Formerly an important port, nicknamed ‘Little Bristol’ in reference to its trade links to that British city, Speightstown has an authentic edge which sets it apart. It hasn’t been overly developed for tourism, aside from a recent marina development, and this is perhaps what gives it its charm. While it’s no longer a seafaring hub, it’s still busy and enjoyably historic. A museum and gallery of Caribbean Art are among the attractions worth seeking out.
Just north of the town, the Six Men’s Fish Market offers a taste of this still-important Barbadian trade. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a fish fry with drinks and side dishes, where you can the fresh catch under the night sky, often with live entertainment. It is also a popular area for scuba diving – a 165ft-long wreck called the Pamir lies just off Six Men’s Bay, and is the impetus for many people to get down there and see it.
As you head south of Speightstown, you come to the glamorous area known as the ‘platinum coast’, where the rich and famous come to play. Even without the luxury stores and hotels it’s a good-looking place, with beautiful white sands and quiet coves lining the stretch around Holetown.
This is the place to be if you’re looking for upscale nlghtlife, much of it around Holetown’s First and Second Streets, where you’ll find cool hangouts like the Red Door Lounge. There are excellent beachfront restaurants and bars too, and a great atmosphere as you stroll along the boardwalk as the sun sets.
If you choose to head inland from Speightstown, you will be rewarded by the natural beauty of the Farley Hill National Park. Only eight minutes’ drive from town, it enjoys a fresh Atlantic breeze from the east, and views of the coast too – a fine place for a picnic or to enjoy some live entertainment, as it sometimes hosts events like the Barbados Reggae Festival.