Holetown
The first British settlement in Barbados — a charming west coast town with excellent restaurants, Limegrove shopping and beautiful beaches
Explore Holetown
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do in Holetown
The best beaches, shopping and dining on the west coast.
Holetown Monument & History
Holetown is the site of the first British settlement in Barbados, established in 1627. The Holetown Monument marks the landing site and is surrounded by a small park. The town has a good range of historical plaques and information boards that tell the story of the early settlement. The St James Parish Church, one of the oldest churches in Barbados, is nearby.
Limegrove Lifestyle Centre
The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is the best duty-free shopping destination in Barbados. Fashion, cosmetics, health and beauty, jewellery and electronics are all available at excellent prices. The centre also has a good range of restaurants and bars, including the excellent Tides restaurant and the Limegrove Cinema.
Folkestone Marine Park
The Folkestone Marine Park, just north of Holetown, is a protected marine area with excellent snorkelling on an artificial reef. Sea turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and a variety of other tropical fish are regularly seen. The park has a small museum and visitor centre, and snorkelling equipment can be hired on site.
Dining in Holetown
Holetown has the best concentration of restaurants on the west coast. The Tides, right on the beach, is one of the most romantic dining experiences in Barbados — excellent food and stunning sunset views. Daphne's, Cin Cin by the Sea and the Mango's Beach Bar are all excellent alternatives. The Holetown Festival in February is a major cultural event.
Holetown Beach
The beach at Holetown is one of the best on the west coast — calm, clear water, white sand and excellent facilities. It's right in the town, which makes it very convenient. The beach is popular with both tourists and locals and has a good range of watersports available, including jet skiing, parasailing and paddleboarding.
Holetown Travel Guide
Holetown is the most convenient and complete base on the west coast of Barbados. The site of the first British settlement in 1627, it has grown into a charming town with excellent restaurants, the best duty-free shopping in Barbados, a beautiful beach and a good range of hotels and resorts.
The Holetown Monument marks the site of the first British landing in Barbados. A small park surrounds the monument, and the town has a good range of historical information about the early settlement. The St James Parish Church, one of the oldest churches in Barbados, is a short walk away.
The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is the best duty-free shopping destination in Barbados. Fashion, cosmetics, health and beauty, jewellery and electronics are all available at excellent prices. The centre also has a good range of restaurants and bars, including the excellent Tides restaurant and the Limegrove Cinema.
The Folkestone Marine Park, just north of Holetown, is a protected marine area with excellent snorkelling on an artificial reef. Sea turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and a variety of other tropical fish are regularly seen. The park has a small museum and visitor centre, and snorkelling equipment can be hired on site.
The dining scene in Holetown is the best on the west coast. The Tides, right on the beach, is one of the most romantic dining experiences in Barbados — excellent food and stunning sunset views. Daphne's, Cin Cin by the Sea and the Mango's Beach Bar are all excellent alternatives.
The Holetown Festival, held in February, is one of the most important cultural events in Barbados. It celebrates the anniversary of the first British settlement with music, food, craft stalls and historical re-enactments.
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