Hunte's Gardens is one of those places that quietly steals the show on an island tour. It lies at Castle Grant in the parish of St Joseph, in the hilly centre-east of Barbados, and it was created by horticulturist Anthony Hunte, who transformed a former sinkhole on an old sugar plantation into a garden. The grounds fall away in terraces and winding paths among a huge variety of flowers, trees and foliage, with lily ponds, fountains and statues, many depicting Buddha, tucked into quiet corners. The entrance board identifies more than eighty-four species, and some of the plants are rare in parts of the West Indies. Birds sing in the canopy and green monkeys sometimes appear. Benches sit in private spots, and a veranda by the house serves tea, coffee, cake or rum punch, where Mr Hunte has been known to share what he knows about the plants. The gardens are open from ten in the morning to four in the afternoon every day of the week, including Sundays and bank holidays, and admission is about twenty US dollars for adults, with reduced rates for children between six and twelve.
The sinkhole setting is the secret. Because the garden sits below the surrounding ground, it feels sheltered and cool, with a canopy of tall trees overhead and thick plantings that give the sense of a private forest. Paths wind down and back up, so wear shoes with grip and take your time on the slopes, especially after rain. Bring a camera, but also a little patience: the best moments are the quiet corners with a bench, a statue and a view of ferns, and these take time to find.
Hunte's fits naturally into a day in the interior. Harrison's Cave, a short drive away, is a good morning stop, and St Nicholas Abbey and Cherry Tree Hill lie to the north. Several island tours include the gardens, and the Viator Hunte's Garden and St Nicholas Abbey small-group tour combines them with the Atlantic coast. If you are driving yourself, the roads are narrow and signs are modest, so use a map and allow extra time. Contact details on the garden's website can confirm opening conditions before a long drive.
What to know: the garden is not suited to wheelchairs because of the paths and steps, and the terrain can be slippery in wet weather. Allow about an hour to wander and another half hour on the veranda. Entry is paid in US or Barbados dollars, and it is sensible to carry cash for the entrance fee and refreshments. The garden is private and run by its owner, so respect the planting and stay on the paths.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll along winding paths through a sheltered sinkhole garden, with a veranda for refreshments.
Best time
Mid-morning on a dry day, after Harrison's Cave or before a late lunch, and between ten and four when the garden is open.
How long
About an hour to wander, plus time on the veranda.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, bring cash for entry and refreshments, and avoid the paths right after heavy rain.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Garden lovers and anyone wanting a shady, peaceful break from the beaches.
- Families
- Children over about six pay a reduced rate, though the paths include slopes and steps.
- Couples
- Find a bench, order a rum punch on the veranda and linger.
- Pair with
- Harrison's Cave and St Nicholas Abbey for a day in the interior.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
When is Hunte's Gardens open?+
The garden lists opening hours of ten in the morning to four in the afternoon every day, including Sundays and bank holidays.
How much does it cost?+
The listed admission is about twenty US dollars for adults, with children from six to twelve paying a smaller fee. Check the contact page for the latest rates.
Where is it?+
At Castle Grant in St Joseph, in the hilly interior of Barbados, within a short drive of Harrison's Cave.
Is it suitable for wheelchairs?+
The garden has winding paths and steps on sloping ground, so it is not easy for wheelchairs. Contact the owners to confirm.
Are there refreshments?+
Yes. The house veranda serves tea, coffee, cake and rum punch.
