Barbados is more than just beautiful beaches—it’s an island with a fascinating history waiting to be explored! There are plenty of places where you can dive into the past. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the island’s heritage, here are a few attractions that bring Barbados' rich history to life.

The Barbados Museum & Historic Society

The Barbados Museum and Historic Society is housed in 19th-century military prison buildings within the Historic Garrison and has a large collection of artifacts and displays that showcase the rich culture and history of Barbados. They also offer a monthly bus tour that highlights various areas of Barbados’ history with insightful guides who will bring the history to life. 

Make sure to stop by their gift shop when you visit where a wide range of local books, souvenirs, jewellery, and prints are on sale!

St. Nicholas Abbey

Visit one of only three Jacobean Great Houses in Western Hemisphere. Built in 1658 St. Nicholas Abbey has been restored into a sustainable heritage attraction and working plantation, producing its own unique single cask rums. You tour the Great House, gardens, factory and still–the rum tour is a must.

Their newest attraction, the Heritage Railway features a restored 1914 locomotive that travels through the plantation grounds, with views of the cane fields, mahogany woods, limestone quarry and dramatic views of the wild Atlantic Coast at Cherry Tree Hill. 

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George Washington House

See the very place George Washington stayed when he visited Barbados in 1751. You can learn about the fascinating intersection between Barbadian history and the first president of the United States of America. Learn why he fell in love with this most precious British colony and understand how this visit shaped his life and influenced world history.

You can also experience the mysterious Garrison Tunnels, built in the 1800s to provide covert communications and escape for the roughly 3000 soldiers who were stationed at the Garrison.  Click here to learn more.

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Arlington House Museum

Get a glimpse of the history of Speightstown in this restored 18th century classic Barbadian single house. Featuring three exhibitions, Arlington House Museum will teach you about Barbados’ first settlers, the influence of colonization and the sugar industry on Barbados, and the importance of Speightstown as a port and trade hub. 

Exchange Museum 

The Barbados Exchange Museum is housed in an 18th century building that began as the Harrison Free School—now Harrison College—and became a Masonic Temple before being purchased by the Central Bank of Barbados and becoming the museum it is now. The museum features exhibits on the history of commerce in Barbados, Freemasonry, and education before it was state-funded.