Barbados is the .Little England' of the Caribbean ; you'll notice this the first time you see the local cricket match, since the gentlemanly game has a totally different rhythm and passion here. Nonetheless, there are old stone Anglican churches in every parish, horse races on Sunday and portraits of the Queen hanging on walls.

Most visitors who come to Barbados are looking for a comfortable mix of the familiar peppered with enough local flavour. If you're looking for a Caribbean island with plenty of amenities, water sports, good food and nightlife, then Barbados will fit the bill.

Cropover
The biggest annual event in Barbados is the Crop Over Festival, celebrating the harvest of sugar cane, formerly the island's main industry. The five week summer festival is a fiesta of colourful floats, parades and people in costume dancing and enjoying themselves to the background of music and fireworks.

The best time of year to travel to Barbados is during the cooler, drier months of late winter and early spring. However, this is peak season so prices will be slightly higher.

Average Temperature :

Summer: 82

Winter: 79

Rainiest Months :

June . November

The cheapest form of transport on the island is the bus service. Three kinds of bus service operate; government operated public buses, which have the most extensive routes, privately operated minibus system and route taxis.

Renting a car is another option, however this can be expensive, none of the island's many car hire outlets are affiliated with major international rental chains. Temporary driving permits are required and they can be obtained for a small fee when you book your car hire.

Taxis are available and the government fixes fares. Vehicles though are unmetered so you need to establish a fare in advance.

Bridgetown
The capital of Barbados is set on the island's only natural harbour and has architecture reflecting the link between the U.K and Barbados . There are gothic parliament buildings, a large Anglican Cathedral and a distinctive 19 th century synagogue.

Outdoor attractions include the Careenage, a small inlet with recreational boats that cuts into the heart of the city and Queen's Park, which has good picnicking lawns. History buffs should go to the Barbados Garrison, the 17 th century base of the British Windward and Leewards Island Command, which has a museum, fortification, brigs and cannons.

Holetown
Founded in the 1620's, Holetown is Barbados oldest town, however due to its modern appearance you would never know the age. You can visit St. James Church; a 19 th century building that still retains some of its 17 th century past. There is a marine museum with exhibits and boat building.

Sam Lords Castle
Situated on the east coast of the island, Sam Lords Castle is a mansion constructed by Sam Lord, who according to legend hung wrecker lanterns off the point to lure ships into Cobblers Reef. The ships assumed they were arriving into a safe harbour, when they crashed into the reef Lord then collected the cargo.

Sam Lord's former home has the appearance of a stately residence rather than a castle and houses a modest collection of paintings and antiques.

St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence is 9 miles from Bridgetown and the home of the liveliest of entertainment from fly-fishing to having a good boogie. The St. Lawrence area is also home to most of the low to mid range accommodations on Barbados .

Sunbury Plantation House
The Sunbury Plantation House is the only house on Barbados that can be explored in full. The house was built from coral blocks and ballast stones from English sailing ships that collected shipments of Barbadian sugar.