Trelawny

Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment
and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)

Trelawny has some beautiful beaches, rivers, caves, markets eco-tourist destinations,
recreation and other fun things to do. Here are some of the things to do and some hidden
gems:

Caves

A feature of the limestone regions of Trelawny are caves.

These are home to large colonies of bats, which produce cave
phosphates. The caves in Trelawny are also of great
archeological interest. The largest and more accessible cave is
Windsor Great Cave. It can be easily navigated for about a mile
(1.6km), but beyond that, an underground stream impedes
progress except to experts. This cave is tunnel-shaped with
grottos and vaults, which are adorned with dripstone
formations. The mouth is located at the foot of the upper
Cockpit Country near Windsor House 45 km from Montego Bay
and 25 km south of Falmouth. Several other caves are located
near Pantrepant and display Taino carvings on their walls. Another large and beautiful cave can
be found in Carambi, in upper Trelawny. This cave is also known for its phosphate deposits. In
addition to caves, there are several conduits, which are accessible during low water periods.
One of the longest is 15 miles long and can be found near Stewart Town. Also, there are several
interestingly named potholes such as Devil’s Staircase and God’s Well. There are 48 smaller
caves in the parish containing phosphate deposits.
 Albert Town

Named for Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, Albert Town is the largest town in
southeastern Trelawny, an area dotted with small villages, rural communities and agricultural
districts. Located on the outskirts of the Cockpit Country, this is simply a beautiful area with
cool hills and valleys covered with exotic tropical plants, intriguing limestone caves and many
underground rivers and waterfalls. Albert Town is a bird-watcher's paradise, with dozens of
species endemic to Jamaica and to the Cockpit Country. You might see wild yellow and black-
billed parrots, yellow-billed amazons or flocks of "doctor birds", a species of hummingbird
indigenous to Jamaica. If you can be here the week before Easter, don’t miss the Annual Yam
Festival. The town has parades and competitions, culminating in the Yam Farmers' Competition,
in which yams are judged according to their quality, weight, size and shape, on Easter Monday.
Yam is king here; you can even get yam ice cream! Some of the most scenic caves accessible to
visitors are located in very close proximity to Albert Town. The Rock Spring Caves and the
Quashie River Sink Caves, each no more than 15 minutes drive from the town center, offer two
of the most captivating caving experiences in Jamaica, with mazes, secret chambers and
waterfalls within the various limestone rock formations. You can get more information from the
South Trelawny Environmental Agency office in Albert Town.

Braco Stables

The Braco Estate is located just outside Duncans, about halfway between Montego Bay and
Ocho Rios. It dates back to the mid 1700s when the estate grew sugar cane and made sugar in
its own factory. The Braco Great House has been restored is now a private residence. Braco
Stables offers great tours on horseback. The beach ride takes you alongside the Braco beach,
past an old abandoned airstrip (built during World War II and, more recently, the site of ganja
plane crashes!) then on to a private beach where you can swim with your horse. The ride from
the beach back to the stables takes you through local farmlands.
 Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters (a.k.a. Oyster Bay)

To the east of Falmouth there is a bay with a

mysterious glow at night. Luminous Lagoon
contains a large concentration of bioluminescent
micro-organisms called dinoflagellates. The water
glows green at night with the effect of the
phosphorescence. Formed where the Martha
Brae River meets the Caribbean, the organisms
thrive in the combination of warm fresh water
and sea water. There used to be a wharf here
where large vessels from England unloaded their
goods onto smaller ships to be delivered inland
via the Martha Brae. I loved this place, but go
when there is no moon in the sky (totally dark). We were taken out in a small motorboat. The
wake of the boat glows like neon. You can get out and swim and you glow as you move in the
water, but the water is only 4 to 8 feet deep and rather muddy. Wear beach shoes. If you splash
the water on someone, it sparkles like fireworks. While bioluminescence occurs all over, the
concentrations of these dinoflagellates are this great in only four places in the world. Luminous
Lagoon is reportedly one of the brightest. Boats leave each evening at dark, about every 30
minutes, from the Glistening Waters Marina where there is also a restaurant. The boat ride will
take about 45 minutes. Read my recent trip report here!
 Martha Brae Rafting Village

The three mile rafting trip down the Martha Brae begins at Rafters Village, a picnic ground
situated on a great loop of the swift flowing river near Perth Town. Long bamboo rafts are
maneuvered by skillful raftsmen; it is a smooth and easy ride. At places further down river there
are pools to bathe and shady glades to pass under. The raftsman will tell you legends of Martha
Brae while you ride. The river, legend says, was named after an Arawak sorceress who drowned
a party of greedy gold-hunting Spaniards in it. Remember to tip your river guide. Also, bring
insect repellent as the mosquitoes can rambunctious!

Outameni Experience

Just opposite the Starfish Trelawny Resort is the relatively

new (September 2007) Outameni Experience. Outameni is
situated on an old plantation with the historic Orange Grove
Great House (over 200 years old) overlooking it. They
present the history of Jamaica, from Taino to Rasta, in an
interactive way, using a combination of music, dancing,
singing, film and dramatic re-enactments. You “travel” through small villages depicting the
various cultures that formed Jamaica – Taino, Spanish, African, English, Indian, Chinese, up to
today. Guests say it’s quite a fun and happy experience, and very informative. They are open
daily from 9:30 and the “experiences” operate from 10am to 3pm, each lasting about one hour
or slightly longer. What a great way to learn the history of this beautiful island! Di Shack is on-
site for refreshments.

Time N’ Place Beach

Three miles east of Falmouth Village on a spit called Bear Cay is World Beach. You can access it
through Time N’ Place, a tropical beach bar and restaurant on the beautiful two-mile stretch of
beach. It’s good for swimming, snorkeling and daiquiris. It has been voted by Conde Naste
Traveler as one of the top 30 Caribbean hangouts. The property is owned by a Jamaican named
Tony and the place is frequented by locals. It’s next door to the big Pebbles Resort, but this is
where the action is! The owner also rents a few pretty rustic cottages on the property.

Windsor Caves

At the deepest passable point in Cockpit Country is the tiny town of Windsor, close to Dromilly
and Deeside. The Windsor Caves are a virtual treasure chest, with huge deposits of guano, the
largest bat population on the island and fascinating and beautiful formations in the limestone
rock. To preserve the cave and its inhabitants, entry has been limited to persons conducting
research and experienced spelunkers. You must get an experienced guide if you wish to explore
these caves; inquire at the Windsor Research Centre on the grounds of Windsor Great House.
There are several levels and large chambers in the caves and you can explore safely for more
than a mile. This Northwestern interior of Jamaica is a fiercely rugged area, largely inaccessible
to humans.
Trelawny parish has many very interesting historic and cultural buildings and sites. They
include:

Clarks Town

Clark's Town is located in the heart of the Trelawny sugar belt, and is a busy rural town with an
interesting history. After the emancipation of slaves in Jamaica in the mid-19th century, the
owner of the Swandswick Estate, Mr. G.M. Clarke, donated a 30-acre tract of land on the edge
of his estate to be used for the development of a "Free Village". The village at the time was
structured in the traditional free village style, with a centrally located church and the houses of
mainly sugar estate workers. The town stayed within its 1843 boundaries for almost a century,
surrounded by sugar estate lands. Only in the past 50 years has the town been allowed to grow,
and today it is no longer a small village but a bustling transportation hub with an energetic
populace. Gold Label Rum is probably the best-known product from the Clark's Town area. It is
produced and distilled at the Long Pond Sugar Factory. Look for St. Michael’s Chapel which at
one time was the tallest building in the entire area surrounded by miles and miles of nothing
but sugarcane.

Falmouth

Founded by Thomas Reid in 1769, Falmouth was the county seat and market center for the
Parish of Trelawny for 40 years. The town is noted for being one of the Caribbean’s best-
preserved historic towns. Rather neglected today, this Georgian-style port town lies on the
North Coast is about 23 miles east of Montego Bay and makes for an interesting walking tour.
Some of the noted buildings on Water Square and the surrounding area are described below.
Don’t be surprised to find goats wandering through town with you! Jamaica was the world’s
leading sugar producer in the world in the 18th and early 19th Centuries, and Falmouth was
carefully planned. It was a wealthy town in a wealthy parish. It even got piped-in water before
New York City. Nearly 100 plantations were actively manufacturing sugar and rum for export to
Britain. Of course it was also the central hub of the slave trade. In Falmouth Harbor as many as
30 tall-ships could be seen on any given day, many of them delivering slaves from Africa and
loading their holds with rum and sugar manufactured by slave labor on the nearby plantations.
After emancipation, Falmouth’s fortunes declined. Houses were built amid hsitoric building
dating from 1790 to 1840, making this an intersting town to see. Check out Albert George
Shopping and Historical Centre, a market full of little craft stalls that dates from 1895, called the
Ben Down market by the locals; if you’re here on Wednesday between 8AM and noon, the
market hosts the biggest flea market in Jamaica. There are plans to build a multi-million dollar
cruise ship port in Falmouth to hold the newest and largest class of cruise ships.

Falmouth Court House

It was built in 1815 of Georgian design and was among

Falmouth’s first official buildings. After a fire in 1926, it was successfully rebuilt.

The Baptist Manse ~Built in 1798  and the first Masonic Temple on the island, this building was
once also the residence of William Knibb (emancipator).  It was sold to the Baptist Church in
1834 to pay for debts incurred during it’s construction. It is now the home of Falmouth Heritage
Renewal Inc, which is a charitable organization teaching & employing local youth in the
technical skills of historic restoration.
 Falmouth Parish Church

St. Peter’s Anglican Church   

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church is located on Duke Street. It was built in 1795 and has the
distinction of being the oldest church in the parish and the oldest public building in Falmouth.
The land for the church was donated by Edward Barrett who had sold a part of his estate to
have the township built. In 1842 it was enlarged with a western extension which now forms the
nave. The church organ was donated by John Tharpe Esq., the original owner of Good Hope
Estate in the parish of Trelawny. Graves spanning over two hundred years can be found in the
churchyard.

Falmouth Wharves

Beginning at the Phoenix Foundry to Tharp House, Falmouth had numerous wharves which
served the town. The workers at the Foundry were mainly Scotsmen, who were capable of
repairing all machinery of the sugar estates in Trelawny and adjoining parishes, as well as
repairing ships docked at the Falmouth Harbour. John Tharp, the owner of Tharp House and
Tharp’s Wharf was a wealthy planter who owned a number of estates in the parish of Trelawny.
By 1850, a pier was constructed between Tharp’s Wharf and Barrett’s Wharf. The pier lasted
until August 11, 1903, when it was completely destroyed by a hurricane. By the 1860s,
Falmouth had declined as a major port because newer, bigger sailing vessels needed deeper
waters. They attempted to deepen the harbor but cost and the fact that new railway lines had
been run through the island making other ports, like Montego Bay, more accessible,
contributed to Falmouth’s decline by the 1890s.
 Good Hope Great House

The estate was settled in 1742 and the house built around 1755 on top of a hill bordering
Cockpit Country and the Martha Brae River. The original owner was Colonel Thomas Williams
but it later belonged to John Tharp who became the wealthiest man and biggest slave owner in
the West Indies; he owned 10,000 acres and 3,000 slaves in Trelawny and St James. On the
estate are the Great House, the Counting House, Ice House, Estate Offices and Sugar Works.
Labeled "Bad Hope" by locals because of its links to slavery, there is also a slave hospital still
standing near the residence. The house was recently restored and most of these buildings are
rented like villas. Good Hope has some of the best preserved Georgian architecture in the
island. Visit acclaimed potter, David Pinto, at his studio on the estate.

Green Park Great House was originally called Green Pond by its first owner, George Sinclair of
St. Ann, who acquired the property around 1740. It was owned by various individuals over the
years, including Edward Barrett, great-grandfather of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. In 1761,
the estate was owned by Kingston merchants Southworth and Kenion. Southworth began the
construction of the present Great House on the site of the first house in 1764, but he died
before it was completed. Southworth changed the name from Green Pond to Green Park. The
property was then bequeathed to William Artherton, who finished the house.

Hyde Hall Estate

There is an old monument here erected to a slave in the old slave village here. It is dated 1800.
The story goes that a slave, Eve, was the woman in charge of the children of the slaves who
went to work during the day. She died by drowning in a pond on Hyde Hall. The inscription says
the monument was erected "by a grateful master, Henry Shirley." The abandoned great house
near Clark’s Town and Duncans, was built around 1820 by James Hall who owned the only sugar
mine in Jamaica along with several estates.

Kettering, in Duncans, was named after the birthplace of Reverend William Knibb in
Northampton, England. He came to Jamaica as a teacher of slaves in Kingston at a school
established at East Queen Street Baptist Church in 1825.

Kettering Baptist Church, in Duncans, is associated with Reverend William Knibb who founded
the Kettering Free Village. The Church was founded in 1844. The Georgian Church is
constructed of brick, stone, mortar, and timber and has a steep hip roof.

Rio Bueno is a small town located near the border of Trelawny and St. Ann. Most historians
believe that this is where Christopher Columbus first landed, although Discovery Bay also makes
claim to the honor. Having been chase by Arawaks in war canoes from Saint Ann’s Bay, he
sailed into Discovery Bay but failed to find fresh water. So they continued west to the next
harbor where they found the Rio Bueno. Rio Bueno, was once a busy sugar and banana port.
Old Fort Dundas is here along with wharf houses, wharves and an 18th Century Baptist church
on the hill. It was here that "A High Wind in Jamaica" was filmed. Marking the boundary
between Trelawny and Saint Ann is the stone Bengal Bridge from 1789.

Rock

Another banana and sugar shipping port, Rock was the sister town to Martha Brae in the 18th
century when that town was the parish capital. at the point where the Martha Brae enters the
Caribbean Sea, Rock lies on one edge of the Luminous Lagoon. Eventually, when Falmouth
replaced Martha Brae as the capital, Rock began its decline in importance, and has since
become a sleepy fishing village on the outskirts of the Trelawny Beach resort area. Check out
the Reggae To Wear factory, an internationally acclaimed Jamaican-made resort clothing line
with hand-painted fabric which is produced here.
 Stewart Castle

Here in the small rural village of Stewart Town near Duncans are the ruins of an impressive cut
stone mansion, which became known as Stewart Castle. The building was originally fortified for
protection against attack. There are loopholes for muskets placed strategically around the
entire building. James Stewart was the custodian of Trelawny parish. His father (also James)
owned one of the most lucrative estates in the parish, and built one of the most impressive
great houses on his plantation. The ruins of the mansion still exist today, surrounded by a
modern housing development. A Taino Midden was found on the property in 1957 and the
property is now owned by the Jamaica National Heritage.

Stewart Town, tucked away in the Dry Harbour Mountains is a small rural village. In 1812,
following the outbreak of war between Britain and the newly independent colonies of North
America, 50 acres of land high in the mountains were put aside so the estates could have
lumber and other supplies that were difficult to get. The town was named for the then
custodian of the parish of Trelawny, James Stewart, who spearheaded its development. This is
also the home of Westwood Girl’s School; one of Jamaica’s most distinguished. In the late
1800s, two nieces of the famous abolitionist, Reverend William Knibb, formed a school in
Falmouth called the Polly Knibb School For Ladies Of Colour. In 1876, the Knibbs enrolled two
black girls, both daughters of ministers. This enraged parents of their white students, but they
refused to expel them. The white students withdrew their enrollment, causing the school to
falter and eventually fail in 1881. Later that year, the father of one of the girls managed, on a
trip to England, to secure funding for the establishment of a new school, and in 1882 the doors
were opened to all young ladies, regardless of race or color. Look for the girls in their distinctive
traditional uniforms, a navy blue tunic with a white under-blouse and a straw jippa-joppa hat
which they continue to wear today. Most of the town’s beautiful Georgian buildings are on the
campus, so ask permission before entering the school’s grounds.
 Windsor Great House

In the 1700s, the Windsor Estate (in Windsor) was part of the vast landholdings of John Tharp
(see Good Hope Great House above), who operated it as a cattle farm. The Windsor Great
House was built in 1755 when the area was still part of Saint James parish. (Trelawny was
formed in 1770.) The site may have been used by the British as a military base because of its
strategic location on the edge of the forbidding terrain of the Cockpit Country. The estate has
been owned by Englishman Michael Schwartz for many years. He and biologist Susan Koenig
operate the Windsor Research Centre on the grounds of the former plantation, and
occasionally play host to visiting students and scientists conducting research on the unique flora
and fauna of the area. The bird-watching is spectacular here!
 Eco-Tourism in Clarendon

Clarendon’s interesting historic and cultural sites include:

Halse Hall Great House

Halse Hall Great House which stands upon land given to Major Thomas Hales, an English
officer, in 1655. Halse played a leading role in the Maroon Wars. After his death in 1702, the house was
owned by Francis Saddler Halse and was expanded.

May Pen Clock Tower

May Pen Clock Tower. The stone tower is 24 feet tall by 8 feet deep and wide and may have
been erected following World War II.
 Milk River Spa

Milk River Spa, a mineral spa established in 1794, famous worldwide for its therapeutic
radioactive waters;

Saint Peter’s Church

Saint Peter's Church. One of Jamaica’s oldest churches is in Alley, the old capital of a former
parish, Vere. It was founded in 1671 and the current brick and mortar structure was erected around
1715;

Vernam Field

Vernam Field, the former American lend-lease air base (later called Vernam Air Force Base),
named in honor of American World War I ace pilot Remington D.B. Vernam. Vernam Field is known for
drag racing – it is the site of Jamaica’s first car-racing track.
 Kingston & Saint Andrew

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are the site of Jamaica's first National Park. The range covers three
parishes: St. Andrew, St. Thomas and Portland. Don’t miss the rewarding drive into the Blue
Mountains, home of Jamaica's famous coffee. This is a hiker's paradise and a nature-lover's
dream. The route via Hope Road and Papine will take you to Newcastle, a historic fort
which, in the past, has housed many famous British regiments and today is a training center
of the Jamaica Defense Force. A mile further is Hardware Gap in the Blue Mountain/ John
Crow National Park. Also on the way is Hollywell, a park amidst the ridges and peaks of the
beautiful Blue Mountain Range with its spectacular views of Kingston, bird-watching, picnic
and camping facilities. One of the best trails from Hollywell, Oatley Mountain Trail, might
require a guide; check with the ranger station. It is an easy, circular 40-minute hike to a
lovely river that's perfect for a dip. Blue Mountain Peak is a stunning but difficult hike that
takes an entire day from the base. You'll need to overnight in a lodge and attack it pre-dawn
for sunrise. By mid-morning clouds often roll in, obscuring the fabulous views.

Bob Marley Museum

Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road is a must for all

reggae fans. The museum is located on the site of the
renowned reggae artist's home, which he purchased in
1975. This was Marley's home until his death in 1981 and
was converted into a museum six years later. The main
museum displays Marley's personal treasures. There is also a theatre, a gallery, and a gift
shop selling T-shirts, posters and CDs. Other shops on the property offer snacks, herbs and
spices, and African arts and crafts. Be sure to check out the bullet holes in the room
upstairs where Marley survived an assassination attempt during the 1976 elections! Also,
see the famous former Tuff-Gong recording studio turned movie theatre.
 Bob Marley's Statue

Worthy of a visit, the Bob Marley statue greets you at the

entrance to Independence Park - a must for Kingston visitors.
Robert Nesta Marley was the first to introduce reggae music
to the world. The statue inside the lobby was originally meant
for the National Stadium, but people hated it so this one was
commissioned and placed outside.

Cherry Garden Great House

The Cherry Garden property was originally a sugar estate owned by Colonel Ezekiel
Gomersall. There were several owners who followed and, after emancipation, the property
was administered by Joseph Gordon who came to Jamaica from Scotland as an attorney for
a number of absentee sugar estate owners and he later purchased several of them. He was
the father of George William Gordon, National Hero of Jamaica. In 1845, George William
Gordon bought the property. Gordon lived at Cherry Garden until he was arrested and later
hanged for his alleged role in the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865. The main building, which
is the Great House, is an impressive 2-story Jamaican Georgian structure.

Church of St. Mary the Virgin

On Molynes Road. While relatively new, this Anglican Church was founded by women, and
built in 1960 to serve the community of Molynes Road. A new wing was added in 1998. Try
to catch a performance of their professional choir. The church is also decorated with
paintings by famous Jamaican painters, like Barrington and Osmond Watson.

Cinchona Gardens

Paradise on a mountaintop, this spot is well worth the effort to find it, if only for the nature
and the views. You will probably have to stop someone and ask for directions as the guide
books and local maps don't show many of the roads. This rare high-elevation botanic
garden in the tropics (approximately 4,800-5,200 ft above sea level) is the only such
institution in the Caribbean. It was established in 1868 by then Governor, Sir John Peter
Grant and was once a place for European researchers to explore the many species of plants
and their medicinal properties. In the early 1870’s several species of cinchona seedlings
brought from Peru by the Spanish were planted on 17 aces of a 24 acre property. So the
Garden was called Cinchona Garden. The bark of the cinchona plant produces an extract
called quinine, which is of great medicinal value as it is used in the treatment of diseases
like malaria. At present the garden buildings are in a dilapidated condition but are being
restored.

Clydesdale National Forest Park

Clydesdale National Forest Park is located in the hills of the Blue Mountain range. Its
location was once a coffee works and a waterwheel can still be seen. There is a river pool
nearby for bathing and you can have a lovely stroll under the branches of the various trees
which form a canopy overhead. Clydesdale is the ideal location for nature lovers, who want
to find a secluded place to relax.

Coke Memorial Methodist Church

On East Parade in the William Grant Park area, this building is a work of art! Called the
Pride of the Parade, the red brick Georgian building looks like something out of the Middle
Ages. It opened in 1841 and seats up to 2,000. Sturdily built, it has needed only one major
repair since the 1907 earthquake. The caretaker can usually be found nearby to let you in;
if you don't see anyone just ask at the small shop located in the complex.

Constant Spring Golf Club

Constant Spring Golf Club on Constant Spring Road dates back to 1920 when it was
designed by Scotsman Stanley Thompson, mentor of Robert Trent Jones. It has an 18 hole
championship golf course, tennis, squash and badminton courts, a swimming pool, bar and
snack bar. The Club is open only to members and their friends, but visitors to the island can
apply for temporary membership.
 Devon House

This elegant 19th century mansion is set between

towering palm trees overlooking a fountain and is
furnished in 1860s style with genuine antiques and
some made-in-Jamaica reproductions. It was built in
1881 by George Steibel, a black shipwright's apprentice and builder's foreman made his
fortune in a Venezuelan goldmine, returned to Jamaica as a millionaire, and built Devon
House. The rear courtyard has craft and souvenir shops with quality arts and crafts, a
restaurant and an ice cream shop (I-Scream) that specializes in exotic Jamaican fruit
flavors. You have to try the soursop ice cream - a favorite. Editor's note: I really enjoyed
Devon House and the property it sits on is lovely; spend some time here wandering around
the grounds.

Emancipation Park

Emancipation park at the

corner of Knutsford Boulevard and Oxford Street, New Kingston. Emancipation Park was
opened on July 31, 2002 to tie-in with the Emancipation Day celebrations of August 1. The
central theme in the design of the Park is freedom from slavery. This is acknowledged in
many ways. The most apparent of these is the controversial 11-foot bronze "Redemption
Song" statue at the entrance to the park. The statue was commissioned by the Jamaican
Government to create something that reflected freedom and emancipation. Another is the
presence of many water features as water is viewed as being symbolic of rejuvenation and
peace. Finally, the park has a very open design with no fences or hedges to act as barriers.
Nature lovers can enjoy the Park's scenery lined with tropical flowers and trees such as the
majestic Royal Palm. Most visitors come to the park to relax, eat lunch, read a book or chat
with friends. Another important theme in the Park is the acknowledgement of the African
roots held by the majority of Jamaican people. Several sculptures of "Adinkra Symbols",
originating from Ghana, are placed around the Park, including Futumfrafo - a two-headed
crocodile, Wafa Aba - the seed of the Wafa Tree, and The Eban - a fence. See if you can
locate each of them on your next trip to Emancipation Park.

Fort Charles

This was the first and is the only one remaining of Port Royal’s six forts and much of it is in
dilapidated condition. It is the oldest surviving monument of British occupation of Jamaica.
Built between 1650 and 1660, it has withstood attack, earthquakes, fire and hurricanes,
and was strengthened in later years by Henry Morgan (the pirate). By 1765 the fort had
104 guns and a garrison with 500 men. Horatio Nelson kept watch here from 1779-1780.
Take a guided tour of Fort Charles and its museum housed in the former headquarters of
the British Royal Navy. See a replica of Nelson’s private quarters along with a collection of
sailing vessel scale models, cannonballs, artillery and the like from the 1700s.

Fort Clarence Beach

This is one of the nicest beaches in the vicinity of Kingston but is located in St. Catherine,
near Portmore.
 Giddy House

This house was the Royal Artillery Store on the grounds of Fort Charles, built in 1888. It
was knocked off-kilter during the Port Royal earthquake. To the left of the house are the
remnants of a huge cannon which once defended the city from attacks by sea.

Gordon House

Jamaica's parliament meets at Gordon House,

immediately north of Headquarters House at the corner of Duke and Beeston Streets. The
rather plain brick-and-concrete building was constructed in 1960 and named after national
hero the Right Excellent George William Gordon. You can visit Gordon House by prior
arrangement to watch how the Jamaican parliament conducts business.
 Half Way Tree Clock

Half Way Tree Clock was built in 1913 as a memorial to King Edward VII and occasionally
tells the right time. There is always a lot of traffic around it.

Half Way Tree Court House

This Court House was built in 1807. It was repaired in 1882 due to damage by a storm and
two years later was repaired and repainted. The building was not damaged in the 1907
earthquake. The Old Court House has since been refurbished and is now administered by
the St. Andrew Parish.

Headquarters House ( Hibbert House)

Located at 79 Duke Street in the William Grant Park area, the Georgian townhouse was
built in 1755 by Thomas Hibbert, a wealthy planter, merchant and member of the House of
Assembly. Legend says that he competed with three friends to build the nicest house to win
the affections of a much married and notorious lady of the day. It is the only surviving
house of the four. Thomas Hibbert, the winner, died a bachelor. In 1814 the house was
acquired by the military as their headquarters. When the island's capital was moved to
Kingston from Spanish Town in 1872, it was purchased to be the seat of the Legislature
which it remained for nearly 100 years. In 1960 Gordon House was built across from it on
Beeston Street for that purpose. Today, Headquarters House is home to the Jamaica
National Heritage Trust. Try to check out the basement which is loaded with antiques and
the lookout tower with views of Kingston’s skyline.

Hollywell National Park

Located in the hills of St. Andrew lies Hollywell National Forest Park 4,000 feet above sea
level. Because of the very cool temperature in this area, Hollywell National Park has a
variety of ferns, flowers, and trees which are rarely seen in other parts of the island. The
forest Park is a sanctuary for several species of birds. These include the Petchary,
Woodpeckers, the Hopping Dick and the Glasseye. Hollywell is a great place for nature
lovers and eco-tourists to visit.

Hope Botanical Gardens

Off Old Hope Road (near Papine), Hope Gardens was originally part of Major Richard
Hope’s sugar estate. One of the English officers who helped capture Jamaica from the
Spanish in 1655, Hope was granted a huge parcel of land as a reward. The original Hope
Estate was a vast property, stretching from Newcastle (in the Blue Mountains) down to the
sea. In 1881 the government of Jamaica acquired the land (200 acres) to establish an
experimental garden. This garden contains the largest collection of botanical plants in the
Caribbean. It was badly damaged by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 but is slowly being restored
to its former grandeur. It is a popular destination for school excursions, picnics and couples
looking for romantic surroundings. It also houses a small zoo, with exotic birds and other
wildlife. Part of the Hope Aqueduct, built in 1758 to supply the estate, is still in use.
 Independence Park (National Studium)

Independence Park, also known as National Stadium or “The Office”, was completed in
1962 to mark Jamaica's Independence. You'll know you're there when you notice Bob
Marley's statue just before turning into the park from Arthur Wint Drive. The first event
held there was the ceremony where the Union Jack was lowered and the Jamaican Flag
raised at midnight on August 6, 1962. The stadium, built in 1966, is the island's premier
sports center. A statue of Olympic gold medalist, Donald Quarrie, stands outside. The main
focus here is football (a.k.a. soccer).

Institute of Jamaica

Founded in 1879, the Institute is located at 10-16 East Street and is Jamaica’s smaller
equivalent of the British Museum or The Smithsonian. The huge red brick building is the
storehouse of Jamaica's cultural, artistic and scientific history, established in 1879 by
former Governor Sir Anthony Musgrave. The Natural History Gallery is packed full of exotic
butterflies, Jamaican seashells, animal specimens, fruits and their seeds, and plants used in
Jamaican crafts. The National Library, also housed here, carries the ultimate collection of
Jamaican books and old newspapers in the country, dating as far back as 200 years.
 Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) Military Museum

Jamaica Defense Forces (JDF) Military Museum (a.k.a. Forces Museum) at Up Park Camp
on South Camp Road is an interesting side-trip for military history buffs. This small
museum showcases historic memorabilia, weapons, tools and utensils, as well as medals
and uniforms collected from the West Indian Regiment and the Jamaican Infantry Militia
(1662-1906). There is also an area covering the First and Second World Wars. Gun Court,
the formidable structure just south of the museum on Camp Road, is a prison originally
established in 1972 to deal with multiplying gun crimes.

Jamaica House

Jamaica House in Halfway Tree, Hope Rd, Liguanea area. A bit further up Hope Rd from
Devon House on the left, Jamaica House is faced by a columned portico and fronted by
expansive lawns. Initially built in 1960 as the residence of the prime minister, the building
today houses the prime minister's office. Visitors are restricted to peering through the
fence.

Jamnesia Surf Club & Camp

Want to try surfing in Jamaica? Head out to the far eastern rural end of St. Andrew parish,
about 8 miles east of Kingston on Cable Hut Beach at Bull Bay, and visit this surf club and
camp founded and operated by the first Jamaican family of surf, The Wilmots. The patriarch
is the dreadlocked Billy "Mystic" Wilmot of Mystic Revealers and Jamaican soap opera fame
who is also the president of the Jamaica Surfing Association. JSA's annual Makka Pro surfing
championship (in July) has become one of the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Wilmot established the club and camp to provide a home for local and traveling surf
enthusiasts.
 Jewish Cemetery

The old Jewish Cemetery at 1 Hunt's Bay in St. Andrew, is an important landmark in the
history of Jamaica as it is the oldest denominational cemetery on the island and is one of
the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the Western' Hemisphere. It was founded by the Jews of
Port Royal in the latter part of the 17th century when a Jewish community flourished there.
Port Royal was an impressive commercial center and Jews who arrived there took a
prominent part in its activities. Those buried in the cemetery were brought by rowing
boats from Port Royal. It appears that no bodies were taken to the Hunt's Bay cemetery
after the 18th century since the latest tomb, that of Moses Ferro, bears the date 1771. Many
of the old tombs are inscribed in 3 languages - Portuguese, Hebrew and English. The oldest
tomb is believed to be that of Abraham Gabay who died April 6, 1672. Today the cemetery
has again fallen into disrepair. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust declared the Old Jewish
Cemetery a national monument on July 15, 1993.

Kings House

This was built as the home of the Lord Bishop of Jamaica. It included a 19-acre property
formerly known as Somerset Pen. The government purchased the house in 1872 to be used
as the residence of the Governor-General. It was badly damaged in the 1907 earthquake but
was rebuilt in 1909 with a new design. After extensive renovations it was reopened to the
public in late 1995. The gardens are open to the public every day. Some notable people
have been entertained here, including Prince Albert and Prince George (later George V), the
Duke and Duchess of York (later George VI and his Queen), HRH Princess Margaret and Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
 Kingston Harbour

Kingston Harbour is the world’s 7th largest harbor and is considered one of the most
beautiful. Port Bustamante, on the northwest corner, is one of the busiest ports in the
Caribbean. From West Beach Dock, a ferry ride of 20 to 30 minutes will take you to Port
Royal. Despite downtown's rough reputation, and the noise of cargo business and the
airport close by, the harbor is an unexpectedly enjoyable area where locals stroll and fish
off the concrete docks. It also offers a nice viewpoint of the progression of Jamaican
architecture, from the historic buildings to the west to the modern high-rises of the 1960s
to the east. The Negro Aroused Statue is the highlight of the waterfront. This bronze piece
by Edna Manley (wife of former premier Michael Manley) shows a slave breaking free of his
chains. It is a replica - the original is in the National Gallery.

Kingston Parish Church

This magnificent Anglican Church at 70B King Street is one of Jamaica’s most beautiful and
has served as the island’s state church since the 17th century. It was originally known as
the Parish Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle and seated 13,000! A tombstone dated 1699
indicates that the original church on the site was built after the 1692 earthquake. There is a
French chalice here from 1689, a collection of church plates from 1701, and the organ dates
from 1722. The earthquake in 1907 destroyed the church and the present structure was
rebuilt in 1910, replicating the original design except for the tower. The clock tower is
important to true Kingstonians - those “born under the clock” (within earshot of its bell).
The Church contains sculpture by John Bacon, the leading sculptor of his time. The tomb of
Admiral Benbow is on the floor below the altar. The tablets and tombstones make
interesting reading. The statue of St. Thomas was a gift from the Syrian community. Several
members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, have worshipped here.

Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall was established as the headquarters of the Kingston Division of the
Universal Negro Improvement Association in July 1923. Liberty Hall was the Mecca to
which black Jamaicans could flock and participate in the programs of the UNIA. At Liberty
Hall, black people had a voice. Liberty Hall was their very own social club and intellectual
center. This was Marcus Garvey's center of operations for a while and today the museum
here seeks to inform the public about the work of Jamaica’s first National hero.
 Lime Cay

This offshore island is a popular spot with the local yachtsmen. With its beautiful white
sand beach and crystal clear waters, it has also become a popular beach destination,
whether you're skinny-dipping, swimming or just lazing on the beach. You can get there
with one of the excursions offered by the Morgan's Harbour Hotel in Port Royal. You can
hire boats from Port Royal or a water taxi from the Morgan Harbour Yacht Marina or Why
Not on the Dock. Weekends can be particularly lively and crowded with locals and
food/drink stalls, while weekdays are much quieter.

Maiden Cay

Another of the little islands that form the Port Royal Cays, you can hire a fisherman from
Port Royal to take you out there or catch a water taxi from the Morgan's Harbour Hotel and
the Y-Not dock in Port Royal. Great spot if you want to sunbathe and snorkel all day!

Mavis Bank, a coffee farm high up in the Blue Mountains in a valley area known as Mavis
Bank, invites visitors to come and see how the world famous Blue Mountain Coffee is
grown and processed. The drive up into the mountains is spectacular and the tour of the
factory is extremely interesting. You’ll see everything from the coffee cherries to the
storage, curing, and roasting of the beans.

Mona Great House

Mona Great House is of Jamaican Georgian architecture with thirteen rooms. It is a two-
storey building constructed of brick and mortar. The upper storey is sand dashed, while the
lower is made of red bricks. The roof is shingled. The great house was attached to the Mona
Estate which was established in 1681. Several distinguished visitors including Queen
Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip have stayed at the great house. Mona Great House is a private
property.
 Money Museum at Bank of Jamaica

The Museum is housed within the Bank of Jamaica located at Nethersole Place on
Kingston's waterfront. Learn about the art of making coins and bank notes, the crime of
counterfeiting, and the history of money in Jamaica and around the world. Bank of Jamaica
gives you the history of Jamaica through the story of its money. Kids should also enjoy this
one.

National Gallery of Jamaica

National Gallery of Jamaica at 12 Ocean Boulevard in the William Grant Park area has a
large collection of works by Jamaican artists in 25,000 square feet of floor space. There are
eight permanent exhibitions, including a pre-20th-century collection of historical artifacts
that can be traced back to before the 1400s. Their collection is the finest in the island and
should not be missed.

National Heroes Circle (or Park)

Located on East Street, this park is dedicated to the memory of Jamaica's national heroes
and is the final resting place of prominent Jamaicans who have made significant
contributions to the country's development. There are some intriguing statues and
memorials at the south end of the Park. Royalty, national and international leaders often
visit to lay wreathes at the tombs. This used to be called Kingston Racecourse as it was the
horse racing track for Kingston. When the races were moved to Knutsford Park (now New
Kingston) the area was called George VI Memorial park. The name was again changed after
Independence to National Heroes Park. There is always an honor guard of the Jamaica
Defense Force in the park. Their dazzling uniform of red and black is eye-catching. Marcus
Garvey is buried here as is the beloved “Crown Prince of Reggae” Dennis Brown, who died
in 1999.

Negro Aroused Statue

Edna Manley's 1938 "Negro Aroused" statue is a popular landmark at Kingston's

Waterfront. The statue depicts a crouched man breaking free from bondage.
 Old Tavern Blue Mountain Coffee Estate

Alex Twyman started his small 130-acre coffee farm about 4,000 feet up on the cool,
northern slopes of the Blue Mountains in 1968. Today it produces the only single-estate
Blue Mountain coffee in Jamaica.

Papine-Mona Aqueduct

The Papine-Mona Aqueduct is a fine example of civil engineering in 18th Century Jamaica.
The Aqueduct once served the Mona, Hope, and Papine Estates with water from the Hope
River. The Aqueduct which served the three estates, terminated at the Mona Wheel house
on the Campus of the University of the West Indies. The Papine-Mona Aqueduct was built
by Thomas Hope Elleston in 1758. This brick structure can still be seen on the University
Campus. The Aqueduct was a part of the Mona Estates which produced up to 1908. This
estate was as large as 1,372 acres.

Plumb Point Lighthouse

Plumb Point Lighthouse was built in 1853, eleven years after the construction of the
Morant Point Lighthouse. It stands on the Palisadoes Peninsula at Great Plumb Point near
the entrance of the Kingston Harbor. The Tower which stands at 70 feet is built of stone
and cast iron. The light is visible as far as twenty-five (25) miles.

Port Royal –

As the pirate capital and trade capitol of the New World, Port Royal was labeled as "The
wickedest city in Christendom." The notorious pirate Henry Morgan spent a great deal of
time here with the hustling prostitutes and flowing rum. Blackbeard stopped here regularly
on his Caribbean trips. Most of the old city sank beneath the waves in a violent earthquake
in 1692. There were 8 other earthquakes, 16 devastating hurricanes and three horrible
fires. It's a wonder anything is still standing today. Today Port Royal, dilapidated and
rundown, is a small fishing village. Over the years much excavation work has been done to
recover artifacts from this rich, but wicked town. Fort Charles, once commanded by
Admiral Lord Nelson, still stands and the silent cannons still keep watch. The Maritime
Museum is located in Fort Charles while the Port Royal Archaeological and Historical
Museum, which houses artifacts salvaged from the sunken city, is situated in the old Naval
Hospital. To get there you can drive beyond Norman Manley International Airport or catch
the ferry across the harbor.

Putt-N-Play Amusement Park

Located in the heart of New Kingston beside Emancipation Park and opposite the Jamaica
Pegasus Hotel, this amusement park has fun rides for the whole family, such as bumper
cars, a carousel, spinning teacups, etc. A good spot to entertain your little ones for a few
hours.

Rockfort Mineral Spa

In Rockfort on Windward Road that runs east out of Kingston, near Harbour View,
Rockfort Mineral Spa is located in East Kingston, close to the site of the "Rock Fort" which
gives the area its name. It is believed that the natural spa was uncovered in 1907, as a
result of the earthquake which destroyed Port Royal. The spa houses one large communal
public bath and many private baths, massages are also available. Rockfort Spa is fed by
natural mineral streams from the surrounding Rockfort Hills, which are slightly saline and
very radioactive. The water is believed to have therapeutic qualities.

St Andrew Parish Church

One of Jamaica's oldest churches, this Anglican Church is located on Hagley Park Road.
Founded in 1664, it was named after the apostle Andrew, patron saint of Scotland. The
current building was erected in 1700 after the original church was destroyed in the
earthquake of 1692. Additions over the years include three separate chapels; interestingly,
the famous 1907 earthquake destroyed another section of the church. The church is home
to beautiful monuments and memorials, representative of the histories of Jamaica and
England. The gravestones in the adjoining cemetery are a virtual Who's Who of Jamaica.
 St. Peter’s Church

As you drive along the Palisades, you arrive first at St. Peter's Church. It's usually closed,
but you might persuade the caretaker, who lives opposite, to open it if you want to see the
silver plate, said to be spoils captured by Henry Morgan from the cathedral in Panama. In
the ill-kept graveyard is the tomb of Lewis Galdy, a Frenchman swallowed up and
subsequently regurgitated by the 1692 earthquake.

Trinity Cathedral (Holy Trinity Cathedral)

Trinity Cathedral (a.k.a. Holy Trinity Cathedral), at 1 Emerald Road, is a national

landmark. Built in 1911, the beautiful stained glass windows are original and the pipe
organ is the oldest and largest in the English-speaking Caribbean. Most funeral services for
the nation's dignitaries are held here. This Roman Catholic Cathedral, designed by
American architect Raymond F. Admiral, features an 85-foot-high copper dome, the only
Jamaican church to have a copper roof. It was built to replace the Holy Trinity Church
which was ruined in the 1907 earthquake. Pope John Paul II held Mass at the Cathedral in
April 1993.

Tuff Gong Recording Studio

At 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, Tuff Gong Records, named for its founder, Bob 'Tuff Gong'
Marley, is one of the Caribbean's largest and most influential studios. Initially established
on Orange St, the enterprise then took up residence at 56 Hope Rd at what is now the Bob
Marley Museum before returning to downtown Kingston at its present site. Bob Marley's
early mixing board is still in use here today as the studio continues to turn out hit records,
not the least of which are those by his son Ziggy, the studio's current chief. The Company's
goal is to carry on the legacy of the late Bob Marley by producing music that inspires and
motivates people towards peace, justice and self-fulfillment. Visitors are welcome to a 45-
minute tour provided you call first to make sure the studios are not in use. A gift store sells
CDs and singles, plus T-shirts, tapes, crafts and a miscellany of Marley mementos.
 University Of The West Indies (UWI)

University Of The West Indies (UWI), wedged between Long Mountain and the Hope
River, spreads over 635 acres of the former sugar states of Mona and Papine. The stone
aqueduct that used to provide water power for both factories is a campus landmark. The
area was used as a concentration camp for Germans during the Second World War. The
University began in 1948 with 33 medical students. Interesting buildings on campus
include the Chapel which was formerly the old sugar warehouse at Gayle’s Valley Estate in
Trelawny. The stone was dismantled and rebuilt as the Chapel. Also see the Creative Arts
Centre and the Department of Psychiatry, both recipients of the Governor General's Award
for Architecture.

Vale Royal

This is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. The house was built in 1694
by Sir William Taylor, considered one of the wealthiest men in Jamaica at that time. It was
then known as Prospect Pen. The government bought it in 1928 and it became the official
residence of the Colonial Secretary whose post was next to that of governor. It is probably
the only house in the Kingston Corporate Area that still has a lookout tower. Vale Royal is
not open to the public.

Ward Theatre

The Ward Theatre was presented as a gift to the city of Kingston in 1912 by Colonel Charles
Ward, then Custos of Kingston. It occupies a site in Downtown Kingston, which has been in
continuous use as a theatre since the 1770s. The first was the Kingston Theatre and the
second was the Theatre Royal which was destroyed in the 1907 earthquake. The greatest
personalities in Jamaican theatre and world famous celebrities have performed on its stage.
It has been undergoing renovation and may not be open yet for tours but you can still
admire the sky-blue facade with white trim.

William Grant Park

Originally the site of a 17th-century fortress with artillery positioned in the direction of
Kingston harbor, this park is named for Jamaican union leader and black autonomist Sir
William Grant. In the 1980s, the park, in the historic public square at the top of King Street,
was beautified. The park is in the center of "Parade," an area the British Military once used
for public hangings and official gatherings.