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Morgan Lewis Windmill: A Glimpse into Barbados's Sugar Heritage

Explore the Caribbean's best-preserved sugar windmill in Barbados, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's sweet history.

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The Morgan Lewis Windmill, located in St. Andrew, Barbados, is the largest and only complete sugar windmill in the Caribbean. Built in 1727, it played a vital role in the island's sugar production until 1947. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into Barbados's rich history and the workings of a traditional sugar mill.

A brief summary to Morgan Lewis Windmill

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the crop season (February to July) for a chance to see the windmill in operation and taste fresh cane juice.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing to the top of the mill and exploring the grounds.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Cherry Tree Hill or the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Bridgetown, follow Highway 2 NE until you reach Shorey Village. Turn right and head up the hill to Morgan Lewis Windmill. Parking is available near the site. Car rentals average $50-$80 BBD per day.

  • Public Transport

    From Bridgetown, take bus #4A from the Princess Alice Bus Terminal to Shorey Village. From there, it's a 600m uphill walk to the windmill. Alternatively, take a bus from Speightstown to Lakes, which is closer to the Windmill. Bus fare is $3.50 BBD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from most locations in Barbados. A taxi from Bridgetown to Morgan Lewis Windmill will cost approximately $80-$100 BBD and take around 40 minutes. From Speightstown, a taxi will cost around $30-$40 BBD.

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Discover more about Morgan Lewis Windmill

Morgan Lewis Windmill, perched atop a hill in the parish of St. Andrew, offers a captivating journey into Barbados's sugar-producing past. This historic landmark is the largest and most complete sugar windmill in the Caribbean, a testament to the island's once-thriving sugar industry. Built in 1727, the windmill harnessed the power of the wind to crush sugarcane, extracting the juice that would be processed into sugar. It remained operational until 1947, marking it as the last working sugar mill in Barbados. In 1962, the mill was entrusted to the Barbados National Trust, ensuring its preservation as a museum and a symbol of the island's heritage. Visitors can explore the inner workings of the mill, examining the original machinery and equipment used in the sugar-making process. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the mill's history, the mechanics of sugar production, and the lives of those who worked there. The climb to the top of the mill rewards visitors with panoramic views of the rugged east coast and the surrounding countryside. The windmill's construction is a marvel in itself. Its walls are made of boulders held together by a mixture of egg whites and coral dust, a technique used due to the lack of cement at the time. This unique method adds to the mill's historical charm and provides a tangible link to the past. During the crop season, from February to July, the mill's sails are occasionally put in place, and it operates one Sunday a month, grinding cane and producing cane juice. This provides a glimpse into the traditional sugar-making process and a taste of freshly crushed cane juice. The Grind Artisan Cafe, located near the windmill, offers refreshments and stunning views of the east coast.

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