The central uplands of Barbados are some of the greenest parts of the island, and two of the best places to enjoy them are the Flower Forest and Welchman Hall Gully. Flower Forest is a botanical garden on a hillside in the parish of St Joseph, laid out on what was once a sugar plantation. Paths wind through tropical flowers, palms, ginger lilies, heliconias and towering trees, with benches and viewpoints looking out over the valley to the Atlantic coast. It feels cool, scented and unhurried, a world away from the busy beach strips. A few kilometres away is Welchman Hall Gully, a Barbados National Trust site that is a long, deep gully formed when the roof of an ancient cave collapsed. Shaded by tall trees and thick vegetation, it is a rare surviving fragment of the island's original forest, mixed with spices, fruit trees and exotic plants introduced over the centuries, such as nutmeg, breadfruit and cocoa. Troops of green monkeys are often seen in the trees, and the walk is gentle and mostly shaded. Together, the two places make an excellent half-day for anyone who wants nature without leaving the road.
The tour linked here is built around a visit to both places, with time for the monkeys, and it is the practical way to see the interior if you are not renting a car. Operators usually collect you from your hotel, drive through the central parishes, stop for the walk through the gully and then continue to the Flower Forest, sometimes adding a lunch or a view of the east coast. Check the day's itinerary when you book, because stops can vary.
What to expect
The paths in both places are paved or well-trodden, but they include steps and slopes, so wear comfortable shoes with grip. The gully can be damp and shady, and the humidity under the trees is higher than it is on the coast. Insect repellent is useful, particularly in the wetter months.
Take water and a camera, and keep food well out of sight if monkeys are close, since they are wild animals and can be bold. Do not feed them. Guides and rangers can point out the trees, the spices and the birds, and the gully is a good place for a slow, observant walk.
Both sites suit most ages and fitness levels, and they are cool and shaded, which is a relief on a hot day. They also pair neatly with Harrison's Cave, Hunte's Gardens and Gun Hill Signal Station, all in the same part of the island, so you can build a full inland day around any of them. If you enjoy plants, spend extra time in the Flower Forest, where the variety of flowers changes with the season and the views are worth a pause.
If you are travelling with children, the monkeys are often the highlight, and the gully's trails are short enough to keep them interested. Opening hours and admission vary, so check ahead and arrive earlier in the day for the best light and the fewest crowds.
Take your time with the plants, as many are labelled and a few have fascinating stories, from spices that shaped the island's trade to trees that provide fruit and shade. Early morning is the best time for birdwatching, and the gully is at its most atmospheric after a light rain, when the leaves glisten. Remember to carry out any rubbish and stay on the paths to protect the habitat.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day tour of the island's interior, with an easy walk through Welchman Hall Gully and a stroll through the Flower Forest gardens.
Best time
Morning, when the paths are cooler and the monkeys are most active; the dry winter months make for the easiest walking.
How long
About half a day with pickup, with an hour or so at each site.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, bring repellent and water, and do not feed the monkeys or leave food visible.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Garden lovers and anyone who wants a shaded, gentle nature outing away from the coast.
- Families
- Great for children, who usually love looking for the green monkeys; stay close on the steps and slopes.
- Couples
- A peaceful, scented stroll with valley views, followed by lunch at a country restaurant.
- Pair with
- Harrison's Cave, Gun Hill Signal Station and Hunte's Gardens.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full day combined with other inland stops.
Good questions
What is Welchman Hall Gully?+
A Barbados National Trust site in a deep gully formed by a collapsed cave, shaded by tall trees and home to spice plants and green monkeys.
What is the Flower Forest?+
A hillside botanical garden in St Joseph with winding paths, tropical flowers, palms and viewpoints over the valley and east coast.
Will I see monkeys?+
Often, especially in the gully, but they are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. Do not feed them.
How difficult are the walks?+
They are gentle, but with steps and slopes. Good shoes are recommended, and some parts may be unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Can I combine it with Harrison's Cave?+
Yes. They are in the same part of the island, and many island tours and taxi drivers link them in one day.
