Harrismith Beach in Barbados is tucked in a secluded bay along the rugged southeastern coast. Be forewarned: it is not an easy find.

But when did that fact stop any adventurous traveller before?

For those determined to find a true hidden gem on the island, Harrismith Beach quietly awaits you below a wall of coral cliffs.

Surprisingly, the palm-studded oasis is one of the island’s best kept secrets. Even from its own people.

If you were to poll several locals on whether they have visited Harrismith in the southern parish of St. Philip, chances are many may respond with: “Huh? Where?”

Yet how could that be? Just take a look at this incredible slice of beach heaven.

Leave it to speculation and I might dare say that this may be rooted in beach privilege. Here’s what I mean…

Bajans – formally known as ‘Barbadians’ – are incredibly spoilt for fabulous beaches from coast to coast. Folks tend to gravitate to their favourite stretches of sand along the Caribbean sea. My go-to is the beach along Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown.

I guess when you’re consistently enjoying top-notch beach days at the obvious spots, it’s easy to overlook the gems out there on the island’s Atlantic coast (which are admittedly not as easily accessible nor swimmable.)

Read my Barbados travel guide: 20 Best things to do in Barbados

Why is it called Harrismith Beach?

If you’re wondering where the name ‘Harrismith’ comes from, you’re not alone. It doesn’t ring any bells for me as far as historical Bajan figures go.

My next line of assumption is that the name lingers from the island’s colonial era – Barbados is still full of ‘em. Confession – it was only when I moved to the UK a few years back that I connected the dots between the names of so many areas in Barbados – Hastings, Dover, Brighton, Worthing – and their British origin. Doh.

The most possible link is Harry Smith, a British governor in the 19th century who served the then British empire. Whether he owned the former plantation house that overlooks the beach is unclear to me but that’s my running assumption.

How to get to Harrismith Beach by bus 

While driving is the best mode of transportation for travelling to Harrismith Beach, those without a car can arrive there by public transportation.

From the main bus terminal in Bridgetown, take the #10 bus to the Bayfield Primary School stop in the parish of St. Philip.

From here, it will be a peaceful walk down to Bottom Bay and Harrismith, with ocean breezes accompanying you the entire way. 

Clifftop ruins of Harrismith House in St. Philip, Barbados

If you take a look at the ‘Harrismith Beach’ location tag on Instagram, you’ll notice an old building that captures as much feed time as the beach itself. Meet Harrismith House.

The moment you set your eyes on the abandoned mansion, your curiosity will pique. Harrismith House carries an air of mystery and intrigue.

Up close to the beautiful ruin, my mind starts to race. 

“What happened here?”

“What was life like at this grandiose property back in the day?”

There are countless rooms whose architecture hint at their former grandeur, despite their current crumbling disposition. 

It occurs to me that if, in the present day, Harrismith House feels so isolated, one can only imagine what an incredibly private oasis this must have been a century ago.

How to access Harrismith Beach

Finding the steps to take you down to Harrismith Beach is part of the day’s adventure.

Only a few feet away from a doorway of Harrismith House, is another entrance, but this one leads somewhere else – down to the beach.

I absolutely love the long stairway roughly cut from the surrounding rock; it adds another splash of character to this fascinating destination.

At the descent, I come face-to-face with a a very puzzling sight.

An abandoned fishing boat lies firmly buried in the sand at the head of the beach. (I wonder if it’s still there since my last visit?)

A lone fisherman is off in a remote corner of the beach with his line so I greet him and question why it’s there. Shrugging, he explains that the boat ruin has been buried in the sand for some time, likely damaged at sea and this was its closest, last stop. Perhaps the owner will return to chop up the wooden vessel and remove it eventually.

Can you swim at Harrismith Beach in Barbados?

As you’re getting ready to debut the swimwear purchased especially for this Barbados holiday, here’s what you should absolutely know about this beach excursion.

Harrismith is NOT a beach for swimming.

Bajans have a saying that goes: “the sea has no back door”. I don’t often say it (let alone dwell on the thought because then I’d never be able to enjoy a sea bath), but I’d say it in this case.

Why shouldn’t you swim at Harrismith Beach?

It’s because of the powerful waves and the strong undercurrents that pull to the Atlantic ocean.

There is no lifeguard stationed at Harrismith Beach and there are seldom people milling around if you were to run into any difficulty. 

If you do insist on taking a dip, just make sure to check the tide tables beforehand.

How to Spend a Day at Harrismith Beach, Barbados

My recommendation for a day at Harrismith Beach is: picnic and photography.

Forget swimming – it’s not safe. Go to Harrismith for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Take a towel, a good book, a pack of local Deputy or Banks beers or fresh Bajan Pinehill fruit juices, and enjoy your visit to this secret beach in Barbados.