Not your regular Friday night destination but fascinating when the sky is clear, the Harry Bayley Observatory offers an opportunity to gaze at the stars and planets.

Volunteer enthusiasts of the Barbados Astronomical Society usually kick off with an astronomy-themed video or lecture, before inviting you upstairs to peer through the 16-inch Meade telescope.

Depending on how many people show up, and what’s visible in the night sky at the time, you usually get to see a planet or two, the moon and a star or constellation over about an hour and a half. Be prepared for a fair amount of hanging around while queuing for your turn, but the wonder is well worth the wait.

Established in 1963, the observatory is named after a keen Barbadian amateur astronomer and eminent physician.

Practical Info

Friday evenings 7–9pm (if not too cloudy)

Adults BD$25; Children BD$10

By car: 3.5miles (5.6km) east of Bridgetown, just off Highway 6, a 10-min drive. There’s plenty of parking.

By bus: #11A or #16A bus from Fairchild St Bus terminal, Bridgetown, can drop you off at Wildey’s (10min) Crossing the road opposite the petrol station, it’s a 10min walk down Observatory Rd. Check the bus timetable.

1 246 6222000

Harry Bayley Observatory