Barbados is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches, clear water, palm trees and a backdrop of 18th-century colonial architecture ready to be discovered all around the Capital, Bridgetown. With a laid back calypso culture Barbados also has a vibrant nightlife to be discovered.

Cooling trade winds provide the island with an almost-constant temperature prevails throughout the year. September to May is freshest at around 21-24°C (70-75°F) with warmer weather at around 27-29°C (80-85°F) the rest of the year. The temperature drops about 5°C (41°F) after dark. June to November is the hurricane season.

December to April

December to the middle of April is when most people visit the island when it is less humid, rainy and hot. Having said this, the island is relatively dry throughout the year and there is less rainfall during the Caribbean winter.

The island is renowned for its pretty reefs located 0.5 - 2 miles off the shore. Large coral heads form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish, larger sea life is also found on these reefs.

A number of airlines offer direct flights to the island from Europe and the continental United States. Flights can be purchased at a reasonable price, if you are a UK citizen you do not require a visa, however other nationalities are asked to check on entrance requirements.

Barbados is a truly beautiful island and there is plenty to do here aside from Scuba Diving and lying under a palm tree on the beach with a Banks beer. Not many people know but Cliff Richard is now a resident to the island and a walk past his house for quick nosy is not unusual. Alternatively there are plenty of historic plantation houses, tropical spas and golf courses on the island; however below are some of our favourites.

1. The Clock Tower at the Garrison Historical District

For those of you who like your history, this clock tower is worthy of a visit. The clock tower is a fine Georgian structure which stands proudly over the garrison that once housed 15,000 British troops. Erected in 1804 when Napoleon was Emperor of France and a global conflict between Britain and France was in the offing. Slavery was still rife across the Caribbean and it would be a further three years before the horrific trade is abolished and a further ten years before the sugar plantations bow to the abolitionists.

2. A Change of Scenery

The majority of visitors to the island base themselves on the west coast of the island, with its beautiful beaches lapped by the Caribbean Sea. However if you want to get off the beaten track and experience the other aspects of the island, drive from the Airport towards the Capital and you pass through the smaller villages, farms of the island eventually coming to Bridgetown, which is the vibrant capital city of Barbados with bags of history and a unique vitality. Then there is the east coast, which is beaten by the power of the Atlantic Ocean, fresh and secluded you can really get away from it here.

3. The Andromeda Botanical Gardens

Located near St Joseph, the Andromeda Botanical Gardens are well worth a couple of hours to walk around. Or alternatively taking one of the National Trust Walks, ending on a local beach for a spot of relaxation and a local beer.

4. Oistins Fish Festival

With a large plate of seafood and a local beer, I cannot imagine anything better. Located in a little fishing town, the festival was set up to celebrate the contribution of the local fisherman to the island. With a lively atmosphere and a good mix of tourists and locals, we would thoroughly recommend the event.

The island can be quite pricey compared to some of the other islands.