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Historic Garrison: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Explore the Historic Garrison in Bridgetown, Barbados: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, military history, and cultural attractions.

The Garrison in Bridgetown, Barbados, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the largest British military complex of the 18th and 19th centuries in the British Colonies. Today, it blends historic buildings with modern amenities, offering a glimpse into Barbados's rich colonial past.

A brief summary to Garrison

  • Bridgetown, Saint Michael, BB

Local tips

  • Visit the Garrison Savannah to witness a horse race, a long-standing tradition in Barbados.
  • Explore the tunnels beneath George Washington House for a unique historical perspective.
  • Check out the changing of the sentry at the Main Guard Clock Tower.
  • Visit the Barbados Museum, housed in a former British military prison, to learn about the island's history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, the Garrison is easily accessible by bus. Several routes operate from the Fairchild Street Terminal, including routes 11T, 12D, 12F, and 13. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes. The standard bus fare is BDS$3.50. Alight at the Garrison Savannah stop.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bridgetown. A taxi from the city center to the Garrison typically costs between BDS$25-35 and takes around 5 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure the taxi is licensed and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    For those already in Bridgetown, walking to the Garrison is a viable option. The walk from the city center takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Head south along Bay Street, following the coastline. The Garrison will be on your left.

Discover more about Garrison

The Garrison Historic Area, located in Bridgetown, Barbados, stands as a testament to the island's significant role in the British colonial empire. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, the Garrison was the largest British military complex in the British Colonies throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Established in 1780 as the military headquarters for the Imperial Forces, the Garrison comprises numerous historic buildings and fortifications. These include St. Ann's Fort (1705), now home to the Barbados Defence Force, and the Main Guard, an architecturally outstanding building overlooking the Garrison Savannah. The Garrison Savannah, one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the Caribbean, has been repurposed over the years and is still used for races. Visitors can explore the Barbados Museum, housed in the former British Military Prison, and George Washington House, where the future first US President stayed in 1751. The area also features a network of tunnels, the National Armoury Museum, and the Main Guard Clock Tower. The Garrison embodies a blend of military history, colonial architecture, and Barbadian culture, making it a must-see destination.

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Explore Barbados' colonial past at the Main Guard House and Clock Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Bridgetown's Garrison Historic Area.

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Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of the Garrison in Bridgetown, Barbados, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in military heritage.

Garrison

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