Barbados is a world-famous resort island that has long been uninhabited. Thousands of travelers want to get here because now it’s a real treasure trove of attractions.
The gentle sun and warm sea, endless beaches and coral reefs, green fields and wineries, an abundance of historical monuments and traditional carnivals, as well as a huge number of cultural and sports events, make this island one of the real gems of the Caribbean.
However, the main asset of the country is its unique nature, hidden in the dense thickets of forests, gardens and tropical lands. Therefore, it’s recommended to enjoy it, and the best way to do this is to use a car. Avis car rental at Grantley Adams Airport is ready to provide the right vehicle to make your trip easy and your experience unforgettable. Well, here are the best natural places to explore in Barbados by car…
Flower Forest Botanical Gardens
Address: Richmond Road, Melvin Hill, Richmond Rd, Sugar Hill, Barbados
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Flower Forest is located in the heart of Barbados in St. Joseph County, about 13 kilometers away from Bridgetown. This is natural woodland, where, thanks to the skillful work of landscape designers, you can enjoy all the splendor of the tropical vegetation of the island: majestic palm trees, colorful shrubs, and tropical flowers.
You can get to the Flower Forest by bus from Bridgetown Fairchild Street Terminal or by a rental car. When approaching the garden there are green signs that won’t let you get lost. It takes about 15 minutes to reach it by car from Bridgetown.
The flower forest welcomes visitors with a riot of flowers and paints, while fiery red and orange heliconia stand out against the general background. The garden has a huge variety of flowers, so it won’t be easy to focus on one thing – you can always turn off the central paths into the depths of the garden, where all the most interesting is hidden.
Frequent guests of the Flower Garden are green monkeys, who are used to human presence, like to watch visitors and sometimes even amuse them with their tricks.
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You can stroll through the garden for a long time, enjoying peace and tranquility, and relaxing on the numerous benches. Upon reservation, guided tours lasting 45 minutes may be organized. So, if the time for visiting is limited, then the tour will be a great option.
The garden has a gift shop and a snack bar where you can taste flying fish dishes.
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-4pm
Admission: $12.50 for adults, $6.25 for children 4-12, free of charge for kids under 4
Welchman Hall Gully
Address: Welchman Hall, Barbados
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Welchman Hall Gully is a 400-meter-long ravine located in St. Thomas County on the Barbados Island. You’ll find various tropical plants and trees growing there, including nutmeg, bamboo, cloves and palm trees.
Getting to Welchman Hall Gully is possible by:
- car;
- bus (from Bridgetown from the central bus station or from the central post office);
The journey takes about 25 minutes. Welchman Hall Gully captivates at first glance: the traveler finds himself in a tropical forest in its original form.
What makes this place unusual is that the ravine was formed after the collapse of the cave arches, which were a continuation of Harrison’s Cave. Exotic trees and a grapefruit garden were planted there.
Today, more than 150 species of plants grow in this tropical garden. In addition, Welchman Hall Gully is the habitat of green monkeys and every morning you can watch how they are fed – it’s better to check the time in advance.
A tour around the Welchman Hall Gully will take about 30-45 minutes. When traveling to this place, you need to keep in mind that is the wettest place in Barbados with the highest level of humidity. Thus, don’t forget to grab comfortable shoes and long-sleeved clothes.
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-3.30pm
Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-12, free of charge for kids under 5
Hunte’s Gardens
Address: Highway 3A, Coffee Gully, Barbados
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The stunning garden in Barbados, created a little over ten years ago by the Englishman Anthony Hunte, will delight the eyes of both ordinary tourists and the most demanding gardeners.
Hunte’s Gardens are located almost in the center of the island, in St. Joseph County. You can get there by taxi, with a guided tour, or by a rental car. The road from St. Lawrence Gap or Holetown won’t take more than 30 minutes.
Hunte’s tropical gardens are a small piece of paradise, and a must-see sight when traveling to Barbados. The garden consists of several levels – from lovely and sunny open areas, to the dark and mysterious Caribbean jungle.
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A scenic and easy route for a walk hides many secrets – these are exotic plants and birds, as well as amazing landscapes and secluded corners. Numerous benches scattered around the gardens are comfortably hidden among the greenery allowing everyone to enjoy the birdsong and classical music that ideally fits into this unique atmosphere.
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Admission: $15/person
