The Parish of Saint Peter (“St. Peter”) is one of eleven parishes in Barbados and home to Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences and Port Ferdinand Yacht Club and Beach Residences. Named after the Christian Apostle and patron saint, Saint Peter is located in the north of Barbados, extending from the east coast to the west and encompassing part of Barbados’ “Platinum Coast” with its abundant white sand beaches.
Characterized by its rolling hills and terraces, Saint Peter is the ultimate tourist destination replete with an extraordinary range of natural attractions, local hotspots, and places of interest. How can you make sure that you see the best of St. Peter on your next trip? Here is our handpicked list of the best places of interest to visit in St. Peter, Barbados.
Speightstown
Fancy some shopping? Speightstown is one of Barbados’ major towns rooted in a rich history with buildings dating back to the seventeenth century when Barbados was first settled. Quaint yet charming, Speightstown is a vibrant blend of architecture and people. From the sidewalk vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables to the fishermen unloading their catch along the jetty, there are plenty of opportunities to shop for fresh food. There are ample shops and restaurants and you will also find several beautiful beaches which tend to be less busy than others along this popular coast.
Arlington House Museum
Experience life in a bygone era! Located right in the heart of Speightstown, Arlington House Museum is a restored eighteenth-century building complete with an interactive three-story museum that is both educational and engaging. Children, in particular, will love the interactive and audiovisual features of the museum and the whole family will enjoy learning about Barbados’ heritage.
Fisherman’s Pub
Want to try some local food? Head to Fisherman’s Pub next door to the Speightstown fish market for an authentic Bajan dining experience complete with Bajan macaroni pie, flying fish, and of course, rum punch! This rum-shop style eatery is popular among locals who pass through for takeaway but provides an enjoyable dine-in experience with stunning sea views.
Farley Hill National Park
This historic ruin of a Georgian mansion built by Sir Graham Briggs amongst a forest of mahogany trees is known today as the Farley Hill National Park and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on February 15, 1966. Situated high up on a hill overlooking Barbados’ rugged Atlantic coast, Farley Hill is a picnic area, wedding venue, and vista point, featuring views of the east coast of Barbados. The expansive grounds are transformed into the stage for musical and theatrical events several times a year, including the Barbados Jazz Festival and Gospelfest, among others.
Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Across the road from Farley Hill National Park, you’ll find the Barbados Wildlife Reserve situated in a lush four-acre mahogany grove. The reserve is primarily a monkey sanctuary for the Barbados Green Monkey but you will also find other animals strolling freely and playing in their natural environment including parrots, flamingos, agouti, armadillo, Brocket deer, pelicans, caimans, snakes, iguanas, and more.
St. Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is one of the more famous landmarks in Barbados. Built in 1658, it is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Steeped in rich history and heritage, St. Nicholas Abbey is a plantation house, museum and rum distillery and has recently added a heritage railway to its suite of attractions where visitors can tour the plantation’s grounds on a beautiful steam locomotive.
Cherry Tree Hill
Approximately 850 feet above sea-level, this look-out point offers a phenomenal view of the “Scotland District” which spans the rugged, windswept eastern shore of the island. You can access Cherry Tree Hill via road or as the final stop on the St Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway. It is believed that the name “Cherry Tree Hill” originated from the large number of cherry trees which once existed at this location. Today the road is lined with mahogany trees, which were introduced into Barbados after the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
To see the best Barbados has to offer, contact our dedicated concierge at Saint Peter’s Bay or Port Ferdinand who would be delighted to book you an island tour, personal guide or vehicle so you can experience it on your own.
