Welcome to our blog post about St. Nicholas Abbey and St. Peter – two sites rich with interesting facts, history, and information about these important pieces of St. Peter’s cultural heritage. In this post, we’ll be exploring the unique architecture, history, and modern relevance these two sites offer today. Additionally, we’ll include a travel guide for anyone interested in visiting St. Nicholas Abbey and St. Peter for themselves. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of St. Nicholas Abbey and St. Peter!
Table of Contents
1. St. Nicholas Abbey dates back to 1705, and is among the oldest English colonial-style plantations in the Caribbean.
2. It is home to the oldest continuously operated sugar factory in the Western Hemisphere.
3. The plantation house features authentic mahogany furniture, chandeliers and other pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.
4. The estate also boasts natural springs, gardens and its own nature trail system.
5. You can also sample rum from the St. Nicholas Abbey Rum Distillery, which operates on the plantation grounds.
6. St. Nicholas Abbey offers guided horse riding excursions and tours of the property by horse-drawn carriages.
7. In 2017, the estate was granted approval to build the St. Nicholas Abbey Visitor Centre, which features interactive exhibits on the estate’s history, ecology and more.
8. The distillery also produces liqueurs, including a tempting coconut-flavoured one, as well as gins and vodkas made from locally grown fruit.
St. Nicholas Abbey is an historic plantation house and working sugar plantation located in the parish of St. Peter, Barbados. It is situated on the western, or Caribbean, side of the island in close proximity to the banks of the Drax Hall River.
The estate was established by Colonel Benjamin Berringer in 1640, and was home to 10 generations of the Berringer family. The estate underwent extensive restoration in the late 20th century and today has three historic buildings, consisting of the Great House (c 1660s), the sugar factory (1720s) and the Plantation Library (1820s).
The plantation was built by the Berringer family, originally from Scotland, and first operated as a tobacco plantation. As time passed the family converted the St. Nicholas Abbey into a sugar-cane plantation. The Berringers ran the plantation up until the mid-20th century and it was then sold to the Barbados government.
Since then, the plantation has been kept as a historic site. It is now open to the public, who can take tours of the grounds and buildings, and the plantation library contains some original Berringer family records. The estate also houses a rum distillery, producing premium rum, and the estate has a working plantation where visitors can experience seeing the sugar cane being harvested.
The estate is a popular tourist attraction in Barbados and continues to be a working plantation to this day. It is a reminder of Barbados’ colonial past and is part of the island country’s rich cultural heritage.
, Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey, located in the town of St. Peter, Barbados, is a historic plantation house and beautiful sightseeing destination. Built in 1658, the house was originally used as a cotton and sugar plantation and the house is now a museum with guided tours that share the history of the house and its previous owners. Here are some guidelines for visiting.
When to Visit:
The house is open daily from 9am to 4pm, so visitors can plan their visit accordingly. The museum is busiest on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to plan ahead and book in advance to avoid long lines and disappointment.
Getting There:
St. Nicholas Abbey is located approximately 20 miles from Barbados’ capital city, Bridgetown. The most convenient way to reach the house is to take a taxi or arrange a private tour which can be booked in advance.
What to See:
Upon arrival, visitors are taken on a guided tour of the house, which is made up of several different rooms such as a library, an exhibition of ancient artifacts, and an outdoor garden. During the tour, visitors learn about the history of the plantation and its previous owners, as well as the many antiques and artifacts on display.
Afterwards, visitors can explore the grounds and visit the replica of a 19th century rum store, a traditional Barbadian kitchen, and a sugar cane mill. Visitors can also take part in a self-guided tour of the lily pond and rainforest wetlands, which is home to a variety of plants and animals.
What to Bring:
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and hats to protect themselves from sunburn. Good walking shoes are also recommended as visitors will be walking around the grounds and exploring the outdoors. Additionally, visitors should bring plenty of water and snacks to keep energy levels high throughout the visit.
St. Nicholas Abbey is a beautiful and interesting historical sightseeing destination in Barbados. With a guided tour of the house and outdoor activities on the grounds, there is much to explore and learn. Visitors should plan ahead and book in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
, Barbados
Q: What is St. Nicholas Abbey?
A: St. Nicholas Abbey is a Jacobean-style plantation house located near the town of St. Peter, Barbados. It is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Caribbean and the only one in the eastern Caribbean. It is also the oldest existing plantation house in the Caribbean, with a great hall dating to 1650.
Q: What can I see and do at St. Nicholas Abbey?
A: Visitors can tour the great hall and other ornamental rooms, view the collections of antiques and artifacts from the house’s 350-year history, visit the tropical gardens and orchards, take part in rum tastings, and dine in the restaurant. Plus, the Abbey offers a variety of educational programs, special events, and guided tours encompassing aspects of the plantation’s history and natural heritage.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Yes, there is a cost for admission to St. Nicholas Abbey. The current admission fee is BDS$30 for adults and BDS$10 for children.
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024