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Surrey County
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Explore Surrey County in Jamaica for Kingston culture, Blue Mountain coffee, historic Port Royal, lush Portland and the eastern coast.

Surrey County is one of Jamaica’s three historic counties, occupying the island’s east and encompassing the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Thomas and Portland. It is not a current local-government unit, but remains a useful geographical and historical framework for understanding a remarkably varied part of Jamaica. Within its boundaries are the capital’s urban districts, the forested Blue Mountains, the harbour and maritime history of Kingston and Port Royal, the rural landscapes of St Thomas, and Portland’s lush north-eastern coast.
Read more about Surrey County
Kingston and St Andrew form Jamaica’s cultural and commercial centre. The capital combines Georgian civic buildings, busy markets, galleries, music venues and a substantial restaurant scene with the sweeping waterfront of Kingston Harbour. The National Gallery of Jamaica, the Bob Marley Museum and the historic buildings of downtown provide different perspectives on the country’s artistic, political and musical life. South-west of the city, Port Royal occupies a narrow peninsula at the harbour entrance and preserves the remains of a former international port whose fortunes changed dramatically after the earthquake of 1692.
North of Kingston, the Blue Mountains rise steeply through St Andrew and St Thomas. Narrow roads, cool upland air, coffee farms and long views towards the Caribbean create a sharp contrast with the capital’s heat and density. The Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protect important ecosystems and cultural landscapes associated with Maroon communities. Access is best planned carefully: mountain roads are winding, weather can change quickly, and walks may require local guidance, permits or advance arrangements.
Further east, St Thomas has a quieter, historically significant character, with Morant Bay associated with the 1865 rebellion and Bath known for its warm mineral springs. Portland is greener and more maritime, with Port Antonio, the Rio Grande valley, forested hills, sheltered coves and rivers used for rafting. Its attractions are dispersed rather than concentrated in one resort strip, making a car, hired driver or well-organised local excursions useful for exploring beyond the main towns.
Surrey County also offers a broad culinary and cultural range. Kingston is the principal place for Jamaican contemporary cooking, live music, theatre and visual art, while rural eastern communities are closely associated with fresh produce, seafood, jerk cooking, coffee and traditional roadside meals. Visitors can combine urban culture with mountain walks, historic sites, river excursions and coastal swimming, but should allow realistic time for the distances and road conditions between them.

When is the best time to visit Surrey County?

Best: January–March · 28–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2830
February (best)2830
March (best)2940
April2950
May3060
June3170
July3280
August3280
September3170
October3160
November3050
December2940

Getting to and around Surrey County

How to get there

Norman Manley International Airport is in Kingston Parish on the Palisadoes peninsula and is the principal air gateway for Kingston and much of historic Surrey County. Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay lies outside the county and is more useful for visitors beginning in western Jamaica, though road travel from there is lengthy. Kingston is linked to other Jamaican towns by road and public coaches, while Port Antonio and the eastern parishes are reached overland. International visitors should allow substantial time for eastern journeys, particularly when travelling between Kingston, the mountains and Portland.

Transportation

Kingston and St Andrew have the broadest choice of taxis, buses and route taxis, while rural St Thomas and Portland are more dependent on route taxis, local buses, hired cars and private drivers. A car is useful for reaching mountain communities, waterfalls, beaches and dispersed heritage sites, but roads can be narrow, winding and uneven away from main routes, especially in the highlands. Travellers should avoid assuming that map distances translate into quick journeys. Walking is practical in selected Kingston districts and town centres, while guided walking, rafting and mountain excursions are preferable for less familiar rural terrain.

Top city travel guides in Surrey County

The cities of Surrey County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Surrey County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Surrey County

Surrey County’s attractions range from Kingston’s museums, galleries, music venues and historic waterfront to mountain trails, coffee estates and rural communities. In Kingston, the National Gallery of Jamaica places Jamaican art in a national and Caribbean context, while the Bob Marley Museum explores one of the country’s most influential musical figures in his former home. Port Royal offers archaeology and maritime history on the edge of Kingston Harbour. The Blue and John Crow Mountains provide opportunities for guided hiking, birdwatching and visits connected with coffee cultivation and Maroon heritage. In St Thomas, Bath’s mineral springs and the historic landscape around Morant Bay offer a different perspective on eastern Jamaica. Portland brings together river rafting on the Rio Grande, forested interiors, sheltered coves, waterfalls and coastal viewpoints around Port Antonio. Experiences are often dispersed, and weather, road conditions and local access arrangements matter; the region is better suited to a sequence of well-planned visits than to a rapid checklist of attractions.

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Best landmarks in Surrey County

Kingston Harbour and the Palisadoes form one of Surrey County’s defining geographical features, linking the capital to the historic maritime settlement of Port Royal. Port Royal’s surviving fortifications, churches and archaeological remains recall the port’s seventeenth-century importance and the earthquake that transformed it in 1692. In central Kingston, the Georgian-style Devon House is a prominent reminder of the city’s nineteenth-century social and architectural history, while the National Heroes Park provides a major civic setting for national memorials. The Blue Mountains create the county’s strongest natural landmark, their steep ridges visible from Kingston and extending through St Andrew and St Thomas towards the John Crow range. Morant Bay’s civic and commemorative sites carry the memory of the 1865 rebellion, while Portland’s coastal headlands, river valleys and sheltered bays give the north-east a markedly different visual identity. These places matter not only for appearance but for the political, environmental and maritime stories attached to them.

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Explore Surrey County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Surrey County

Kingston is the culinary centre of Surrey County, with Jamaican classics, contemporary interpretations, international cooking, cafés and formal dining concentrated across the capital and St Andrew. Jerk chicken and pork are strongly associated with Jamaica generally and can be found in urban restaurants, roadside stands and rural food stops, while rice and peas, curried goat, patties, escovitch fish and ackee with saltfish reflect the island’s wider food culture. In Portland and St Thomas, fresh fish, seafood, fruit, root crops and simple locally cooked meals are especially prominent, though menus follow season and supply. Blue Mountain coffee is the region’s signature agricultural product and is best sampled through reputable farms, cafés or roasters that can explain its provenance. Markets and small eateries may provide more direct contact with local cooking than hotel restaurants, but visitors should choose busy, well-maintained establishments and confirm prices where no menu is displayed.

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Best bars in Surrey County

Kingston has the most developed evening scene in Surrey County, with cocktail bars, restaurants, live-music venues, cultural events and clubs spread across several commercial and entertainment areas rather than one single nightlife district. Reggae, dancehall, jazz and other forms of Jamaican music are central to the capital’s cultural life, although events and venues change frequently, so current local listings and accommodation advice are useful. In Port Antonio and other eastern towns, evenings are generally quieter and centre on hotel bars, restaurants, rum-based drinks, live music and informal gatherings rather than a large club circuit. Rural St Thomas and the mountain districts are better suited to dining, stargazing and early starts than late-night entertainment. Drink responsibly, arrange transport in advance and avoid assuming that a busy event or venue operates on a permanent schedule.

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Best nightclubs in Surrey County

Kingston has the most developed evening scene in Surrey County, with cocktail bars, restaurants, live-music venues, cultural events and clubs spread across several commercial and entertainment areas rather than one single nightlife district. Reggae, dancehall, jazz and other forms of Jamaican music are central to the capital’s cultural life, although events and venues change frequently, so current local listings and accommodation advice are useful. In Port Antonio and other eastern towns, evenings are generally quieter and centre on hotel bars, restaurants, rum-based drinks, live music and informal gatherings rather than a large club circuit. Rural St Thomas and the mountain districts are better suited to dining, stargazing and early starts than late-night entertainment. Drink responsibly, arrange transport in advance and avoid assuming that a busy event or venue operates on a permanent schedule.

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Best shops in Surrey County

Kingston offers the widest range of shopping in Surrey County, from established commercial centres and supermarkets to independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries, craft outlets and markets. The city is the best place to look for Jamaican art, music, design, clothing and packaged food products, although visitors should distinguish locally made goods from generic souvenirs. Farmers’ markets and smaller produce stalls can reveal the county’s agricultural links through fruit, vegetables, spices, sauces and coffee. In the Blue Mountain area, reputable growers and roasters sell coffee with information about its source and processing. Port Antonio and the eastern towns have a smaller-scale retail scene, including craft items, paintings, woven goods and locally produced foods, while roadside vendors may sell seasonal produce. Bargaining is not appropriate everywhere; ask politely, compare quality and price, and pack food, wood or plant products in accordance with airline and destination-country rules.

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Surrey County essentials

Currency and Payment
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar, JMD. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established Kingston hotels, restaurants, shops and larger attractions, but smaller businesses, rural transport, roadside stalls and some guesthouses may accept cash only. Carry modest amounts of Jamaican currency and keep notes suitable for small purchases. Foreign currency may be accepted in some tourist-facing businesses, but the exchange rate and change offered may be less favourable than using Jamaican dollars or a reputable exchange service.
Safety
Use ordinary urban precautions in Kingston and avoid displaying valuables, particularly in unfamiliar areas after dark; ask accommodation staff or a trusted local source about current neighbourhood advice. In rural districts, the main risks often relate to roads, sudden weather, slippery paths, rivers and coastal conditions rather than crowds. Use licensed or recommended taxis and established tour providers, secure belongings, and take local advice before visiting isolated beaches, waterfalls or mountain trails. Hurricane-season weather and heavy rainfall can affect roads, rivers and excursions, so plans may need to change.
Emergency Situations
Jamaica’s national emergency arrangements apply throughout Surrey County. Dial 119 for the police and 110 for fire or ambulance services; mobile coverage can be inconsistent in mountain and rural areas, so note your accommodation’s location and carry a charged phone. For serious incidents outdoors or at sea, contact the relevant emergency service and follow instructions from local guides, coastguard personnel or park authorities. Travel insurance with medical and activity cover is sensible, particularly for hiking, rafting, diving and other excursions.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when visiting churches, museums, historic buildings and rural communities, and ask before photographing people or private property. Follow posted instructions at rivers, waterfalls, beaches and protected landscapes; do not climb fragile ruins or remove archaeological, plant or natural material. Queue patiently where required, agree taxi fares before departure when appropriate, and tip for good service rather than assuming a fixed national rule. Jamaica’s language and social customs vary by setting, so listen to local guidance and avoid treating music, food or cultural traditions as performances arranged solely for visitors.
Local Tips
Plan mountain and eastern-coast days around daylight, since winding roads make evening journeys slower than expected. In Kingston, combine nearby cultural institutions rather than trying to cross the city repeatedly, and reserve time for live music or exhibitions where useful. Port Antonio works well as a base for river, forest and coastal excursions, while St Thomas rewards visitors who allow time for Morant Bay, Bath and rural landscapes. Ask about produce in season, fish availability and local coffee at markets and small eateries, where menus may change with supply.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloWah Gwan[Wah Gwan]
GoodbyeLikkle more[Likkle more]
YesYea[Yea]
NoNuh[Nuh]
Please/You’re welcomeNo problem[No problem]
Thank youTank yuh[Tank yuh]
Excuse me/SorryScuse mi[Scuse mi]
How are you?How yuh do?[How yuh do?]
Fine. And you?Mi deh yah. An yuh?[Mi deh yah. An yuh?]
Do you speak English?Yuh speak English?[Yuh speak English?]
I don't understandMi nuh undastand[Mi nuh undastand]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to see the menu, pleaseMi wud like fi si di menu, please[Mi wud like fi si di menu, please]
I don't eat meatMi nuh eat meat[Mi nuh eat meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseMi wud like fi pay, please[Mi wud like fi pay, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Gweh![Gweh!]
Call the Police!Call di Police![Call di Police!]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![Call a doctor!]
I’m lostMi lost[Mi lost]
I’m illMi sick[Mi sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to buy...Mi wud like fi buy...[Mi wud like fi buy...]
I’m just lookingMi jus a look[Mi jus a look]
How much is it?How much dat?[How much dat?]
That’s too expensiveDat too expensive[Dat too expensive]
Can you lower the price?Yuh can lower di price?[Yuh can lower di price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wah time it?[Wah time it?]
It’s one o’clockA one o'clock[A one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYestahday[Yestahday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrah[Tomorrah]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Whe di...?[Whe di...?]
What's the address?Wah di address?[Wah di address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Yuh can show mi (pon di map)?[Yuh can show mi (pon di map)?]
When's the next (bus)?Wen di next (bus)?[Wen di next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to....)[A ticket (to....)]

History of Surrey County

Taíno Jamaica and Spanish Settlement

Before European colonisation, Jamaica was inhabited by Taíno communities whose settlements, farming practices and place names formed part of the island’s earliest recorded human landscape. Spanish rule began after Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1494, and Spanish Town became the colonial capital, although it lies outside historic Surrey County. The eastern parishes remained connected to the wider island through coastal movement, agriculture and changing colonial administration. Taíno heritage is often less visibly monumental than later architecture, but it remains important to understanding Jamaica’s pre-colonial history and the cultural layers beneath the modern county.

English Conquest and Port Royal’s Rise

England seized Jamaica from Spain in 1655, beginning a transformation based on plantation agriculture, shipping and military power. Port Royal, at the entrance to Kingston Harbour, became one of the Caribbean’s busiest ports during the late seventeenth century. Merchants, sailors, privateers and enslaved workers sustained its wealth, while its strategic harbour position made it central to English ambitions in the region. The town’s prosperity ended abruptly with the earthquake of 1692, when much of Port Royal slid into the sea. Its surviving remains and archaeological deposits are among Surrey County’s most important historic legacies.

Plantation Economy and Enslaved Labour

During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Jamaica’s economy depended heavily on sugar, coffee and other plantation commodities produced through the labour of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Kingston Harbour supported export trade, while estates and smaller farming settlements developed across the eastern parishes. Enslaved people resisted in many forms, from everyday acts of defiance to organised rebellion, and African cultural practices profoundly shaped Jamaican language, food, music and religious life. The abolition of slavery in the British Empire in the 1830s brought legal emancipation, though unequal landholding and labour conditions continued long afterwards.

Maroon Communities and Mountain Landscapes

In Jamaica’s mountainous interior, communities of formerly enslaved Africans, commonly known as Maroons, defended their autonomy through armed resistance and negotiated treaties with the colonial authorities. The eastern mountains, including areas connected with the Blue and John Crow Mountains, became important spaces of refuge, farming and cultural continuity. Maroon history is not confined to one attraction or single settlement; it is part of a living cultural landscape in which oral tradition, music, foodways and knowledge of the forest remain significant. The World Heritage designation for the Blue and John Crow Mountains recognises both ecological and cultural values.

Morant Bay and the Struggle for Political Reform

In October 1865, protest in Morant Bay, St Thomas, developed into a major uprising led by figures including Paul Bogle. Grievances included poverty, restricted access to land, racial inequality and the limited political rights available to formerly enslaved Jamaicans. The colonial response was severe, and the execution of Bogle and the subsequent killing of George William Gordon became a powerful source of debate about imperial rule and justice. Morant Bay remains one of Jamaica’s most important sites of political memory, while the events contributed to the replacement of representative government with Crown Colony administration.

Kingston after the 1872 Capital Transfer

Kingston became Jamaica’s capital in 1872, replacing Spanish Town, and grew as the island’s principal commercial, administrative and cultural centre. Its harbour, rail connections and expanding civic institutions drew migrants, merchants and workers from across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The capital’s street plan, churches, public buildings and waterfront record successive periods of colonial rule, independence and urban change. Modern Kingston’s galleries, recording studios, theatres, universities and media organisations reflect this long concentration of national influence, making the city the cultural anchor of historic Surrey County.

Coffee, Railways and Eastern Economic Change

Coffee cultivation developed in the Blue Mountains from the eighteenth century and remains one of the eastern region’s best-known industries. The crop’s reputation rests on the particular combination of elevation, climate, soils and careful processing found within the designated Blue Mountain coffee area. Railways and improved roads later connected upland districts, agricultural communities and ports, although many older routes have disappeared or changed purpose. Today, coffee farms, smallholdings and rural enterprises illustrate how the eastern highlands have moved from plantation production towards a mixed economy of agriculture, conservation and tourism.

Independence, Music and Contemporary Jamaica

Jamaica became independent from Britain in 1962, and Kingston subsequently strengthened its role as a centre of national politics, popular culture and international exchange. The city’s recording studios and sound-system culture helped reggae and related Jamaican music reach audiences worldwide, while visual artists and writers developed influential local traditions. Across Surrey County, contemporary life combines urban industries with farming, fishing, tourism and diaspora connections. The region’s historical significance therefore continues beyond preserved buildings: it is also expressed through music, cuisine, language, religious practice and debates about heritage and development.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Surrey County, Jamaica

Discover Surrey County like never before with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. Covering attractions, landmarks, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
  • Images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is the essential travel guide app for Surrey County, Jamaica. Explore landmarks, book tours, find top restaurants, and much more—all for free.

  • History of Surrey County
  • Travel essentials and local advice
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring Surrey County, Jamaica! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our app is designed to make your trip unforgettable. Discover the rich history of Surrey County, from the bustling streets of Kingston to the serene beaches of Port Antonio. Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching multiple sites for what to see and do. Want to explore the famous Blue Mountains or visit the historic Devon House? Our app has you covered. Looking for the best jerk chicken in town? Check out local favorites like Scotchie's and Gloria's Seafood. Enjoy a night out at Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records or relax at the luxurious Strawberry Hill Hotel.

Evendo also features curated local tips, ensuring you experience Surrey County like a local. Use the 'Near me' feature to discover attractions and amenities around you, no matter where you are. Navigate easily through the app and the city with our user-friendly interface. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Download Evendo today and take the first step towards an unforgettable adventure in Surrey County, Jamaica. Your ultimate travel guide is just a tap away!

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