Holetown

Holetown is the oldest town in the island-nation of Barbados. In 1625, the British originally founded the settlement as St. james Town. Nowadays it's an important tourist resort and most of its original buildings have been demolished to make place for luxury hotels and other tourist facilities.

Some 19th century structures remain, such as Saint James Church, where you can still see remains of its 17th-century past. The church was built in 1874 on the site of a previous wooden church. At the church you can see a bell that is inscribed with the name of King William.

Holetown's narrow beach is fronted by Folkestone Park, where people come to picnic. The sea offers some good snorkeling and surfing possibilities. The marine museum in the park has exhibitions on fishing and boat building.

There are hotels and restaurants in all sorts and classes in Holetown. The town is on Barbados' western coast, 10 km north of Bridgetown.