5 Barbados Excursions That Aren’t The Beach

Looking for Barbados points of interest, and want to find fun family activities that aren’t sun, sea, sand, or pumping nightlife? Here’s our pick of 5 things to do in Barbados, especially if you want to take your holiday at a leisurely pace.

A Round Of Golf

We’re highlighting two golf options for you. Apes Hill is a par-72 championship course which offers a great challenge. This course has been rated one of the best in the world, and also has a comfortable country club.

If you’re minding your budget and want a more affordable round, the Barbados Golf Club is an 18 hole course featuring two returning 9s. It has an environmentally sensitive design created according to golf architect Ron Kirby’s specs, and finishes into an expansive triple green that wraps around a central pond.

Finish off your rounds and shop in the pro shop, enjoy pizza from the café or a round of drinks by the bar.

Welchman Hall Gully

Dedicated to the preservation of our local flora, Welchman Hall Gully is a relaxing walk through fruit trees and mature tropical forest.

It’s calm, cool, and an excellent place to collect your thoughts. There are a few signposts along the way that name some of the trees for you, and the only animal company you’ll find are the friendly roaming chickens, wild birds and visiting troupes of monkeys who hop through the canopy.

The nature path is 1.3km long, shaded throughout by foliage. There are spots to sit and picnic as well as restroom facilities and a small shop with drinks and snacks.

Animal Flower Cave

The Williams Tours Exotic Barbados Tour is one of the few tour buses to take you all the way north to the tip of the island. Here, at Animal Flower Cave, you’ll stand eye to eye with the clouds at the edge of the rocky cliffs. Animal Flower Cave is Barbados’ only accessible sea cave, and if you dare to venture down, you’ll be exposed to a very picturesque sea-bath in the underground pools. Walk the cliff and enjoy a pensive moment with the view, shop for souvenirs, or have lunch in the recently renovated restaurant. There is also a playground for children and adequate facilities.

If you're lucky you may even spot a few whales frolicking in the waves offshore as they spend the winter in the warmer Caribbean waters before heading back up north.

Book the Exotic Barbados Tour to get to Animal Flower Cave and see other unique sights along this scenic 80 mile coast to coast journey.

Hunte’s Gardens

Not too far from Welchman Hall Gully lies a spot that showcases Barbados’ best horticulture. Garden and nature lovers won’t be able to contain their excitement when they peruse the magical gardens of proprietor Anthony Hunte. Hunte’s knowledge and practice of horticulture is apparent-with mini gardens and oases hidden like gems among the larger garden area. There are beautiful and exotic flowers, plants of all kinds and incredible trees.

It’s hard to believe this whimsical site was once a wild gully.

You’re also welcome to have a walk through his extraordinary home (which is converted from an old stable) and after your walk, it’s pleasant to sit with a fresh fruit juice or rum punch.

Hunte’s Gardens makes for an unforgettable walk in the park.

Book the Natural Barbados Tour to visit Hunte's Garden & other hidden Treasures of Barbados.

St. Nicholas Abbey

Where would we be without rum?

St. Nicholas Abbey is located in St. Peter, just on the cusp of the east of the island, and tells a gripping story that gives you a direct glimpse into the past, including real video footage from 1935. You can choose to take a guided tour, or wander about at your own pace.

The artefacts are astonishing. Period pieces are on display around the rooms of the main house, including 300 year old furniture.

Yet, little will eclipse the sight of the domineering sandbox tree, now 400 years old and still standing proudly in the courtyard. St. Nicholas Abbey also includes sugar cane fields, 60 acres of which are active, mahogany forests, examples of slave huts, and herb gardens.

Enjoy the tasting as part of your tour: St. Nicholas Abbey rums are highly awarded so we recommend taking home a few bottles to tipple or gift to good friends.

Interested in Visiting? Check out our Cultural Barbados Tour to visit St. Nicholas Abbey, the Mount Gay Rum Distillery and more.