas Abbey Great House is one of only three remaining Jacobean style mansions in the Western Hemisphere ( Another, Drax Hall Plantation, is also located in Barbados in the parish of St. George)
The Abbey has been magnificently restored and maintained, to ensure that visitors feel as if they have been transported back in time to hear the story of the Abbey, its artefacts and antiques. The Abbey also operates as a rum distillery and an interactive tour will take you through the rum-making process from the beginning to the end. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to not only sip the splendid St. Nicholas Abbey Rums but also to purchase a bottle of liquid excellence. A Heritage railway was added in 2019 and is the ideal complement to this historic attraction! The train takes you through the fields of the plantation and gives a breathtaking view of the east coast.
St. Peter with its northern town, various attractions and landmarks, add to the Barbadian experience. Visit to make it a part of a truly memorable stay.