Bathsheba and the east coast of Barbados: a first-timer's guide

Why visit Bathsheba

The east coast feels completely different from the calm west. There are no big resorts, few shops and a strong, steady breeze. The landscape of rolling hills, palm groves and wild beaches is the most dramatic on the island, and many Bajans spend Sunday afternoons here liming and picnicking.

The beach and the rocks

The famous **Bathsheba rocks** sit in the shallows, shaped like mushrooms by the sea. Rock pools at low tide, sometimes called the Bathsheba pools, are popular for a soak when the sea is calm, but swimming in open water here is dangerous. Strong currents and undertows have caused drownings, so stay in the shallow pools only when conditions are calm and follow local advice.

The Soup Bowl

The **Soup Bowl** is one of the best known surf breaks in the Caribbean, with powerful waves that attract international surfers and competitions, especially in the autumn swell season. It is for experienced surfers only, but it is great to watch from the shore.

Gardens

Above Bathsheba, **Andromeda Botanic Gardens** is a beautiful cliffside garden with orchids, palms and views over the coast. A short drive inland, **Hunte's Gardens** is a magical garden in a sinkhole, created by horticulturist Anthony Hunte, where you wander among tropical plants with classical music playing. **Flower Forest** is another lovely garden nearby with walking paths and views.

The Scotland District and around

North of Bathsheba, the **Scotland District** is named for its hills, the most rugged part of the island. **Cattlewash** has a long empty beach for walks, and the **East Coast Road** is a scenic drive. Inland, **Chalky Mount** is known for its potters. South of Bathsheba, **St. John's Parish Church** sits on a cliff with sweeping views, and **Codrington College** has a long avenue of royal palms and a lily pond.

Hiking

The **Barbados National Trust** runs free Sunday hikes around the island, and some pass through the east coast. The old railway line along the coast is a popular walking route, and the hike from Bathsheba to Bath is a local favourite.

Food and drink

Bathsheba has a handful of simple restaurants and rum shops with ocean views. Local fish, fish cakes and Bajan lunches are the specialties. Many places close by late afternoon, so plan for lunch rather than dinner.

Where to stay

There are a few small guesthouses and inns, ideal if you want quiet, hiking and the sound of the sea. Most visitors make it a day trip from the south or west coast.

Getting there

Buses run to Bathsheba from Bridgetown, but they are less frequent than coastal routes. An island tour or a taxi for the day is the easiest option for first-timers, and combines Bathsheba with Harrison's Cave and the gardens.

Tips

Do not swim in the open sea on the east coast. Bring a hat and water, as the wind hides how strong the sun is. Weekends are busier with locals, so a weekday is quieter.

A suggested east coast day

Leave your base early and drive or take the bus inland via Harrison's Cave or Welchman Hall Gully. Reach Bathsheba mid morning to see the rocks and the surfers, then walk up to Andromeda Gardens. Have lunch with an ocean view, drive north along the East Coast Road to Cattlewash and Cherry Tree Hill, and return through the Scotland District, or head south to St. John's Parish Church and Codrington College before looping back.