At the heart of modern Bridgetown is the Careenage, a sheltered marina filled with bobbing pleasure boats. Until the mid twentieth century, it was the city’s main port.

The inlet was so named because merchant and slave ships were ‘careened’ (beached, cleaned and repaired) here. As you stroll along the boardwalk along the northern embankment, note the heritage plaque paying homage to the resilience of the enslaved who were sold here.

The pedestrian Chamberlain Bridge (above) was built in 1872, replacing a much earlier wooden bridge – evidence that the Arawaks had settled here first. This in turn was substituted by a more modern swing bridge in 2006.

The ornamental Independence Arch was erected in 1987 to commemorate 21 years of Barbadian independence from Britain. Beyond, you’ll find craft stalls, while at the other end of the bridge, you can usually find an ice-cream or snow-cone (see above) to counter the heat.

Practical Info

Transport: Granville Williams Bus Terminal stands alongside the Careenage.

Taxis are also available either side of the water.