Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
The core of a World Heritage Site, with 17th–19th-century British military fortifications and the Garrison racecourse. Barbados’s independence was declared here in 1966.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison were added to the World Heritage List in 2011. They represent some of the most complete surviving military and urban remains from the British colonial era in the Caribbean. The Garrison Savannah has been used as a racecourse since 1845. Its surroundings include the main guardhouse, batteries, and red-brick barracks, and the grass is lined with many old cannons. When Barbados became independent in 1966, the Union Jack was lowered and the new flag raised here. The grassy area is open free all day, but tickets are required on race days. You can walk here along with the Barbados Museum and the George Washington House.
Opening hours
Open all day (racecourse lawn)
Nearby sights
- George Washington House
- Barbados Museum & Historical Society
- Carlisle Bay
- The Careenage & Chamberlain Bridge
- Parliament Buildings
- St. Michael's Cathedral
- Nidhe Israel Synagogue
- Kensington Oval