|
 Breathtaking scenery, set in the grounds of the once regal Farley
Hill house. A mansion in ruins, tucked away in a forest of mahogany
trees, high up on a hill overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast, Farley
Hill is an idea spot to picnic, escape into nature, hide in the shade
of a comforting tree and to simply stare out to sea. It is also a spot
favoured by visitors for getting married!
Building of Farley Hill house began in 1818, with additional rooms
being added over the next 50 years. It eventually grew to be
regarded as the most impressive mansion in Barbados. In the mid-nineteenth
century the property was owned by Sir Graham Briggs, a wealthy British
planter and legislator. Briggs improved not only the house, but also
the gardens, importing many new plants and trees into the island.
In 1965, the house was used in the film Island in
the Sun but was subsequently destroyed by fire. Farley Hill
was officially opened as a national park by HM Queen Elizabeth II in
1966, the same year Barbados gained independence.
Several times a year Farley Hill is transformed into a stage for musical
and theatrical events. The Barbados Jazz Festival,
a week long festival featuring the worlds leading jazz musicians, stages
a remarkable one day open air concert in the park each January.
On this day the magnificent ruins of Farley Hill House become the background
for a stage. Picnic baskets are opened under the tall mahoganies and
all ages and all nations dance, listen and enjoy superb music in an
unforgettable atmosphere of joy, friendship and tranquility.
To discover this scenic location and others, take
an island tour.
Other Barbados attractions and points of interest within 1 mile of Farley Hill
|
