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St. Ann's Fort

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Landmark
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St. Ann's Fort (Barbados)

Weather…

St. Ann's Fort remains a prominent landmark in Barbados, serving as the active headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) while acting as a living museum. Built in 1705, the fort’s most significant attraction is the National Armoury, which houses one of the world's most extensive collections of 17th-century cannons. Among these is a rare English iron cannon from the Commonwealth period, an item of immense historical value. The fort is the centerpiece of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Garrison Savannah area, an expansive district that showcases the island’s colonial military architecture. Its imposing grey walls, constructed from native coral blocks, reflect the durability of 18th-century design. While much of the facility remains an active military site, guided tours offer insights into the barracks, the armory, and the strategic importance of the fort’s location. The blend of daily military operations with centuries-old history, set against the backdrop of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, makes St. Ann's Fort a unique destination for visitors exploring the heritage of Barbados.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282828282827
Rain mm34191928527274959813210749

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The fort now houses the headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force, so it is not open to the public. The outer walls and cannons can be viewed from the road.
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Typical hours
The exterior areas can be viewed at any time as they lie along public roads. The building itself has no opening hours as it is a restricted military area.
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Photography
Photography of the exterior from the road is allowed. Avoid pointing the camera directly at the military area or personnel to avoid issues.
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Time needed
A brief stop to view the fort from outside takes about 10 minutes. The main attraction is the historic sight, not a long stay.
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Combine with
Combine this stop with a visit to Carlisle Bay or the Barbados Museum. The entire Garrison area is rich in history and has several attractions within walking distance.
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Getting there
The fort is located along Princess Alice Highway, south of Bridgetown. Street parking is limited; better to park at the nearby Carlisle Bay car park.
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Insider tip
Take the opportunity to view the fort while driving to or from Bridgetown - it sits right on the main road. A quick photo stop is easy to incorporate, but watch out for traffic.

Geography

Coordinates
13.08000, -59.60830

Facts

  • Year built: 1704
  • Area: approximately 2 hectares (4.9 acres)
  • Moat depth: 3 meters (9.8 ft)
  • Number of cannons: 42
  • Bastion height: 6 meters (19.7 ft)
  • Continuous military use since 1705

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pebbles BeachPebbles Beach<1 km · EExplore →
Highgate Signal StationHighgate Signal Station2 km · NExplore →
Bank HallBank Hall2 km · EExplore →
Bridgetown Fisheries ComplexBridgetown Fisheries Complex2 km · SEExplore →
GrazettesGrazettes3 km · SEExplore →
WarrensWarrens3 km · EExplore →
Pine Hill DairyPine Hill Dairy4 km · NExplore →
Graeme HallGraeme Hall4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Ann's Fort (3)

Saint Ann's Fort📍 landmark

Historic fort in Bridgetown, used as a military base and storage facility.

George Washington House (Barbados)📍 landmark

House where George Washington stayed in 1751 during his visit to Barbados.

Needham's Point Lighthouse📍 landmark

Lighthouse on the south coast of Barbados, marks the entrance to Bridgetown harbor.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Ann's Fort?
A historic military fort dating back to 1705, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
What is the fort used for today?
It houses the headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force.
Can you see the cannon collection?
Yes, it houses one of the world's finest collections of 17th-century British cannons.
Where is the fort located?
It is located at the southern end of the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours of the Garrison area often include the fort.
St. Ann's Fort: where is it located?
St. Ann's Fort is located in Barbados.
St. Ann's Fort: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Ann's Fort, George Washington House (Barbados), Needham's Point Lighthouse.
St. Ann's Fort: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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