Grenade Hall combines a restored signal station and a natural forest to create a wonderful attraction for history and nature lovers. The entry fee you pay will not only allow you access to the Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station but also to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The signal station offers patrons fantastic views of the East Coast of Barbados due to its high vantage point. This high vantage point was necessary as when the station was originally constructed in 1819 as part of the 6 signal stations placed across the island after the 1816 slave rebellion, it was a communication means across the island. It was ideal for communicating to the military base at the Garrison Savannah when ships were approaching the island or for notifying of impending slave rebellions. Due to the introduction of the telephone to the island, the station suffered from neglect and was at one point buried under tons of foliage. However, it has now been restored as a tourist attraction in the island, where persons can see exhibitions, including artefacts and audio tapes. So, the ideal lookout point for communication in the 1800s is now an ideal vantage point for viewing the beauty of Barbados.
The tropical woodland forest near the signal station is also open for exploration. Guides will educate you about the many healing powers of the plants in existence and also how people around the world use them as such. Also, you will also see some wild life including the Green Monkeys. The coral stone educational pathway has many sign boards providing entertaining questions and answers to provide a relaxing yet educational experience. Tours of the area are available from 10 to 5. For more information, contact 422-8826.
TripAdvisor Reviews
“Interesting Diversion” – StephenIre
Just beside the Wildlife Reserve, the Signal Station is a gentle 200 meter or so walk. Entry is included in the Wildlife Reserve ticket. The signal station has been completely renovated. It has some artefacts on the lower floor, a history of the station and the development of telecommunications on the first and second, and an oral history playing in the background. Great views across the island.
“A quiet area with kind of history lesson” – ukuehne
Enjoy the panorama from the signal tower and learn a little bit about Barbados’ history. It’s far more than just beaches… The area is well maintained and worth a visit. Listen to the spoken story telling and dig into the history of old Barbados.
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a zoo-like reserve located across the road from the Farley Hill national Park in a natural mahogany wood. It is known as the animal kingdom of Barbados. What makes this experience amazing is that only a few of the animals are caged so you can see the animals roaming around freely in their natural environment, while being able to interact with them up close. The wildlife you will come across include the Barbados Green Monkey, birds (for example parrots and sparrows), snakes, iguanas and non-native animals such as the armadillo. This attraction is not only great for adults but for children as well, meaning it’s an attraction the entire family can enjoy.
What is great about the Reserve is that some of the animals threatened with extinction, are provided a wonderful environment to thrive. The reserve has a great respect for nature, research and conservation. Feeding time for the animals is usually around 2 every afternoon and it is at this point that the animals are livelier. The Green monkeys are free to come and go as the please but they usually return around feeding time. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is open daily from 10 to 5, same hours as the Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station, and also has a snack restaurant available and open from Monday to Friday. Patrons have to be sure to look carefully between the trees as the animals tend to blend in well with the surrounding environment. Also, the animals are wild and should be treated with caution. For more information, contact 422-8826.
TripAdvisor Reviews
“Barbados wildlife reserve”– David G
For the price this is actually quite unique in that you get up close to the wildlife. Tortoise taken over the place but great to see monkeys having fun in the little pools of water and also feeding time at 2 PM was great with the animals so close. Smell was a bit overpowering but overall a good place to spend an hour or so. Took local buses which was an experience not to be missed!
“Great couple of hours spent” – Chantel S
We took a spontaneous visit to the reserve and was nicely surprised with how comfortable the animals seemed around us. There are quite a few that wonder around freely, such as turtles, peacocks and a type of deer I believe. The younger ones were excited by these and the older ones were excited by the reptiles! Quite an enjoyable day out!
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