Holidays to Barbados

White sand beaches, swaying palm trees… Barbados is the quintessential Caribbean island. But while its sister islands are arranged in a neat, north south chain, Barbados sits apart, further east into the Atlantic, in a little bit of paradise of its own.

Barbados has very strong links to its colonial past and if you can’t actually see the British influence, you’ll certainly recognise it in placenames like Trafalgar Square and the Kensington Oval cricket ground. As a coral island (rather than a volcanic one), Barbados is relatively low-lying. You’ll find its interior of gently rolling hills dotted with exotic and indigenous plants and wildflowers just as enticing as its famous white sand beaches.

Barbados brought rum to the world, a legacy of its sugar cane plantations and tropical climate. No visit would be complete without a visit to one of the island’s many distilleries, where you can get a taste for the history and flavour of its most famous export.

Barbados is a such a beautiful island that it may be tempting to simply lie under a palm tree and soak up the sun. But a little exploration reveals the island’s fascinating history, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in the Caribbean.

Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is as lively and colourful as it is fascinating to explore. The mix of English, American and African influences lend the city a unique character, and you can follow its rich history, culture and heritage in places like the Barbados Museum which is housed in the 19th century military prison buildings, and the George Washington House and Museum, where the young George Washington stayed in 1751.

Harrison’s Cave is one of the most famous natural wonders in Barbados. Located right in the centre of the island, this mile-long underground cave system opens up into echoing caverns studded with impressive stalagmites and stalactites, and rock channels etched with weird and wonderful crystallised shapes.