St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway
Saint Andrew
The St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway is a 1.5-kilometre narrow gauge heritage railway located on the historic St. Nicholas Abbey estate in Barbados. Conceived and financed by Barbadian architect Larry Warren, the railway was completed in 2018 and officially opened in 2019. It runs on a balloon-shaped track from the estate to Cherry Tree Hill, providing visitors a 45-minute scenic ride including a stop with panoramic views of the sea. The railway features historic steam locomotives, including a 1914 Mallet locomotive originally from Indonesia and a 1926 La Meuse locomotive from Belgium, as well as diesel engines for off-season service. The line has three stations: St Nicholas Abbey Station with full visitor amenities, Cherry Tree Hill Station with a run-round loop, and Croquet Lawn Halt near the rum distillery. The railway offers a family-friendly experience and specialized railway history lectures during stops, making it appealing both to tourists and railway enthusiasts. The carriages are wheelchair accessible and equipped with live commentary systems. The railway complements the estate's broader heritage attractions, including the Jacobean Great House, gardens, rum distillery, and museum, making it a unique cultural and historical experience in Barbados.
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Astuce: Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed experience and consider booking tickets in advance online, especially for combined tours including the Great House and Distillery. The train departs daily at set times, so plan accordingly to catch your preferred departure. Discounts or special offers may be available for combined tours or children. Volunteers can participate in operating the turntable at Cherry Tree Hill during stops, offering a hands-on experience. The railway is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly.
Faits intéressants
- •The railway uses a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) gauge, the same as the original Barbados Railway that operated from 1883 to 1937.
- •One of the steam locomotives is a 1914 Mallet type built in Germany, originally used in Indonesia, and rebuilt in the UK before arriving in Barbados.
- •The railway route includes a balloon-shaped track encircling an ornamental lake and a manually operated turntable at Cherry Tree Hill.
- •The formal opening was performed by Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who tolled a historic locomotive bell from the original Barbados Railway.
- •Passenger carriages are wheelchair accessible and equipped with loudspeaker systems for live and pre-recorded multi-lingual commentary.
Histoire
The heritage railway was conceived by Larry Warren, owner of the St.
Nicholas Abbey estate, and completed in 2018.
It was inaugurated with a diesel service in January 2019, with steam locomotives entering service shortly thereafter.
The railway's gauge matches that of the original Barbados Railway, which operated from 1883 until dismantled during World War II.
The formal opening was conducted by the Prime Minister of Barbados in March 2019, symbolically linking the new railway to Barbados' historical rail heritage.
The project was funded with a budget of approximately 2 million Barbados Dollars and created local employment opportunities.
Guide du lieu
St Nicholas Abbey Station
Main station with visitor amenities including a shop, toilets, catering services, car parking, and engineering facilities for the railway.
Cherry Tree Hill Station
A scenic stop on the railway line featuring a run-round loop and platform with road access. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and participate in railway history lectures and volunteer activities such as operating the turntable.
Croquet Lawn Halt
A small halt adjacent to the estate's ornamental lake and the historic rum distillery. It serves passengers wishing to visit the distillery and gardens, with alighting only.
Steam Locomotive No. 51914
A 1914 Mallet steam locomotive built by Arnold Jung in Germany, originally used in Indonesia, extensively rebuilt and restored for heritage railway use in Barbados.
Steam Locomotive No. 61926
A 1926 0-4-0T steam locomotive built by La Meuse in Belgium, previously used for industrial shunting and preserved in the UK before relocation to Barbados.
Contact
Téléphone: (246) 422-5357
