Morgan Lewis Windmill
Explore the history of Barbados's sugar cane industry at this iconic, restored 1700s windmill.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Avoid school groups
Morgan Lewis Windmill
Best Time
Avoid school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the history of Barbados's sugar cane industry at this iconic, restored 1700s windmill.
"An absolute highlight of our trip to Barbados, highly recommend the guided tour!"
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Guides are passionate and share deep history. Worth the few dollars for insight!
🍹 Try the Juice Flight
Sample various local juices at the cafe. A refreshing experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Working Windmill
Main structure
Explore the mechanics of one of the last restored sugar mills in the Caribbean. Humbling to see 1600s engineering.
Guided History Tour
Visitor center/grounds
Passionate guides share fascinating stories of the sugar plantation and Barbados' past.
Cafe with a View
Adjacent to windmill
Enjoy Bajan-inspired lunch or a juice flight with breathtaking east coast views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Guides are passionate and share deep history. Worth the few dollars for insight!
🍹 Try the Juice Flight
Sample various local juices at the cafe. A refreshing experience!
🚶♀️ Steep but Safe Stairs
Climbing the windmill is safe with railings, but stairs are steep.
🚗 Free Onsite Parking
Convenient parking is available right at the windmill.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Guided Tour
Guides are passionate and share deep history. Worth the few dollars for insight!
🍹 Try the Juice Flight
Sample various local juices at the cafe. A refreshing experience!
🚶♀️ Steep but Safe Stairs
Climbing the windmill is safe with railings, but stairs are steep.
🚗 Free Onsite Parking
Convenient parking is available right at the windmill.
💰 Affordable History
Admission is reasonably priced, making it an accessible historical site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Morgan Lewis Windmill as a highlight, particularly for its historical significance and the passionate guided tours. The cafe offers delicious food with breathtaking views, making it a well-rounded experience. While the climb can be steep, the overall insight into Barbados's sugar heritage is deeply appreciated.
"An absolute highlight of our trip to Barbados. Recommend the guided tour to learn about the history of the sugar mill, the plantation and more about Barbados’ past. Our tour guide was incredibly passionate about history and we thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with her.
There is a cafe as well with snacks and drinks. recommend the juice flight to try out any juices on the island you haven’t tried yet!"
Kate Retherford
"Go for the lunch and short hike up the windmill. Food was amazing and decently priced (not a tourist trap). The self guided tour up the windmill was fun and educational. Seeing the mechanics from the 1600’s was humbling. Stairs are steep but it’s safe and had railings. May want to do the rum flight after the windmill tour!"
Amanda Rudyj
"Great experience at the windmill, lovely little cafe there run by the friendly lady who does the tour who has a great deal of knowledge to share. Well worth spending the few dollars to get an understanding and insight into the history of the windmill and surrounding area, as well as some great views.
@dkdoestravel"
Dave Kersey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The windmill is located on the east coast of Barbados. Many visitors opt for a rental car or a guided island tour to reach it. Taxis are also available, but can be more expensive.
Yes, there is free parking available onsite, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many Barbados island tours include a stop at the Morgan Lewis Windmill, offering a convenient way to see it along with other attractions.
Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore the rugged east coast, including the windmill. Alternatively, consider a guided tour for a hassle-free experience.
Public transport options to the east coast can be limited and time-consuming. It's generally recommended to use a rental car, taxi, or join a tour for easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small admission fee to enter the windmill and grounds, which is considered very reasonable for the historical insight provided.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official Barbados National Trust website or inquire locally before your visit.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the admission fee is generally considered affordable for the experience offered.
You can do a self-guided tour of the windmill, but a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 30 to 40 minutes exploring the windmill and its grounds, including a potential visit to the cafe.
You can see the restored sugar mill machinery, learn about its history through displays, and enjoy panoramic views from the cafe.
The stairs inside the windmill are steep but equipped with railings, making the climb manageable for most visitors.
Restroom facilities are typically available for visitors at the windmill site.
From the windmill and the adjacent cafe, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged east coast of Barbados.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a charming cafe on-site offering snacks, drinks, and Bajan-inspired lunches with stunning views.
Visitors often recommend the juice flight to try various local flavors and the Bajan-inspired lunch options.
The cafe is generally considered to offer good value, with prices described as decent and not a tourist trap.
Yes, the cafe serves Bajan-inspired lunches, making it a great spot for a meal with a view.
Besides the popular juice flight, you can expect a selection of other beverages. Some visitors also mention a rum flight option.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic windmill structure against the backdrop of the east coast, the interior machinery, and the scenic views from the cafe.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the open spaces and scenic vistas offer potential for aerial photography if permitted. Always check local drone laws.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the windmill's details, while late afternoon offers golden hour hues and pleasant lighting for the surrounding landscape.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the windmill, allowing you to capture the historical machinery.
Standard photography is usually permitted. For commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to inquire with the management beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The onsite cafe provides a convenient spot for a family meal or snack with a view, and the open grounds offer space for children to move around. It's a great opportunity to introduce younger visitors to Barbados's rich heritage in a fun and accessible way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks or enjoying the affordable juice flight at the cafe can help keep costs down. It's a chance to experience a key piece of Barbadian history without a hefty price tag, especially when compared to other island attractions.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1The guided tours are highly recommended, as they delve deep into the island's sugar plantation era, offering a nuanced understanding of Barbados's past. The preserved machinery and the stories shared by knowledgeable guides provide a rich, immersive historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Sugar in Barbados
+1Understanding the windmill's function provides insight into the labor-intensive processes of sugar production. It highlights the ingenuity of early engineering and the scale of operations required to meet global demand for sugar. The mill's capacity, capable of crushing hundreds of tons of cane to produce thousands of gallons of syrup in favorable conditions, underscores its historical importance.
Visiting Morgan Lewis Windmill offers a tangible connection to this past. It's more than just a structure; it's a symbol of Barbados's agricultural legacy and the complex history that unfolded on its plantations. The guided tours are particularly valuable for bringing these stories to life, detailing the lives of those who worked the land and operated the machinery.
Experiencing the East Coast Charm
The cafe at the windmill capitalizes on this stunning location, offering visitors a chance to relax and soak in the panoramic views. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a refreshing drink while taking in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. The breeze here is often noted as a refreshing element, making it an ideal place to escape the heat.
Beyond the windmill itself, the surrounding east coast is worth exploring. While not as developed for tourism as other parts of the island, it offers opportunities for scenic drives, exploring natural attractions, and experiencing a quieter side of Barbados. The drive to the windmill itself can be part of the adventure, showcasing the island's diverse topography.
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