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St. Ann's Fort

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Oct 2026Data Sources

monument

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St. Ann's Fort was established in 1705 as a formidable coastal defense to safeguard Carlisle Bay, the primary commercial port of Barbados, from enemy naval incursions. Built during the peak of colonial rivalries, its thick ramparts were constructed using hand-cut coral stone, designed to absorb and withstand heavy cannon fire from invading fleets. This fortification served as the strategic anchor for the British military presence in the Eastern Caribbean, eventually evolving into the expansive Garrison Savannah complex. For over two centuries, it housed elite regiments and served as the nerve center for island security, overlooking the vital shipping lanes that fueled the sugar trade. Its hexagonal layout and architectural integrity make it a standout example of early 18th-century military engineering. Now recognized as a central feature of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, the fort stands as a testament to the island's historical importance as a British naval stronghold and its enduring military heritage.

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Location: Barbados
Highlights: Saint Ann's Fort · Garrison Savannah Racetrack · George Washington House (Barbados)
Nearby: Spring Garden (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	28	28	28	28	28	28	28	27
Rain mm	34	19	19	28	52	72	74	95	98	132	107	49

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The fort is viewable from the outside, but the interior is used for military purposes and is not open to the public. Visitors can inspect the massive stone walls and cannon emplacements from the exterior.

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Typical hours

As the exterior area is publicly accessible, it can be viewed at any time. There are no set opening hours, but daylight is best for a clear view.

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Photography

Photography of the exterior is allowed without restrictions. The historic cannons and thick stone walls provide impressive photo subjects.

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Time needed

A brief visit to view the fort from outside takes about 10-15 minutes. If you are interested in history, allow an extra 10 minutes for informational plaques.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk to nearby Carlisle Bay or the Barbados Museum. The fort is located close to the historic Garrison area, which is also worth exploring.

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Getting there

The fort is located at the southern end of Bridgetown, accessible via Highway 7. Parking is available near Carlisle Bay, just a few minutes' walk away.

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Insider tip

Visit the fort in the late afternoon when the sunlight beautifully illuminates the stones. Combine this with a swim in Carlisle Bay, which is just around the corner.

Geography

Coordinates

13.07800, -59.60600

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

Drill Hall Garrison<1 km · EExplore →

Highgate Signal Station2 km · NEExplore →

📍Queen's Park Baobab2 km · NExplore →

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary2 km · EExplore →

Bridgetown Fisheries Complex3 km · NWExplore →

📍Wildey4 km · NEExplore →

📍Saint Lawrence Gap4 km · EExplore →

Bush Hall4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Motorhome dimensions

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

Saint Ann's Fort📍 landmark

Saint Ann's Fort is a historic fort in Bridgetown, Barbados. It was built to defend the harbor.

Garrison Savannah Racetrack📍 landmark

Garrison Savannah Racetrack is a horse racing track in Bridgetown. It is located in the historic garrison district.

George Washington House (Barbados)📍 landmark

George Washington House is a historic building in Bridgetown. The future US president stayed here in 1751.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to Fort St. Ann take?

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to comfortably explore the complex and its historical walls.

Is entrance to Fort St. Ann free?

Access to outdoor areas is often free, but a fee may apply for special exhibitions inside the fort.

Is Fort St. Ann wheelchair accessible?

The site has some uneven paths, so accessibility for wheelchair users is partially limited.

Is photography allowed at Fort St. Ann?

Yes, photography for personal use is explicitly allowed in most outdoor areas of the fort.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Visit in the morning to avoid the direct midday sun and enjoy more pleasant temperatures.

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, Garrison Savannah Racetrack, George Washington House (Barbados).

St. Ann's Fort: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

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