St Lawrence Gap Travel Guide

About St Lawrence Gap

The St Lawrence Gap, in Christchurch Parish, is the nightlife centre of Barbados, located on the more commercial southern coast of the island. The resorts on the south coast are spread out, some even fairly isolated, but the Gap itself is lined with dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, and, correspondingly, several resorts are clustered there as well. This part of Barbados is more casual and inviting than the Platinum Coast, and the resorts are hardly behind high walls. 

Beach:

Beaches on the south coast have fine white sand but are windier than those on the west coast. Reef-protected areas are safe for swimming. Some beaches have good surf and are prime spots for windsurfing. St Lawrence Bay itself can be very shallow during low tide and is protected for swimming. Many visitors find good snorkelling from the beach. Dover Beach, at the Gap, is a stunning half-mile strand. Sandy Beach, in Worthing (particularly the section by the Sandy Bay Beach Resort) has calm, shallow waters, making it good for families with children.

Beyond the beach:

Several of the island's most interesting sights are in Christchurch. Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in Bush Hill has preserved some of the island's best remaining undeveloped wetlands and has a large aviary. The Sunbury Plantation in Six Cross Roads is a great historic plantation, where you can have a buffet lunch. Tyrol Cot Heritage Village in Codrington Hill was the home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados; today it's a craft village where you can watch artisans in their workshops. There is no shortage of links on the island, the closest one is Rockley Golf & Country Club (Golf Club Rd, Worthing, Christ Church).

Family fun:

Seaborne activities are centred in Bridgetown. Kids enjoy the Atlantis III submarine, which sails from Bridgetown and can dive to a depth of 45m (150ft), or a cruise on the tall-ship Harbour Master. Closer to the Gap, Ocean Park, on Highway 6, has marine exhibits and a miniature golf course.

Exploring further:

Andromeda Gardens in Bathsheba also has some excellent views. Harrison's Cave is one of the island's most popular attractions. The Flower Forest in Richmond Plantation is a lovely garden with winding paths on a former sugar plantation. Gun Hill Signal Station, atop Gun Hill, is at one of the island's highest points and offers outstanding views. If you are longing for a dose of history, visit the Barbados Museum in Garrison Savannah.