Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Key facts: St. Joseph · $ · Sunday 9:30AM-4:30PM, Monday 9:30AM-4:30PM, Tuesday 9:30AM-4:30PM, Wednesday 9:30AM-4:30PM, Thursday 9:30AM-4:30PM, Friday 9:30AM-4:30PM, Saturday 9:30AM-4:30PM · Ages: all
Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a 6-acre tropical garden in Bathsheba, St. Joseph, created from 1954 by award-winning horticulturalist Iris Bannochie and now managed by the Barbados National Trust. It holds over 500 plant species and is the only RHS Partner Garden in the West Indies. Entry is free for Barbadians and children 15 and under, and the gardens are open every day including bank holidays.
About Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Andromeda Botanic Gardens sits on six acres of hillside in Bathsheba, St. Joseph, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the rugged east coast of Barbados. Created from 1954 by Iris Bannochie, a self-taught Barbadian horticulturalist who won multiple gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the garden holds over 500 tropical and sub-tropical plant species collected from across the globe. It is the original garden of Barbados and the only RHS Partner Garden in the West Indies, described by the Royal Horticultural Society as one of the most unique and outstanding gardens in the world.
Why Families Go
Andromeda gives families a chance to slow down and engage with nature in a genuinely educational way without it feeling like a classroom. Children can explore winding paths, spot butterflies, hummingbirds, and lizards among the plants, and learn about biodiversity at their own pace. A free mobile audio guide with numbered markers is available throughout the gardens. The on-site cafe, Anna-Lisa's, serves fresh food and drinks in a beautiful garden setting.
What to Know Before You Go
The gardens are open every day from 9:30AM to 4:30PM, including all bank holidays. Overseas adult admission is BD$40 per person and includes unlimited return visits for one month. Entry is free for Barbadians with a Bajan ID card, children 15 and under with a paying parent, Barbados National Trust members, and RHS UK members. No advance booking required. The approach road can be narrow so take your time if driving.
Family Fit
Well suited to families with children of all ages. Younger children enjoy the paths and wildlife while older children can engage more deeply with the audio guide and the story of Iris Bannochie. Free entry for children and Barbadians makes it a practical and memorable low-cost outing.
Questions parents ask
Is Andromeda Botanic Gardens free for Barbadians?
Yes. Entry is free for Barbadians with a valid Bajan ID card. Children 15 and under with a paying parent also enter free.
What are the opening hours?
Open every day including bank holidays from 9:30AM to 4:30PM. Earlier entry can be arranged by calling ahead.
Is there a cafe at Andromeda?
Yes. Anna-Lisa's Cafe is on site serving fresh food and drinks. It is worth confirming availability before your visit.
How much does it cost for overseas visitors?
Overseas adults pay BD$40 per person, which includes unlimited return visits for one month. RHS UK members and Barbados National Trust members enter free.
Is Andromeda suitable for young children?
Yes. The winding paths, wildlife, and free audio guide make it engaging for children of all ages. Younger children enjoy spotting butterflies and lizards along the way.
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