Charles Fort

9 months ago

Awe inspiring historical monuments. It is currently being restored and we met Kevin who is part of the Hilton restoration team and he generously gave us an informative tour. This fort dates back to the 1600 when Barbados was under attack by the Dutch. It later became part of the British commonwealth and the name was changed from Needham to Charles. So much suffering and loss took place on this land. Admission to visit is free.

a year ago

No need for tickets. Drive to the Hilton, security will let you in. Park for free by the fort. And wander in. It's a colonial fort, built by the British, commanding the approach into Bridgetown by sea. It's free reign, the more you look the more you find. From emplacements for breech loading guns, to muzzle loading cannons. There's murder holes, and various other fort building. Unfortunately Hilton are using some of the rooms for storage. And there is no interpretation or signage. It is in dying need of being taken under Barbados national trusts protection. On our visit. A lot of cannon were missing. And there is a serious amount of cannon in the sea around the fort... Not sure if they are being used as a breakwater. (But I would gladly volunteer my and my companies services to re- raise and set the canon from the sea!) these are original canon. That should not be lost to corrosion of the sea. As a history buff. I enjoyed it. But there's some shameful waste of heritage and history here.... From the pallet of canon sat by the hltn bins. To the canon abandoned to the sea, to no interpretation, and being used for functions and storage by Hilton!

a month ago

Nice view, easily accessed. Sometimes they restrict access for weddings. Set inside Hilton hotel. Worth the trip. Parking available at the hotel

2 years ago

Some Canons are installed pointed towards the ocean and there is a small bit of old buildings. It's a beautiful view and you can't avoid coming here if you're staying at the Hilton, but I wouldn't say it's worth it unless you're already in the area.

2 years ago

Nice cannons on the grounds of the Hilton.