Queen's Park, Bridgetown

Queen's Park in Bridgetown stands as a site of both historical and cultural significance. Originally serving as the residence for the Commander of the British Troops stationed in Barbados for the West Indies, the park occupies a prime location in the northeastern part of the capital city. Adjacent to Queen’s Park are Harrison College and the Headquarters of the Barbados Transport Board, further embedding the park within the urban fabric of Bridgetown.

Queen's Park House, built in 1786, stands at the park's center. Originally meant for the British Garrison's Commander at Saint Anne’s Fort, its predecessor was lost to the 1780 hurricane. The Crown bought the land in 1782 and rebuilt it in 1784. A barracks once occupied the southern section, but after British forces withdrew in 1905, the Barbados Government took over, opening it as a national park on June 10, 1909.

The park's design is attributed to Lady Gilbert Carter, the same visionary responsible for the gardens at Ilaro Court, now the official residence of the Prime Minister of Barbados. Today, Queen’s Park is maintained by the National Conservation Commission (NCC) and offers a variety of recreational and cultural amenities. These include a children's playground, a gazebo, a Steel Shed, a pool and fountain, lush gardens, and a sports ground suitable for cricket and other activities.

One of the park's most remarkable features is its ancient baobab tree, one of only two on the island. With a massive circumference of approximately 18 meters, the tree is estimated to be nearly 1,000 years old, making it a treasured natural landmark.

Queen’s Park House remains a focal point of the park, now repurposed to house the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre and the Queen’s Park Gallery, ensuring its continued relevance in the island’s cultural scene. Over the years, the park has served as a venue for numerous cultural and social events, including CARIFESTA 1981, the annual Healthy Lifestyle Extravaganza, and the traditional Christmas Morning Service.