Things to Do in Saint Thomas, Barbados Parish: Gullies, Caves, and Historical Landmarks

Barbados
Written By Anna Rooker

Saint Thomas, Barbados, is one of two landlocked Barbados parishes with no beaches, but it offers other exciting things to do and natural scenery that makes this parish worth visiting. From intricate cave systems and lush gullies to historical sites and local artisan shops. Whether you wish to stay around this quiet part of the island for a few days or visit on a day trip, this blog details some of the top attractions and best places to eat in Saint Thomas, Barbados.

 

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When to Visit Barbados

Barbados has 2 seasons: wet and dry.

The dry season is December to May, the most popular time of year for tourism, due to its ideal tropical conditions. I visited for a month (from April to May 2025), and the weather was fantastic. While still hot, this time of year has consistent wind that helps cool you down.

The wet season is from June to November, and is hurricane season. While brief afternoon showers are common, they’re often followed by sunshine. For a more affordable, quiet Barbados visit, consider visiting during the rainy season! Just keep tabs on weather radars ahead of your trip, and embrace the beauty these months bring to the island.

How to Get to Saint Thomas

Barbados’ international airport, Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), is located in the southeast part of the island. Access to Saint Thomas from the airport is relatively easy, considering you can get anywhere on the island within an hour or less, depending on traffic.

I recommend getting a rental car from the airport or a taxi to drive you to your destination in Saint Thomas (or anywhere on the island). Taxis are available upon arrival at the airport at the taxi kiosk desks or through the rideshare app, pickUP Barbados. Taxis can often also be scheduled ahead of time with the host of the place you are staying, so they are there to pick you up when you land.

The best way to get around Saint Thomas is by rental car or taxi.

  • Rental Car - A rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the island.

  • Taxi - The rideshare app pickUP Barbados works well enough in this region of Barbados! Sometimes it takes a while for the app to find you a driver, and when it does, you often need to wait around 10-20 minutes for them to get to you. The later in the evening, the more difficult to find a ride. Just be patient and plan! Alternatively, you can flag down taxis on the road or schedule pick-ups and drop-offs with taxi drivers for your excursions.

    You can also refer to Roam2Rio to see how to get from one place to the next via the Barbados bus system.

Where to Eat in Saint Thomas

St Thomas parish, while sparse and rural, has some culinary gems. (Always check the restaurant website or social media for days and hours of operation.) Here are some must-visit places to eat and drink in Saint Thomas, Barbados.

Cafe ma Cherie

If you are visiting Earthworks Pottery (listed below in things to do), drop by Cafe ma Cherie for a breakfast menu, sandwich, or smoothie! The outdoor, covered patio seating has you looking out at the treetops, providing a tranquil, quiet place for a bite to eat.

📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Sawubona

Sawubona is a bistro in Saint Thomas serving a delicious coffee and matcha menu, plus comfort foods such as burgers, sandwiches, curries, and more!

📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Seafood Boil Saturdays

Craving a seafood boil? All you have to do is text Seafood Boil Saturdays on WhatsApp to secure your seafood boil bag with your choice of seafood and sauce! Pickup and delivery available to most parts of Barbados!

📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Debbie’s Kitchen

Debbie’s Kitchen is a takeout lunch spot in Saint Thomas serving traditional, filling, and flavorful Bajan dishes.

📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps

The Tavern Pub

The Tavern Pub, located in Bagatelle Great House, is a relaxed pub-style restaurant serving good drinks and savory dishes. There are pool tables, TVs, slot machines, and live entertainment/events weekly.

📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Citrine

Citrine serves healthy gourmet salads, high protein bowls, soups, sandwiches, and drinks.

📍 Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Grocery Shopping

Here are a few places in or near Saint Thomas for grocery shopping:

Best Things to Do in Saint Thomas, Barbados

Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park

If you do anything at this park, at the very least, do the Harrison’s Cave Signature Tram Tour. This phenomenal guided tour takes you on a tram 160 feet underground through the breathtaking Harrison Cave.

You could spend a whole day at this adventure park, though. There is zip-lining, a rum experience, challenge courses, day pool passes, and a more technical cave tour, having you crawl through tight spaces you won’t see on the tram tour. View all tours here.

💰Cost: Tram tour starts at $57/adult USD

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

See the Rock Hall Freedom Monument

The Rock Hall Freedom Monument is the commemoration of the first free village in Barbados after emancipation. The statue was erected in 2005 and was created by Barbadian artist Stanton Haynes.

💰Cost: Free

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Welchman Hall Gully

Take a guided tour (available seasonally) or a self-guided tour through Welchman Hall Gully, a tropical forest in a collapsed cave. Easy, paved walking trails wind through the lush gully. Refer to the guidebook you will be given at the ticket booth to learn more about the numbered markers along the way.

Fun fact: It is thought that the grapefruit originated here in Welchman Hall Gully!

💰Cost: $15/person USD

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Book a spa day at RenewU Total Body Care

RenewU, located in Saint Thomas, is a well-rated spa offering massages, waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more relaxing and rejuvenating body treatments!

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Shop for pottery at a local shop

Pottery makes a great souvenir. Whether you are looking for a serving plate, vase, mug, teapot, or more, Hamilton’s Pottery and Earthworks Pottery offer a beautiful variety of handmade pieces from Barbados studios.

💰Cost: Free to visit shops; prices for pieces vary

📍Location (Hamilton’s Pottery): Get directions on Google Maps

📍Location (Earthworks Pottery): Get directions on Google Maps

Quiz Night at The Tavern Pub (every Wednesday)

Every Wednesday, The Tavern Pub hosts a trivia night! To sign up your team, contact the quiz master (number can be found on their social media.) A fun way to spend an evening with friends and family!

💰Cost: $10/person entrance fee

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Take an Island Safari Barbados tour

Island Safari Barbados is an adventure tour company offering a unique way to see Barbados off the beaten path. Ride in the back of a 4x4 safari truck to top destinations and sites around the island, + some that are a little more difficult to get to. Some tour itineraries include driving through Saint Thomas.

You can choose from one of the three following tours:

 

Visit St. Thomas Parish Church

If you enjoy seeing historic churches while traveling, add this one to the list! The St Thomas Parish Church that stands today was rebuilt in 1836, after being destroyed by hurricanes and rebuilt 3 times in it’s existence, (1675, 1780, and 1831). While this church doesn’t boast the same dramatic, gothic architecture many of the Anglican churches of Barbados has, its beautiful in its own way and has quite the history of destruction, adding further interest.

💰Cost: Free

📍Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Tour the Bagatelle Great House with Barbados National Trust

The Barbados National Trust hosts an annual fundraising open house event of historic attractions of Barbados, every February through April. The Bagatelle Great House, Lion Castle Plantation House, and Welches Plantation House in Saint Thomas were on the list for 2025 - a unique and rewarding way to learn more about the heritage of Barbados at these important sites.

Keep an eye on the Barbados National Trust Open House website for annual details!

 

Book an island tour that goes through Saint Thomas

Some island tours drive you through Saint Thomas, or you can customize an itinerary on a private tour to visit! Here are some Viator tour options that pass through the St Thomas parish (to say you’ve been):

Tips for Visiting Saint Thomas

  • You can get an eSIM card ahead of your arrival in Barbados using the app Airalo. Get $3 off your first eSIM card with my referral code, ANNA5384

  • Check establishment websites and social media for days and hours of operation. Many places around the island are closed 1 or more days of the week and for holidays, so do a bit of research on the places you wish to visit before heading that way.

  • Carry cash with you, just in case. Credit card is widely accepted in Barbados, but as you venture out into the less populated and traveled-to parishes, or dine and shop at more locally owned establishments, you may find cash is more frequently necessary. The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) and USD are universally accepted across Barbados.

  • The main roads around Saint Thomas are in good condition. The more rural you go, expect some roads only wide enough for 1 car to drive down or unpaved and covered in potholes. Take it slow and decide what your vehicle is capable of!

  • Google Maps is not always accurate. This goes for the entire island. Research the locations of the places you are visiting ahead of time to get a general understanding of the area.

  • Hire a local taxi driver for the day! If you aren’t confident driving around on your own, hire a local driver who knows the area and can navigate difficult roads that they are used to driving. They will also likely be able to give more local recommendations on where to go and give you some history of the areas you are visiting, and it is a great way to support the local economy!

  • Use the pickUP Barbados rideshare app to get around, but be patient! While this app is available to use in this region of the island, the availability of drivers is scarcer than, say, in Bridgetown. I do not recommend fully relying on the rideshare app to get around this part of Barbados.

  • Prioritize sun protection and hydration. This goes for the whole island. Barbados is hot, humid, and mostly sunny! Before heading out, always put on sunscreen. Wear sunglasses, hats, and UV shirts. Handheld fans are helpful for areas or days with little wind. And drink, drink, drink water!

  • Wear mosquito repellent. Especially at dawn and dusk, if you are prone to being a mosquito target.

  • Respect and embrace “island time.” Things are not always as efficient and fast-paced as in places like the US, Canada, etc. Be patient and flexible!

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Anna Rooker
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Explore Saint Joseph, Barbados: Bathsheba, East Coast Beauty, & Attractions