Saint Philip: Coast, motorsport and history

Saint Philip is the largest of Barbados’s eleven parishes and encompasses the island’s southeast coast. Coastal spots, historic buildings and a racing circuit give the destination a variety of character. When looking for hotels for your stay, you can first consider whether your trip will focus mainly on beach time, culture or motorsport. The following places show how these interests find different expression in Saint Philip.

Beaches and coastline: different impressions

Crane Beach has pink sand and blue water. You can swim there or relax on a sun lounger beneath a parasol. Bottom Bay offers a different coastal scene: the white-sand beach lies beneath coconut palms on the cliff-lined east coast of Barbados. Bottom Bay is also considered a popular picnic spot. Both the scenery and the activities mentioned can help you choose between the two beaches: swimming and relaxing on the beach are the focus at Crane Beach, while Bottom Bay is also known as a picnic spot.

Shark Hole is a secluded coastal spot on the east coast of Barbados in Saint Philip. Local knowledge or a map can help you find it. If you plan to visit this place, finding your way there is an important part of your preparation.

History, culture and rum production

St. Philip Parish Church is one of the oldest buildings in Barbados. Sunbury Plantation House dates back to 1660; East Point Lighthouse, on the edge of Ragged Point in Saint Philip, was built in 1875 and is no longer active. The dates place two of the historic sites in chronological context, while the church offers a different perspective on the island’s architectural heritage through its standing among the island’s oldest buildings.

Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park features exhibits and paintings. A self-guided tour shows the rum-making process from beginning to end. Visitors can therefore not only view exhibits but also learn about the various stages of production. Check current tour options before your visit.

Motorsport in Saint Philip

Bushy Park Racing Circuit is an FIA Grade 3 racing venue with a 2.2-kilometre track. It has hosted Global RallyCross events, among others. Motorsport enthusiasts will find both specific details about the facility and a connection to past races here. The track length and classification describe the circuit; the races held there add to this picture by highlighting its motorsport history.

A wider look at Barbados

Across Barbados as a whole, there are further cultural and natural attractions. Historic Bridgetown is a well-preserved old town dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and an outstanding example of British colonial architecture. Bridgetown and its Garrison are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The galleries of the Barbados Museum are located within the World Heritage Site, in former 19th-century military prison buildings.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens is also on Barbados, between the parishes of St. Joseph and St. John and about 300 yards from the Atlantic on the east coast. The six-acre site is home to more than 500 different plant species. The garden was established both as an ornamental garden and as a botanical garden for research purposes. Guided and self-guided tours are available; confirm tour arrangements with the garden before your trip. Visitors receive a brochure on arrival to help identify plant species and provide information about the garden’s history. Hunte’s Gardens is located on the grounds of a former sugar plantation. Together, these places offer a broader view of Barbados, from Bridgetown’s architecture to botanical gardens with different historical connections.

Discover more destinations: Ruby, Wellhouse, Ocean City, Work Hall, Saint George, St Peter, St James, Christ Church.

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