Garrison Savannah Racetrack, Bridgetown

The Garrison Savannah, the large oval racetrack and grassy field at the heart of Bridgetown’s historic Garrison district, was originally the parade ground for the West India Regiment stationed at nearby Saint Ann’s Fort. Horse racing developed here when regimental officers began racing their horses against those of wealthy plantation owners.

Today, the Savannah is home to the Barbados Turf Club and remains the island’s best-known horse-racing venue. The club hosts the annual Barbados Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, and on Gold Cup Day-the first Saturday of March-the place is packed. Other races are much more relaxed and are perfect for wandering around, meeting the locals, and relaxing at the track.

Start on the southern end of Garrison Savannah, near the junction of Garrison Hill Road and Bay Street. From here, begin following the eastern side of the Savannah northward, keeping the racetrack on your left. As you walk, look across the track for the racing facilities and grandstand.

When you reach the northern end of the Savannah, follow the road around the top of the oval and begin heading south along its western side, now keeping the Savannah on your left.

As you make your way around the perimeter, keep an eye out for the Barbados Independence Monument. It stands near the track and is marked by a tall flagpole, making it relatively easy to identify. This is a particularly important historic spot: on November 30, 1966, the British Union Jack was lowered here and the flag of newly independent Barbados raised instead.

Continue around the Savannah, and you will also notice historic cannons displayed beside the racetrack. They recall the area’s military past and form part of Barbados’s remarkable collection of old English iron cannons. More historic guns can be seen nearby at the Main Guard, the distinctive colonial military building overlooking the Savannah.

If you are exploring farther around the Garrison, look for Saint Ann’s Fort on the southern side of the Savannah. Together, the fort, the Main Guard, the cannons, the Independence Monument, and the old parade ground make it easy to see how this modern recreation area grew out of what was once one of the Caribbean’s major British military complexes.