Christ Church Tourist Information and Tourism

(Christ Church, Barbados)

While the north-west shore of Barbados is a decidedly upmarket Caribbean destination, Christ Church and the south-east shore are noticeably more laid-back and affordable. Tourism is the defining industry of Christ Church, and tourist information is readily available. This region caters for surfers and independent travellers who don't mind taking a quick drive up the coast to find the best beaches.

Those who do stay in Christ Church get to see the best of St. Lawrence Gap. This trendy neighbourhood has more funky bars and top-tier restaurants than just about any other destination on the island. Combine this with the chance to hang out on a weekend night at Oistins, and it becomes hard to justify staying with the northern resorts.

Christ Church Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

The beaches around Christ Church are the main reason why this part of Barbados sees such a high number of holiday makers and tourists. Beaches along the South Coast are known on the island for their endless snorkelling, surfing and windsurfing opportunities, with Dover Beach being amongst the busiest in the parish and offering favourable conditions for body boarding. Another popular coastal spot to check out is Rockley Beach, where tropical palm trees and comfortable sun loungers all add to the holiday experience. Other good beaches in this area include those around Silver Sands and Bottom Bay. More information about Christ Church Beaches.

Apart from the beaches and water sports of Christ Church, there are a series of more formal tourist attractions, many of which are concentrated around the lively Saint Lawrence Gap area. Anyone staying here will not be able to miss the buzz and excitement surrounding the Oistins Fish Market. By day, crowds flock here to watch the arrival of the fisherman and soak up the associated hustle and bustle. However, the real fun starts when the sun sets and the community fish fry begins, along with the traditional Caribbean music. For a combination of dinner and entertainment, the Bajan Roots and Rhythm attraction at Saint Lawrence Gap is the place to be, while for golf, both the Barbados Golf Club and the Rockley Country Club oblige on that front. More information about Christ Church Tourist Attractions.

Although the parish is far from overflowing with grand buildings and monuments, especially when compared to those next door in St. Michael, there are a few choice landmarks for sightseers. These include the Christ Church Parish Church at Oistins, and St. David's Church within St. David's Village, the latter of which is one of the island's oldest and dates back to just before the middle of the 19th century. Towering over Miami Beach is the South Point Lighthouse, which stands close to the Atlantic Shores district and features bright red and white stripes. Strangely, the lighthouse actually originated from Victorian London, being transported here in the mid-19th century, straight from the Great Exhibition. More information about Christ Church Landmarks and Monuments.

There are several interesting museums located in Christ Church, with further cultural offerings in the nearby city of Bridgetown. Located at the Grantley Adams International Airport is the Barbados Concorde Experience, where the aviation history of this world-famous supersonic passenger airliner is explained, and visitors even get the chance to walk aboard a decommissioned BA Concorde. Other cultural draws include the Wildey House estate, the Barbados Museum at St. Ann's Garrison in Bridgetown, and the Kirby Gallery at Hastings. More information about Christ Church Museums and Art Galleries.

Barbados is a very easy island to get around, especially if you have chosen to hire a car upon your arrival. Consider taking an excursion to the tourist magnet of Harrison's Cave, in the parish of St. Thomas, where a tram transports passengers through a series of interconnecting natural caverns, past some exceptional calcium deposits. The Richmond Plantation and its famous Flower Forest in St. Joseph is another day trip possibility, along with the relatively nearby Andromeda Botanic Gardens at Bathsheba. In Bridgetown, many further beaches await, together with an important cathedral, large parklands and evening theatrical entertainment. More information about Christ Church Attractions Nearby.

More Christ Church Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Barbados (south)
• Location: south of Saint George, Saint Michael and Saint Philip
• Status: parish
• Area: approximately 22 square miles / 57 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 60,000
• Language: English / Bajan (Barbadian English)
• Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
• Time zone: Eastern Caribbean Time Zone (UTC-4)
• Country dialling code: +1
• Telephone area code: 246
• Average daily Christ Church January temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Average daily Christ Church July temperature: 30°C / 86°F