Codrington College
Key facts: St. John · $ · Sunday 10AM-5PM, Monday 10AM-5PM, Tuesday 10AM-5PM, Wednesday 10AM-5PM, Thursday 10AM-5PM, Friday 10AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM · Ages: all
Codrington College is an Anglican theological college in the parish of St. John, Barbados, founded in 1745 on land bequeathed by Christopher Codrington, a former Governor-General of the Leeward Islands. The college is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere and its grounds, with a formal avenue of royal palms and a lily pond, are among the most beautiful in Barbados.
About Codrington College
Codrington College stands in the parish of St. John on the east coast ridge of Barbados, looking out toward the Atlantic. The college was founded in 1745 following a bequest by Christopher Codrington, who left his Barbados estates to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel with instructions to found a college. It is one of the oldest Anglican theological colleges in the Western Hemisphere.
The college grounds are extraordinary: a long avenue of royal palms leads from the entrance to a lily pond and the college buildings beyond. The Gothic revival chapel, the formal gardens, and the views across the surrounding landscape make it one of the most architecturally and horticulturally beautiful sites in Barbados.
Why Families Go
Codrington College is a stop for families interested in Barbados's institutional and architectural history. The lily pond avenue is consistently cited as one of the most beautiful walks in Barbados. The grounds are open to visitors and the combination of history, architecture, and landscape makes it an educational and visually rewarding outing for older children.
What to Know Before You Go
The grounds are typically open to visitors during daylight hours. Entry is free or a small donation is requested. The college is on the east coast in St. John, approximately 35 minutes by car from Bridgetown.
Family Fit
Best for families with children aged 8 and up. The grounds and pond are the main draw. Allow one hour. Combine with a visit to the east coast or St. John's Parish Church nearby.
Questions parents ask
What is Codrington College?
An Anglican theological college founded in 1745 in St. John, Barbados, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, with famous royal palm avenue and lily pond grounds.
Can you visit the grounds?
Yes. The grounds are typically open to visitors during daylight hours with free entry or a small donation requested.
Where is it?
In the parish of St. John on the east coast ridge of Barbados, approximately 35 minutes by car from Bridgetown.
What is the lily pond avenue?
A formal avenue of royal palms leading to a lily pond at the entrance to the college grounds, considered one of the most beautiful walks in Barbados.
Who was Christopher Codrington?
A former Governor-General of the Leeward Islands who bequeathed his Barbados estates to found the college in his will.
More family places in St. John · Open the related family guide · Browse more family places in Barbados