DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Needham's Point Lighthouse

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
tower
—°3
Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)

Weather…

Needham's Point Lighthouse stands as a silent sentinel on the southwestern tip of Barbados, guarding the historic approaches to Carlisle Bay since its completion in 1855. This octagonal masonry tower, the second oldest on the island, was originally equipped with a stationary light fueled by oil to guide mariners past the treacherous reefs of the south coast. Its location is deeply tied to the island's military history, as it sits within the boundaries of Saint Ann's Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After falling into disrepair during the mid-20th century, the lighthouse underwent a meticulous restoration funded by the Hilton Barbados Resort, which now surrounds it. While no longer used as an official maritime aid, the beautifully preserved red-and-white structure remains a cherished landmark, offering a glimpse into the 19th-century colonial engineering that once secured the Caribbean's busiest ports.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282828282827
Rain mm34191928527274959813210749

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The lighthouse can only be viewed from outside, as it is usually not open to the public. You can see it from the beach or the adjacent hotel grounds.
🕒
Typical hours
Since the lighthouse is not open to the public, there are no visiting hours. Best to visit during daylight to see the structure clearly.
📷
Photography
Exterior shots of the octagonal lighthouse are very appealing, especially with the Caribbean Sea backdrop. A tripod helps with long exposures at dusk.
⏱️
Time needed
A short stop of 10 minutes is enough to photograph the lighthouse. If you want to enjoy the beach, allow an hour.
➕
Combine with
The lighthouse is at the southern end of Carlisle Bay. Combine the visit with a swim in the sea or a walk along Bay Street.
🧭
Getting there
The lighthouse is accessible by car or on foot from the beach. Parking is available near the Hilton Barbados hotel, which borders the beach.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the lighthouse at sunset when the sky colors and light become magical. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view over Carlisle Bay.

Geography

Coordinates
13.07860, -59.61060

Facts

  • The lighthouse was built in 1855.
  • The height is 25 metres.
  • The light range is 20 nautical miles.
  • Electrification occurred in 1930.
  • The tower is made of cast iron.
  • The red and white paint was applied in 1920.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Needhams Point LighthouseNeedhams Point Lighthouse<1 km · SExplore →
Bank HallBank Hall2 km · EExplore →
Highgate Signal StationHighgate Signal Station2 km · NExplore →
Bridgetown Fisheries ComplexBridgetown Fisheries Complex2 km · SEExplore →
GrazettesGrazettes3 km · EExplore →
ClermontClermont4 km · EExplore →
West Indies Rum DistilleryWest Indies Rum Distillery4 km · SEExplore →
Pine Hill DairyPine Hill Dairy4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Needham's Point Lighthouse (3)

Charles Fort (Barbados)📍 landmark

Charles Fort is a historic fortification located in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Saint Ann's Fort📍 landmark

Saint Ann's Fort is a fort in Barbados, reflecting its military past.

George Washington House (Barbados)📍 landmark

George Washington House is a historic building in Barbados, linked to the US president.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Opening hours?
Outside always accessible.
Entrance?
None.
Accessible?
Partially.
Photography?
Yes.
Duration?
20 min.
Needham's Point Lighthouse: where is it located?
Needham's Point Lighthouse is located in Barbados.
Needham's Point Lighthouse: what is there to see?
Highlights include Charles Fort (Barbados), Saint Ann's Fort, George Washington House (Barbados).
Needham's Point Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Needham's Point Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
Needham's Point Lighthouse stands as a silent sentinel on the southwestern tip of Barbados, guarding the historic approaches to Carlisle Bay since its completion in 1855.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America

Nearby cities

Bridgetown — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados.
Historic Bridgetown — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Historic Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011 for its British colonial architecture.
Bank Hall — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Bank Hall
Bank Hall is a suburb in the parish of Saint Michael, located just north of Bridgetown.
Bush Hall — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Bush Hall
Bush Hall is a historic residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tudor Bridge — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Tudor Bridge
Tudor Bridge is a busy commercial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
The former home of Sir Grantley Adams is now an open-air museum showcasing traditional Barbadian architecture.
Spring Garden — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Spring Garden
Spring Garden is an industrial and coastal area north of Bridgetown.
Fairfield — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Fairfield
Fairfield is a residential suburb north of Bridgetown in the parish of Saint Michael.
Green Hill — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Green Hill
Green Hill is a centrally located residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Grazettes — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Grazettes
Grazettes is an important industrial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Cave Hill — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Cave Hill
Cave Hill is best known as the site of one of the main campuses of the University of the West Indies.
Clermont — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Clermont
Clermont is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Warrens — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Warrens
Warrens is a major business and commercial district in the parish of Saint Michael.
Saint Stephen — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Saint Stephen
Saint Stephen is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Wanstead — Needham's Point Lighthouse (Barbados)
Wanstead
Wanstead is a quiet residential community in the parish of Saint James.