Prepare to be amazed by the exquisite pink tinted expanse of sand and brilliant blue sea at the large Drill Hall Beach, but keep in mind this is not the best of areas to swim in as the shallow reef here can create unpredictable waves and currents. The lively waves do make it an excellent surfing venue, however, so you can enjoy watching the watersports activities. There is a lifeguard on duty should you encounter any problems in the sea.
Drill Hall Beach in Barbados is a good place for a picnic, and there are plenty of picnicking tables and shady trees in the car park area. Ongoing renovations to the beach are improving the available amenities and facilities at Drill Hall Beach in Barbados, but to be on the safe side it is best to take your own food and drink with you.
Drill Hall Beach is predominantly an integral part of an area of historic and military interest in Barbados, its name being derived from the adjacent military building that is part of the Garrison Savannah, the headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force. The Drill Hall itself was built in 1790 and originally used as barracks for the soldiers. Its function has changed through the years, but since the late 1970s it has been utilized as the location for the Officers', Sergeants' and Corporals' messes for members of the Barbados Defence Force.
The Drill Hall also homes the West India Regiment Room, a wonderful packed with photographs, artefacts and other memorabilia of the British West India Regiment, the first British Regiment of black soldiers who gave one hundred and thirty two (132) years of service in the British West Indies and worldwide.
If you are interested in this aspect of Barbados history, guided tours of the Drill Hall and the nearby Armoury and St. Ann’s Fort are available, though only between the hours of 10.00 and 12.00, and on an appointment only basis.
The outline of the original stone built St Ann's Fort, with its cannons pointing outwards, can be seen from Drill Hall Beach. While in Barbados and you are relaxing at Drill Hall Beach and hear gunshots, don't panic! The cannons are not being activated - it will just be the soldiers doing gun practice training next door!
