George Washington House is a restored 18th-century plantation house and museum located at Bush Hill within the Garrison Historic Area in Bridgetown, Barbados. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was last updated in March 2026 to reflect the current unified admission policy, which guarantees that access to the restored Garrison Tunnels is included in the standard entry ticket.
Quick facts about George Washington House
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Mon–Sun 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Ticket prices | Adults $20 USD, Children (5–12) $10 USD, Under 5s Free |
| Address | Bush Hill, The Garrison, St. Michael, BB14038, Barbados |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Highway 7 bus stops; free on-site car park |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
George Washington House opening hours
This is one of Barbados’ key historic attractions. George Washington House is open every day of the year from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, from Monday to Sunday, including all public bank holidays.
5 great Barbados experiences to book
- 🏝️ See all the island highlights including Bathsheba Beach and Bottom Bay on the full day, round-island tour.
- 🐢 Snorkel with turtles on a catamaran cruise including lunch and open bar.
- 🌿 Take a half day adventure including Harrison’s Cave, Hunte’s Gardens and Bathsheba Beach.
- 🏛️ Pack in Barbados’ key heritage sites on a Bridgetown walking tour.
- 🐒 Enjoy a small-group monkey-feeding experience at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
George Washington House ticket prices
General admission tickets cost $20 USD for adults and $10 USD for children aged five to twelve. Children under the age of five receive free entry, while groups of ten or more people are eligible for a 10% discount on standard ticket prices.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to George Washington House
The house is located in the Garrison Historic Area, just south of central Bridgetown. Visitors using public transport can take the government-operated blue buses or yellow ZR minivans travelling along Highway 7 (the South Coast main road), alighting at the Garrison bus stops for a short walk up Bush Hill.
For those arriving by taxi or rideshare from the cruise terminal, the driver will take you directly to the dedicated drop-off point at the main entrance gates.
Parking at George Washington House
A dedicated, free surface car park is available directly on the museum grounds for visitors driving rental vehicles.
The parking area accommodates both standard passenger cars and larger tourist coaches, with spaces generally available throughout standard operating hours.
How long to spend at George Washington House
Most visitors spend between one and two hours exploring the main house, the museum exhibits, and the underground tunnels.
Those who choose to watch the introductory docudrama, use the full audio guide, and eat at the on-site café typically extend their visit to two and a half hours.
Accessibility at George Washington House
The ground floor of the historic house, the museum exhibition spaces, the cinema, and the café are accessible to wheelchair users via paved pathways and ramps.
Due to the architectural constraints of the 18th-century building and the nature of the subterranean environment, the upper floor of the house and the excavated Garrison Tunnels are only accessible via staircases and are not suitable for visitors with severe mobility restrictions.
Inside / what to see at George Washington House
The site is a preserved 18th-century mansion where the future US President George Washington stayed in 1751 with his half-brother Lawrence. It is the only house outside the United States where Washington ever resided.
The ground floor rooms are furnished to replicate a traditional Barbadian plantation home of the 1750s. The upper floor contains museum exhibits detailing Washington’s time on the island, the reality of colonial life, and the island’s plantation economy.
The site also features a small, air-conditioned cinema that screens a 16-minute docudrama providing historical context before visitors enter the main house.
Visitors can explore a 200-foot excavated section of the Garrison Tunnels, a network of underground passages built by the British military in the 19th century to facilitate secret troop movements.
The exterior grounds include four separate gardens, featuring a traditional kitchen garden used to grow food and a botanical display of native plant species.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit early in the morning to explore the un-air-conditioned rooms of the historic house before the peak afternoon heat sets in. |
| Crowds | The expansive nature of the site means it rarely feels overcrowded, even when large cruise ship shore excursions arrive in the late morning. |
| Layout | Start your visit by watching the 16-minute docudrama in the cinema to gain essential historical context before walking through the galleries. |
| Entry process | Remember to request the complimentary handheld audio guide at the ticket desk, as it provides the primary narration for the self-guided tour. |
| On-site logistics | Bring local BBD or US dollars to purchase refreshments at the on-site café, which serves breakfast and lunch daily from 7:00 AM. |
Frequently asked questions about George Washington House
| Question | Answer |
| Is George Washington House suitable for children? | Yes, children are welcome and typically enjoy exploring the excavated Garrison Tunnels. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for George Washington House? | Advance booking is not required for general admission, and tickets can be purchased upon arrival. |
| Is George Washington House open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at George Washington House? | Standard day bags and backpacks are permitted throughout the main house and the tunnel sections. |
Things to do near George Washington House
The museum’s location within the Garrison Historic Area places it close to several other historical and natural attractions:
- Barbados Museum & Historical Society: A cultural institution housed in a 19th-century military prison, located a short walk away.
- Carlisle Bay: A popular public beach located just north of the Garrison, offering boat tours to snorkel over historic shipwrecks.
- Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre: Situated further north in Bridgetown, offering guided tasting tours detailing the history of local rum production.
