Cherry Tree Hill
St. Nicholas Abbey, Barbados, Saint Peter
Considered one of the finest outlooks in Barbados, Cherry Tree Hill is a viewpoint near the St. Nicholas Abbey estate in the island’s northern corner. From here, 850 feet (259 meters) above sea level, visitors gaze southward over Barbados’ Scotland District and eastern shores, admiring sandy beaches, mountains, and sugarcane fields.
The basics
Hugging the boundary between Barbados’ Saint Peter and Saint Andrew parishes, Cherry Tree Hill commands expansive and spectacular views. Visitors come for its unobstructed vantage point over much of Barbados’ wild east coast, stretching from rugged Bathsheba Beach to Ragged Point headland on the horizon.
Travelers can visit Cherry Tree Hill independently or by riding on St. Nicholas Abbey’s Heritage Railway, which chugs to the viewpoint through the estate. The outlook is also included on many Barbados highlights tours and shore excursions. Call here on private, customizable excursions around Barbados’ landmarks, coastal adventures, or itineraries focusing on the lush interior and sights like St. Nicholas Abbey and Harrison’s Cave. Photo stops at Cherry Tree also feature on some wildlife-themed Barbados tours.
Things to know before you go
Cherry Tree Hill will delight sightseers, nature lovers, and photographers.
Bring binoculars to spot landmarks like Ragged Point lighthouse, far to the south.
Plan on staying around 15–20 minutes to fully appreciate the views.
Vendors selling trinkets and drinks congregate nearby, but they’re not pushy.
How to get there
Cherry Tree Hill neighbors St. Nicholas Abbey in northeast Barbados. If you’re driving, visit after exploring the abbey: turn left from the gates onto the mahogany-shaded road leading to the viewpoint. Alternatively, make the approximately 35-minute drive—or cab journey—via Highway 2A from Bridgetown. No direct buses run to the outlook, but #4 from Bridgetown’s Princess Alice terminal stops at Shorey Village, a 1-hour hike from Cherry Hill.
When to get there
Cherry Tree Hill is free to visit and open year-round. The best time to visit is during Barbados’ December–May tourist season, when hot, dry days promise sparkling-clear, far-reaching views. It’s worth noting the viewpoint can be busy during late morning when tour buses arrive. For extra-special views, arrive early for the sunrise over Bathsheba Beach.
What to see near Cherry Tree Hill
Don’t miss St. Nicholas Abbey or the tree-lined avenue leading to Cherry Tree Hill. After exploring the abbey’s Jacobean-style Great House, gardens, and rum distillery, drive or walk along the shady avenue to the viewpoint. Once hemmed by the eponymous cherry trees, it’s now flanked by stately mahogany trees, which replaced their predecessors in the 18th century, and give the road a distinct, fairy-tale feel.
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