St. Philip, the largest of the eleven parishes of Barbados, covers the south-east coast of the island. As you travel within its borders, you will encounter some of the most beautiful bays and beaches on the island. Some are easily found, while other treasures are tucked away to be found by treasure seekers. Also found in the parish is a racing circuit and one of the finest presentations of colonial glory found in Sunbury Plantation. As if that isn’t enough, there is also a story of Barbadian rum and much more to be discovered. Join us as we explore the parish of St. Peter.
Top Places to Visit in St. Philip
St. Philip, the largest of the eleven parishes of Barbados, covers the south-east coast of the island. As you travel within its borders, you will encounter some of the most beautiful bays and beaches on the island. Some are easily found, while other treasures are tucked away to be found by treasure seekers. Also found in the parish is a racing circuit and one of the finest presentations of colonial glory found in Sunbury Plantation. As if that isn’t enough, there is also a story of Barbadian rum and much more to be discovered. Join us as we explore the parish of St. Peter.
- Bushy Park Racing Circuit - The home of motor racing in Barbados, the Bushy Park Racing Circuit is an FIA, Grade 3, Racing Facility with a 2.2 Kilometer track and world-renowned racing events such as the Global RallyCross have been hosted at the facility. Further, the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Ken Block have tested their skills on this track and you too can satisfy your need for speed as there are a variety of driving experiences on offer. From go-karts or kitted out Suzuki Swifts to the speedy and aggressive Radical racing car! Fun, Knowledgeable staff and instructors are waiting to take you on the thrill ride of your life.
- East Point Lighthouse - Constructed in 1875, East Point Lighthouse stands at the edge of Ragged Point in St. Philip. The eighty-five-foot tall imposing structure is one of four remaining lighthouses on the island, which served in early times of marine navigation, as a beacon of safety and warning. No longer active, the impressive structure looks out to the Eastern Atlantic and shares with its many visitors, incredible views of rugged St. Philip’s coastline and a perfect view of Culpepper Island.
- Sunbury Plantation House - St. Philip, is home to a plantation house which dates back to 1660. The structure and grounds have seemingly made a deal with time, to stop the ageing and degradation process that traditionally comes with such an old building, to instead leaving it in prime viewing condition.
Sunbury Plantation House, built by one of the island's earliest settlers Matthew Chapman, keeps within its walls a majestic period museum. This attraction has the claim of having one the finest collection of antiques in Barbados and possibly in the Caribbean. The interior boasts lovely mahogany and porcelain antiques, paintings and fully furnished rooms; Around the grounds, you will find similar artefacts dating back to the early beginnings of Barbados, among these is a priceless collection of horse-drawn carriages.
The house is open daily with knowledgeable tour guides waiting to take you around.
- Four Square Rum Distillery and Heritage Park - The Foursquare Rum Distillery is responsible for the creation of some of the best, award-winning, rums in the world. This is not shallow boasting; the prestigious global awards won annually speak for themselves. So, it is quite fitting that paying a visit to the esteemed distillery should be on your list of activities. Located in the parish of St. Philip within the lush green sugar cane fields, you will find the Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park. Fittingly named heritage park because from the time you enter the grounds you will be taking a journey through time with the displays, paintings and buildings. Enjoy a self-guided tour around the park and witness the rum-making process from start to finish. Finally, have a sip and find out why the distillery is one of the best in the world.
- St. Philip Parish Church - The St. Philip Parish Church stands as one of the oldest structures on the island. However, its tenure of existence has been shortened by nature and manmade disasters. The place of worship was destroyed on more than one occasion by hurricanes and even by fire. As such the final building that currently stands today was built in October 1836 and has stood from then to now fulfilling its daily duty as a house of worship. The wonderful architecture is complemented aptly by serene surroundings. Walk among the tombstones and the wonderful stone works and admire the magnificence of the huge silk cotton tree, which is said to date back to the original building in 1640.
- The Crane Beach - Allow yourself to be lost in the beauty of the blue waters and pink sand. Lounge in a beach chair under an umbrella while sipping a delicious cocktail or take a revitalizing swim. The Crane Beach converts the rugged south-east coast of Barbados into a photograph straight out of a travel and lifestyle magazine. In fact, one of those same travel magazines rated Crane Beach as one of the top ten beaches in the world, perfect for lounging or for any of the bevy of beach activities that they have on offer.
Right next door, perched on a clifftop, overlooking the beach is the famed Crane Beach Resort and Residence, offers alternate access to the beach for a fee which is redeemable at the bar.
They also offer a range of five-star dining experiences, duty-free shopping, fine arts, crafts, and a wide range of bars and other stores.
- Culpepper Island - Yes, Barbados does have an island just off its eastern shore. The small uninhabited land mass rises approximately 20 feet from the Atlantic Ocean and spans an approximate 100 feet. During low tide, adventurous locals sometimes make the swim over to the island but this should only be considered if you are a very very strong swimmer & climber - the tide can change without warning and the power of the Atlantic Ocean is quite unforgiving. A few coconut trees, lush greenery and birds call the island home. There have also been findings of artefacts from the Arawak people unearthed on the island - They were the original inhabitants of the islands and the Caribbean.
- Bottom Bay - Picture a collection of tall coconut trees reaching for the blue sky, bending and swaying with the wind. Around those trees are the rugged and dramatic cliffs of the east coast of Barbados. Sitting at the foot of those coconut trees is the beautiful white sand of a stunning, unspoilt beach called Bottom Bay. Entry to this secluded shore is by way of a steep staircase, etched into the cliff face, at the bottom of the stair, a sandy corridor awaits, flanked on either side by large sea grape trees. Exit the corridor, to reveal a great expanse standing before you - serene ambience and natural beauty. The Bay has been used by many international film crews for commercials and by many brides as a beautiful wedding locale, because of its unmatched splendour. A common picnic spot, Bottom Bay is perfect to just sit, relax and let the time pass. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for swimming too because the seas there are very aggressive.
- Shark Hole - I challenge you to find this lovely little Bay... Located on the East Coast of Barbados in the parish of St. Philip, there is a hidden spot that carries the name Shark Hole. You may need the help of friendly locals or a map to help you to find it. When you do eventually arrive, you will discover a bay crafted from the rough cliffs of St. Philip. At low tide, a beautiful beach is revealed, and the waters become still. Protected by a barrier reef there is a calm, almost pool-like area where you can swim safely, but be mindful not to venture too far. You can tell by its shape and characteristics why the name “hole” was given, but its association with “Sharks” is still unknown.
St. Philip is a perfect mix of everything that will make your visit to the beautiful island paradise of Barbados well worth it. Speed, famous beaches, history and Barbadian Rum, what else could you ask for!