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St. Ann's Garrison

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St. Ann's Garrison (Barbados)

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St. Ann's Garrison is a historic military district located south of Bridgetown, forming a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Barbados. Established in 1705 with the construction of Fort St. Ann, it evolved into the primary headquarters for the British West India Regiment. The area is characterized by its distinctive red-brick military architecture and the vast Garrison Savannah, a former parade ground that now serves as the island's premier horse racing track. The garrison is home to an extraordinary collection of 17th-century English iron cannons, including one of only two remaining cannons bearing the coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth I. Beyond its military function, the site has been central to Barbadian public life for centuries, hosting the ceremony for the country's independence in 1966. Today, it remains the headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force and a major cultural destination for history enthusiasts.

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 Garrison area is a historic military district mostly open to the public. Many buildings and installations can be viewed from outside, though some are still in military use and not accessible.
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Typical hours
The outdoor area is accessible at any time, but individual museums or buildings have typical opening hours. These vary; inquire locally for exact times.
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Photography
Photography of the historic buildings and expansive green spaces is allowed. Avoid photographing restricted military areas.
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Time needed
Allow at least 30-45 minutes to explore the grounds on foot. If you want to visit the Barbados Museum or other exhibits, plan for 1-2 hours.
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Combine with
The Garrison area is right next to Carlisle Bay and the Barbados Museum. Visiting the George Washington House or the Sawah Hotel History Trail is also recommended.
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Getting there
The Garrison area is located south of Bridgetown, accessible via Highway 7 or Princess Alice Highway. Parking is available at Carlisle Bay or along the main roads.
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Insider tip
Rent a bicycle to comfortably explore the sprawling Garrison grounds - they are relatively flat and quiet. A guided tour provides deeper insight into the island's military history.

Geography

Coordinates
13.07830, -59.60580

Facts

  • Garrison Savannah opened as a racecourse in 1840.
  • The garrison comprises 30 buildings.
  • Construction spanned from 1780 to 1830.
  • The barracks could accommodate 500 soldiers.
  • Powder magazines held 1,000 barrels of gunpowder.
  • The Main Guard House dates from 1804.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Drill Hall GarrisonDrill Hall Garrison<1 km · NExplore →
Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Society BuildingBarbados Mutual Life Assurance Society Building1 km · SEExplore →
The PineThe Pine2 km · NEExplore →
RendezvousRendezvous2 km · NExplore →
Grazettes Industrial ParkGrazettes Industrial Park3 km · EExplore →
WarrensWarrens3 km · EExplore →
Pine Hill DairyPine Hill Dairy3 km · NEExplore →
Cave HillCave Hill4 km · SEExplore →

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 Garrison (3)

Saint Ann's Fort📍 landmark

Historic fort in Bridgetown, Barbados, built in the 18th century to defend the harbor.

Garrison Savannah Racetrack📍 landmark

Horse racing track in Bridgetown, Barbados, part of the historic garrison area.

George Washington House (Barbados)📍 landmark

Historic house in Bridgetown, Barbados, where George Washington stayed in 1751.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Ann's Garrison?
A historic British military district from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Can you see the cannon collection?
Yes, it houses one of the world's largest collections of 17th-century British cannons.
Is there a racecourse there?
Yes, the Garrison Savannah is now used for horse racing and sports.
When does the changing of the guard happen?
Often on Thursdays at the Main Guard building; check local times for accuracy.
Is entry free?
The grounds are free to access, but museums usually charge an entry fee.
St. Ann's Garrison: where is it located?
St. Ann's Garrison is located in Barbados.
St. Ann's Garrison: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Ann's Fort, Garrison Savannah Racetrack, George Washington House (Barbados).
St. Ann's Garrison: 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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