Picture the scene: this winter, you could find yourself winging your way to the glorious Caribbean island of Barbados for the sun holiday of your dreams.

Bridgetown, Barbados is just a nine-hour journey from Manchester, so it’s time to shake off the gloomy weather of North West England and step out into the peak summer season of this English-speaking paradise. To whet your appetite for an epic Bajan adventure, here’s a flavour of what to expect: for starters, white sandy beaches, sparkling blue seas and Colonial-style culture.

The island is small enough to be explored from wherever you base yourself and scrumptious seafood, outdoor adventure and capital city culture are all on the menu. If you can tear yourself away from your deck chair, there’s so much to discover — from the eastern heights of Ragged Point Lighthouse to the streets of colourful Bridgetown and all that lies between.

Blissful Bajan beaches

The sheltered western shoreline of Barbados, known as the Platinum Coast, harbours a host of tranquil beaches and is perfect for a snorkelling session; alternatively, the lapping of the blue waves makes the perfect soundtrack for an ocean-side snooze.

Chief amongst the western beaches is Sandy Lane, traditional haunt of celebrity visitors to Barbados, who also flock to Crane Beach on the south-eastern side. Both are idyllic and Crane Beach — a 250-yard-long expanse of pink-tinged sand, bordered by palms — is arguably one of the island’s most photogenic spots, but don’t overlook some of the more hidden Bajan gems. Catamaran tours, departing daily from the island’s capital city, Bridgetown, are a great way to explore the island’s more secretive coves.

Whether you’re a surfing pro or novice, Barbados has you covered: head to Bathsheba for some serious waves or to Surfer’s Point in Christ Church for an introductory lesson.

Buzzing Bridgetown

As a former British colony, Bridgetown is awash in Colonial architecture and a buzzing atmosphere. The Garrison area of Bridgetown was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is peppered with must-see historic attractions, with sightseeing tours available.

Go shopping on Broad Street, wander pedestrian-only Swam Street to soak up the sights and sounds of local culture and sip an aperitif at the colourful seafront strip of St Lawrence Gap, Bridgetown’s nightlife epicentre.

Scrumptious seafood

Barbados is renowned the world over for its delicious cuisine, ranging from high-end restaurants to mouth-watering local street food. A visit to the vibrant pop-up fish market at Six Men’s Bay is an experience not to be missed; watch as local fishermen haul their catch to shore. Barbados is not known as the “land of the flying fish” for nothing.

On your culinary journey through Barbados, sample everything from flame-fried fish at beachside shacks to barracuda and salt-baked snapper. Hop from hotel to restaurant to seafront with ease on this small island, with private car rental, taxis and local buses all readily available.

Make life easy

It’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself en route to Barbados. Board in Manchester Airport and bask in the glow of our welcoming service — with delicious complimentary meals and hours of in-flight entertainment system at your fingertips.