There is plenty to explore in the Garrison Historic Area where sturdy but elegant Georgian military buildings surround one of the oldest racetracks in the world.
The Barbados Museum
Based in the splendid old military prison, the Barbados Museum depicts the island’s rich and fascinating history, including its African heritage. Children can use a state of the art interactive gallery.
Changing of the Sentry
This takes place in front of the 1804 Main Guard (Clock Tower) at the Historic Garrison every Thursday at 12 noon. An authentic staging of an activity that would have been performed numerous times a day in the 19th century.
It is presented by the ‘Sentries & Corp of Drums of Barbados’ (retired or current servicemen). The Sentries dress in the distinctive Zouave uniform; originally selected for the famous West India Regiments by Queen Victoria in 1856.
The George Washington Attraction
George Washington only once ventured out of America and that was when he visited Barbados in 1751. The house he stayed in has been renovated as The George Washington Attraction.
Open 7 days a week from 9am until 4pm, the museum tour includes an interesting film about Washington’s visit, as well as a chance to explore the recently rediscovered network of ‘secret’ tunnels running beneath the Garrison.
Private ‘Dinners with George’ can be booked for up to 30 people. Their popular café opens at 7am.
A 3-hour Garrison Tour of the whole area is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including St. Ann’s Fort and the National Armoury & Cannon Museum which houses the world’s finest collection of 17th century English iron cannon. The end of the tour occasionally coincides with the Changing of the Sentry Ceremony.
