St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway image

St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway

Tourist attraction Heritage museum Distillery Railroad company

One of the Best Places To Visits in Mount Stepney


Address

Cherry Tree Hill St. Peter BB26007Barbados

Website

www.stnicholasabbey.com

Contact

+1 246-422-5357

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (460 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Saturday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: train (26) tour (25) ride (16) history (16) house (12) great (12) visit (10) Barbados (9) steam (9) tasting (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Carina J. 4 months ago on Google • 324 reviews
    I visited here a few years ago with my mom. It was enjoyable to walk around and see how the rum is made and also sample some rums. They were delicious! It was very informative as well. The grounds were nice as well to stroll around and they had beautiful landscaping.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vincent W. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are visiting Barbados and need a day off of the beach or away from your resort, this is worth considering. This is a nice tour of an old house and its resurrected distillery. Educational and fun with the train ride. The tour is well executed. Rum is decent quality.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kristof L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great tour, place is in wonderful shape, great film at the end - very real. Rum is worth a taste and the owner and son are great hosts - met both of them poking around and appreciated their candor and easy nature's.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael T. 2 years ago on Google
    Truly an eye opening experience for tourist and locals. The atmosphere is refreshing with the winds blowing off the Atlantic Ocean, the history rich sharing moments of yesteryear, the staff courteous with warm welcome and intriguing stories and the train ride a real authentic excursion. And let's not forget St. Nicholas Abbey's very own rum!!! It is definitely a place to revisit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Siddhant M. 1 year ago on Google
    Another must visit attraction in Barbados. Yes a entry fee is a bit expensive, but totally worth it. The 8 year rum souvenir that I bought was a wonderful gift. It gets personally engraved. Rum lovers would love this place. You can actually see how Rum is made from scratch. The mansion itself is a heritage site. Definately a must visit...
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon 1 year ago on Google
    This whole tour was definitely the highlight of Barbados. The train was great, beautiful views and some wildlife, and our tour guide at the abbey was fantastic. The rum tasting was also included and that was great as well. Overall is was a beautifully well-rounded tour with sights, history, and entertainment and I highly recommend it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Leandra Jones All Around B. 1 year ago on Google
    I went there with my family and had such a wonderful time! The kids especially loved the train ride. If you are into history there is also an option to do a guided tour of the site. As I make gift baskets they also sell unique products that makes great gifts to include, their very own rum and some other local products like pepper sauce and jams. I just love there, the landscaping takes your breath away. They are also located right on the outskirts of our famous Cherry Tree hill, one of the most beautiful views in Barbados.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina B. 5 months ago on Google • 68 reviews
    10/10 a great experience. It’s nice to see the property has been maintained. I recommend doing the full package of train ride and rum tour. Lots of history even a documentary detailing the heritage of the property. There is even an opportunity to buy affordable crafts from local vendors. Also, an option to dine at a nice cafe.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah M. 4 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    Very informative tour from Virginia. We loved the relaxed itinerary which allowed us to wander around before our train ride, and break for lunch before continuing with rum tasting. Beautiful grounds, and the family video gave a perspective you don't usually see. The train ride was fun and a fantastic way to see a variety of the lush tropical forests. As might be expected in such an old house, when the rooms are full of people on a tour, it was extremely hot. Good to bring a little fan with you.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S J. 1 year ago on Google
    The northern side of the island is truly magical. We actually made the trip twice to visit this place. The first time, GPS failed us and we eventually found our way there but it was closing time. The next morning we came before opening time and it was a good call because an hour later the bus tours came. We spent almost all day here and bought rum cakes and jam bottles to take back to Canada. Their rum is special and made with sugar cane. When I visit Barbados again, we will come back for another visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fraiser T. 1 year ago on Google
    Tour Guide, Shop Staff and Home Owners were all really friendly and knowledgeable. The price of the house/rum tour was very reasonable, and was lunch too! Would definitely recommend visiting when exploring the island.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana-Maria L. 1 year ago on Google
    Monday afternoon without any booking I showed up there. The outstanding property it looked like a fairytale book. Amazing long history with artifacts all detailed by Aisha who was the personal guide. Magic place where you get to know how the rum is produced, the long history of the abbey, you get to meet amazing people like Max, Aisha and everyone who now are working and take care of the abbey even the little cat Tuorkey. All memories to take home and keep them close on our life journey.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew G. 1 year ago on Google
    We had an amazing afternoon visiting St Nicholas Abbey, learning the history, visiting the house, gardens and distillery. Seeing the steam engine for crushing the cane was an absolute experience. A solid must visit in Barbados.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michał B. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite good but definitely more for the history buffs. I wouldn’t go out of my way to get there. I wish places were better described without needing to look at the map, also distillery itself… we didn’t know exactly where to go and what we’re looking at. It was like 30 mins before closing time but still I expected something more interactive or better described.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beverly K. 1 month ago on Google • 133 reviews New
    Brilliant train ride, Abbey tour and Distillery Tour. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The rum was quite tasty and lunch in the cafe was served in a relaxing atmosphere on the veranda. Great rainy day activities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kristofer R. 5 months ago on Google • 62 reviews
    For $60BBD I did the steam railway tour alone. The steam train itself was cool to see and experience a part of history however the ride itself was very short. The train ride takes you to Cherry Hill where you have a great view of the island coastline. There's a brief stop for persons to toot the horn of the steam train, take photos and help move the locomotive around. I had hoped to see more on the train but I think if you did the combo tour (great house, steam train and distillery $100 BBD) you might have seen more of the train and the property. There's a large parking area on site with bathroom, cafe and gift shop facilities. Staff are friendly and helpful. Walk ins are welcomed however bookings can be made as there are set times for tours. I arrived without reservation however I first checked online to determine if spots were available. Credit cards are accepted for payment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip R. 3 months ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    Very well done, we did the house tour, but not the train. The house and history was great. Rum was very nice, looking forward to having more when I get home.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yemi A. 2 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    We did the train ride and it was quite expensive for what it is. The guide is super knowledgeable and made the tour more enjoyable. For views of the country, if you have a car you can just drive to Farley Hill National Park for a comparable view
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cristina c. 9 months ago on Google
    Stunning experience, make sure you don’t miss it. Amazing place and I’m happy that we took the combo ticket. The price seems a little high, but you get: 1. a steam train journey with breathtaking views and guided too, 2. a guided tour of one of the oldest plantations where you really see how rum is made, 3. a 300 years old manor guided tour, 4. a rum testing session and cherry on top, a beautiful place to have lunch, coffee or desserts with decent prices.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vasila M. 8 months ago on Google
    Nothing not to like about this place really. Train ride is so much fun, tour guide was phenomenal and Simon was so amazing and very knowledgeable. I wish we had a full day just to enjoy every single angle but we hope to come back soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian E. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Well-kept house. The abbey, train, and its grounds are a fascinating piece of history in paradise. We were so glad to also find that there is an effort being made to make rum through steam powered machines! Very cool!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnny D. 11 months ago on Google
    If you're a fan of history, trains and rum, you have to book a visit here! Their rums are only available at the Abbey and can't be bought outside Barbados. Even the 5 year 40% rum is delicious! Had a moist and sweet rum cake snack in the café.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 steve m. 1 year ago on Google
    Great train trip too the top of cherry Hill through the mahogany trees. Watched sugar cane being pressed all the equipment very old you see the whole process of making rum free tasting at the end. Restaurant on the terrace in the middle of a tropical forest. Not cheap but a very enjoyable 1/2 day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ali de la H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful place to visit. Absolutely stunning location. Train ride was so picturesque. Staff were very friendly and informative throughout. Boarding was easy and it it all beautifully clean and well kept. Guide round the house was so informative and engaging to all. Short film was amazing and gave a good insight to the history. Rum tasting was a nice end to the trip. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolas P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful and very interesting place. People are lovely. Train is a must. One of the best place in Barbados
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Milad M. 2 years ago on Google
    Always exciting to see how they make the magic of alcoholic drinks possible. Rums are Barbados’ main souvenir and this place is among the most famous plantations in the island. You can grab a significantly aged rum with an engraved bottle that will bring charm to your liquor shelf.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenni S. 2 years ago on Google
    Worth the money, for the guided tour of the house and brewery, followed by a steam train ride up to Cherry Tree Hill x Be sure to visit the shop where Simon will be more than happy to assist. ( Be ready for his jokes )
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyle S. 7 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    So cool! A ton of history here. The guides were all super knowledgeable and knew the answers to everyone's questions. We even talked about other related historical subjects, it was an intriguing discussion. The grounds are gorgeous! Rum tasting with the tour. I'm not a rum enthusiast or anything, but it was very good. Bought the assorted pack to give a few away as gifts and keep the 12 year for ourselves 😁 Highly recommend the trip out here!

  • 5/5 James B. 4 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    This was by far the bast tour we went on. It was brilliant and you really do not have to like trains that much either. the house the gardens the terrace and not to mention the rum tasting were great. The train trip stole the show with loads of great history and a brilliant view at the end. A must do.

  • 5/5 Michael J. 2 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Beautiful little train - do it if you love trains, must-do for train lovers. The old lady is 109 years old and is treated with respect. Even though it‘s a short ride, every metre is worth doing it. Plus: Where else in the world can you turn a narrow gauge steam train on a railway hub with your own hands? 😳🥰 The tour through the plantation house and distillery was also very interesting!

  • 4/5 Dee 5 months ago on Google
    A great informational tour! Guides are very knowledgeable. It would be awesome if there was 10 more minutes riding the train 🚂 though. Nevertheless, it didn't take away from the views at Cherry Tree Hill or along the track.

  • 5/5 thegriffin88 g. 1 year ago on Google
    A GREAT place to go, a relatively new favorite of mine. (as in the last decade or so) Even if you're not into rum (I mean, I only drink cider once a year pretty much) it's a super fun educational experience. I recommend doing the tour your first time around but after that you can free roam. But you HAVE to stay for the movie!

  • 5/5 Alan A. 4 months ago on Google
    £50/ticket is bit high but with tours of the plantation, rum tasting, and a train ride to Cherry Hill viewpoint. Owner of the Abbey Simon conducted the rum tasting, and although has a speech impediment making it hard to understand him, he was absolutely hilarious and so on the ball with his witty comments.

  • 5/5 Peter C. 2 years ago on Google
    Well worth a visit, understand the history of sugar cane growing, the making of molasses and rum plus ride on the heritage railway with loco and carriages from the early 1900's


Call +1 246-422-5357 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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