Welcome to St. Nicholas Abbey, the oldest plantation house in the Caribbean. Located in the lush hills of St. Peter Parish, Barbados, this magnificent 17th-century house is a must-see for any visitor to the island. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, it is no wonder St. Nicholas Abbey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barbados.
Explore the Fascinating History of St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey is a 400-year-old plantation house that has seen a long and varied history. It is believed to have been built in 1658 by Colonel Benjamin Berringer, a British planter who was one of the earliest settlers on the island. The house has been passed down through the generations and is currently owned by the fifth generation of the same family.
The house was originally built as a sugar plantation and featured a large windmill, which was used to process sugar cane. For centuries, the plantation was a major economic hub in the region and at its peak, was producing over 300,000 pounds of sugar a year. The windmill was eventually dismantled in 1932, but much of the original plantation house still stands today.
Take a Guided Tour of the Inside of St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey is now open to visitors who can take a guided tour of the house and its grounds. The tour begins in the Great Hall, which is filled with antique furniture and original portraits of the Berringer family. From there, visitors can explore the library, which houses over 3,000 volumes of books, manuscripts, and maps.
The tour also includes a visit to the second floor, where visitors can admire the grand staircase and beautiful stained glass windows. The third floor is home to the master bedroom, which is filled with beautiful furniture and antiques. Finally, visitors can explore the grounds, which feature a lush garden with tropical trees and flowers, a sugar factory, and a rum distillery.
Discover the Unique Attractions at St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey is not only a fascinating historical site, but it is also home to some unique attractions. In the grounds, visitors can explore the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, which is home to over 100 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
The plantation house is also home to the St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Distillery, which produces some of the finest rums in the Caribbean. Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery and sample the various rums produced on-site. Finally, visitors can take a ride on the St. Nicholas Abbey Railway, which takes guests through the lush hills of St. Peter Parish.
Experience the Spectacular Views From the Hills of St. Peter Parish
No visit to St. Nicholas Abbey would be complete without taking in the spectacular views from the hills of St. Peter Parish. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Barbados’ lush landscapes. On a clear day, visitors can even see the nearby island of Martinique.
Visiting St. Nicholas Abbey
St. Nicholas Abbey is open to the public seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Tours are available for groups of up to 30 people and last approximately 90 minutes. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. So, if you are looking for a unique and memorable experience while visiting Barbados, be sure to add St. Nicholas Abbey to your itinerary. With its fascinating history and stunning views, this 17th-century plantation house is the perfect way to explore the Caribbean Explore the captivating history and natural beauty of Barbados at St. Nicholas Abbey, the oldest plantation house in the Caribbean. Dating back to 1658, the 17th-century estate welcomes visitors with guided tours of its well-preserved architecture, antique-filled interiors, and lush gardens offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Learn about the island’s colonial past, the impact of sugar production, and the Barbadian cultural heritage. The wildlife reserve adds an extra dimension to the visit, featuring over 100 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the onsite rum distillery, producing some of the finest rums in the Caribbean, and enjoy a scenic ride on the St. Nicholas Abbey Railway through the picturesque hills of St. Peter Parish. Open seven days a week, St. Nicholas Abbey promises a unique and memorable experience, blending history, nature, and Caribbean charm.