Barbados Military Cemetery: A Serene Tribute
A peaceful and historically significant cemetery in Bridgetown, honoring the service and sacrifice of Barbadian soldiers. Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM. Free entry.
Located in the Garrison Historic Area of Bridgetown, the Barbados Military Cemetery provides a serene and reflective experience for visitors. Established around 1780, with the earliest identifiable grave dating back to 1822, the cemetery is a tribute to those who served in the Commonwealth Armed Forces and the Barbados Defence Force. The cemetery is meticulously maintained and features memorials and headstones that tell the stories of Barbadian soldiers and their contributions to global conflicts, including World War I and II. The memorial building on-site, renovated in 1984, houses information on various military units and the location of headstones. The cemetery is still in use today to accommodate ex-servicemen, women, and their families. Visitors can explore the grounds, appreciate the craftsmanship of the gravestones, and reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals. The cemetery is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and admission is free, though donations are welcomed to support its upkeep and other military buildings.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a cooler and quieter experience.
- Maintain a peaceful demeanor to respect the solemn nature of the site.
- Take time to read the inscriptions on the headstones to appreciate the personal stories.
- Consider reading up on the history of Barbadian soldiers to enhance your visit.
A brief summary to Barbados Military Cemetery
- Grave's End, Needham's Point, Bridgetown, Saint Michael, BB
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the main bus terminal in Bridgetown, take a bus heading towards Needham's Point. Ask the driver for assistance or look for buses marked 'Needham's Point'. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes. Disembark at the nearest stop to Needham's Point Road and walk towards Grave's End. The cemetery is a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare is typically $3.50 BBD.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Saint Michael. Tell the driver you want to go to the Barbados Military Cemetery at Grave's End, Needham's Point. The ride from central Bridgetown should take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The taxi fare will typically range between $25 to $75 BBD from Bridgetown.
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Car
From the center of Bridgetown, head south on Bay Street, following the signs for Needham's Point. Continue straight until you reach a roundabout, then take the first exit onto Needham's Point Road. The cemetery is located at Grave's End, just off the road. Look for the entrance to the Barbados Military Cemetery on your right. Parking is available nearby.
