St. John's Parish Church

The basics

One of Barbados oldest church sites, this classic Gothic-style church is well worth a visit. Absorb the panoramas over Barbados’ eastern beaches from its cemetery and admire its handsome interior woodwork, including its elaborate pulpit and sweeping staircases. Other must-sees include the grand headstones and crypts of its cemetery, many marking the resting places of some intriguing and famous past Bajans.

St. John’s rich history and scenic location earn it a spot on most tours covering Barbados’ east coast. Take one of the full-day Barbados highlights excursions that depart from key hotels and visit the church alongside attractions like Hunte’s Gardens and Holetown. Alternatives include shorter sightseeing trips that focus purely on the east coast—including guided e-bike tours—and shore excursions that depart from and return to Bridgetown cruise terminal.

Things to know before you go

• St. John’s Church is a rewarding outing for its views and photo opportunities, as well as for its glimpses into genealogy, history, religion, and architecture.

• The church interior, cemetery, and viewpoints are largely wheelchair accessible.

• On-site amenities include parking, restrooms, and some small souvenir stalls.

How to get there

St. John’s Parish Church stands just inland from Barbados’ east coast in rural St. John’s Parish. If you’re visiting independently, it’s about a 30-minute drive or cab ride from Bridgetown via Highways 3 and 3B. You can also take the Line 7 bus from Bridgetown to Gall Hill Social Centre, around a 10-minute walk from the church. If you’re coming from Barbados’ west coast, Line 56 buses from Holetown connect with Line 7 at Bridgetown.

When to get there

The church is open to visitors from early morning to early evening, year-round. It’s worth noting that services are held every Sunday morning and Saturday evening. At other times, the church is generally quiet, though it can get fairly busy when tour groups arrive.

Must-sees at St. John’s Parish Church

Once you’ve experienced the thrilling views from the church cemetery—they stretch from Ragged Point headland to the east to Pico Teneriffe in the north—be sure to see the gravestones. Most famous is that of Ferdinand Paleologus, a well-known 17th-century Barbados resident directly descended from Constantine XI, the 15th-century and last Byzantine emperor. Nearby is the tomb of Thomas Hughes, who was buried standing up—at his request—reportedly because he rarely sat down in the job he held.