Barbados is the Caribbean island UK travellers fall for and keep returning to: direct flights, English spoken everywhere, cricket on the radio and rum shacks on every corner. It also has two very different coasts, and choosing the right one is the key to a great holiday.
This guide explains the difference between the west, south and east coasts, plus when to go and what to do. For our hand-picked hotels and trips, see our Barbados holidays page.
The quick answer
- For calm water, turtle snorkelling and fine dining, choose the west coast (Holetown, Speightstown).
- For wider beaches, better value and nightlife, pick the south coast (St Lawrence Gap, Oistins).
- For surf and dramatic scenery, visit the east coast at Bathsheba.
- Go between December and April for the driest weather.
- Barbados is about 8 hours 30 minutes direct from the UK.
Where to stay
| Coast | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| West (Platinum Coast) | Couples, honeymoons, fine dining | Calm, clear water; the island’s smartest hotels |
| South | Families, value, nightlife | Wide beaches, bars and the Friday fish fry |
| South-east | Kitesurfing, quiet stays | Crane Beach and Silver Sands |
| East | Day trips, surf, scenery | Atlantic waves and rock formations at Bathsheba |
Many travellers split their stay between the west and south coasts, which are less than an hour apart. The east coast is better as a day trip or a night or two in a small inn.
Things to do
- Oistins Friday fish fry — grilled fish, music and half the island out for the evening.
- Snorkelling with turtles — catamaran trips along the west coast.
- Harrison’s Cave — a tram ride through limestone caverns in the centre of the island.
- Rum distilleries — Mount Gay and St Nicholas Abbey for tours and tastings.
- Bridgetown and its Garrison — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Kensington Oval for cricket fans.
- Gardens — Hunte’s Gardens and Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
When to go
The dry season, December to April, is the best time, with sunshine and around 29–30°C. May and June are good-value shoulder months. Barbados lies east of the main hurricane path, but the season still runs from June to November.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester take about 8 hours 30 minutes, and most hotels are 20–45 minutes from the airport. UK passport holders don’t need a visa for a holiday — check the FCDO travel advice for Barbados before you go.
Money and local charges
The Barbados dollar is fixed at two to the US dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted. Hotel bills include VAT and a per-room nightly levy, which we show in your quote.
Food and drink
Try flying fish and cou-cou, the national dish, fish cakes from a roadside stall and macaroni pie. Wash it down with a rum punch — or a Banks beer at a rum shack — and save room for the restaurants of the west coast, which are some of the best in the Caribbean.
Ask us which coast suits you →
Frequently asked questions
West coast or south coast of Barbados?
The west coast has calmer water and the most luxurious hotels and restaurants; the south coast has wider beaches, better value and more nightlife.
When is the best time to visit Barbados?
December to April, the dry season. Barbados lies east of the main hurricane path, but the season runs from June to November.
How long is the flight to Barbados?
About 8 hours 30 minutes direct from London Gatwick, London Heathrow or Manchester.
Do I need a visa for Barbados?
No, UK passport holders don’t need a visa for a holiday. Check the FCDO advice before travelling.
Can I combine Barbados with other islands?
Yes. St Lucia, Grenada and the Grenadines are short flights away, and Bridgetown is a major cruise port.
Planning a Barbados holiday?
Tell us who is travelling and how you like to holiday, and we will match the coast and hotel to you.
