Eat, Drink, & Be Merry: A Guide to Some of Barbados' Best Picnic Spots

There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ picnic with family and friends. After all, good food and great company are the key ingredients to a good time! With that in mind, I thought it a great idea to compile a list of some popular and some not-so-well-known locations to consider for your next picnic outing here in Barbados. 

So pack your favourite treats in your cooler, grab your crew, and let’s check out some of the best places to picnic in Bim!

1. Farley Hill National Park, St. Peter

This is one of the first places that immediately come to mind when thinking of picnic spots in Barbados. There’s also a children’s play area perfect for entertaining little ones. Plus, don’t forget to check out the gorgeous panoramic views overlooking the East Coast! 

N.B. there is a nominal fee (charged per car) to enter. 

2. Andromeda Botanic Gardens, St. Joseph

Amidst exotic plants and flowers located on many levels, there are many peaceful spots here for a relaxed picnic. This botanical garden was originally owned by Barbadian horticulturist Iris Bannochie, and boasts over 8 acres of beautifully cultivated grounds. You can often spot volunteers passing through as they work on maintaining the gardens. There’s also a koi pond with gorgeous lilies, a gazebo, and a wooden deck with seating located throughout the gardens. This is definitely one of the East Coast’s hidden gems. Plus, there’s also an onsite cafe where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat. A great perk of visiting Andromeda - their entrance fees include unlimited return visits to the garden for an entire month! 

3. Hackleton’s Cliff, St. John

This is one of my personal favourite spots to go for a picnic! Sitting on the border of St. John and St. Joseph, Hackleton’s Cliff offers one of the best views of the East Coast. Picnic tables are available (including some with shade from trees), and there’s almost always a lovely cool breeze passing through. This is a great example of community tourism - the tables and garden areas are maintained by the nearby residents! There’s also a donation box on location - definitely consider leaving something towards its upkeep. 

4. Folkestone Marine Park. St. James

I couldn’t write an article about picnic spots in Barbados without including this popular West Coast one! This is a favourite for locals and for good reason - it’s very centrally located and along many bus routes, there are plenty of picnic tables, trees for shade, and it’s right by the picturesque Folkestone Beach. Heads up - parking can be a bit limited, especially on bank holidays or weekends.

5. Flower Forest, St. Joseph 

This one is for the flower and nature fans! Head to the enchanting Flower Forest in St. Joseph. Explore the many pathways surrounded by beautiful blooms, check out the gorgeous views of the East Coast, and then find a peaceful spot to enjoy your meal. The entrance fee provides access to this floral paradise, and they ask that all visitors please take their litter and leftover food with them. 

6. River Bay, St. Lucy

Located in the very north of the island, this is another favourite spot to picnic. Picnic tables are available all around the area, and there are also bathroom facilities. If you feel like exploring after your meal, you can definitely hike up the hill to get a better view.

Something to keep in mind - unfortunately, River Bay sometimes gets overwhelmed with the seasonal sargassum seaweed that drifts around the island. This doesn’t affect the areas with the picnic benches, but it’s something to be aware of.

7. National Botanical Gardens, St. Michael

This is one of the newer additions to this list, but this has quickly become another favourite public spot for picnics, birthday parties or gatherings. Directly opposit from the National Stadium, the National Botanical Gardens offer open spaces, trees perfect for providing shade, and plenty of options to explore or simply relax with friends and family. Admission is free! 

8. Brandon’s Beach, St. Michael

Just a few minutes north of Bridgetown, Brandon's Beach is a great option for a seaside meal. There are lots of picnic tables and seating available, and the sea is right there for an after-meal dip. Didn’t bring your picnic basket? Not to worry, there are plenty of nearby bars and vendors (including BARVEN across the road) that you can pick up something from. 

9. Three Houses Park, St. Philip 

Sitting on a rolling hill in St Philip, Three Houses Park is another great option for a picnic, as it offers gorgeous views and sweet, sweet island breezes. There are also lots of mahogany trees located throughout, which provide plenty of shade. This park has plenty of picnic tables throughout, a playground for little ones, bathroom facilities, as well as a nearby natural spring which is popular for a dip. 

10. Barclay's Park, St. Andrew

Another fave local spot! Overlooking the famous Soup Bowl surf spot, Bathsheba Park offers benches and shaded areas if you want to have a picnic with a view. 

11. Bath Beach, St. John

Looking for another picnic spot on the East Coast? How about Bath?