Castleton Gardens

Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & the North Coast


These very fine botanic gardens, south of Annotto Bay, are spread over 12 hectares on the banks of the Wag Water River. They date back to 1862, when 400 specimens from Kew Gardens in London were transplanted on the former sugar plantation owned by Lord Castleton. More than 1000 species of natives and exotics are displayed. It's a lovely place for a picnic, and perhaps a quick dip in the Wag Water River.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & the North Coast attractions

1. Avocat Falls

7.92 MILES

This lovely, small waterfall, also sometimes known as Fishdone Falls, is a short but winding drive uphill from Charles Town into the coffee country of the…

2. Tacky Falls

8 MILES

Tacky Falls is so pristine and isolated that, if you stumbled across them wandering up the coast from Robin’s Bay, you might be tempted to claim them as…

3. Asafu Culture Yard

9.53 MILES

The Asafu Culture Yard is a sort of house complex with gardens and a museum operated by the Charles Town Maroon Council, an educational outreach…

4. Old Tavern Coffee Estate

10.24 MILES

Old Tavern Coffee Estate lies about 1.5km southwest of Section. The owners, the Tywman family, welcome visitors by prior arrangement. You're treated to a…

5. Devon's Coffee Ranch

10.28 MILES

Most Blue Mountain coffee tours are on the southern ridge of the mountains, accessible from the Kingston side, but this small plantation is a great option…

6. Brimmer Hall

11.86 MILES

This 809-hectare working plantation, near Bailey’s Vale, 10km southwest of Port Maria, grows bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, pineapple and citrus for export…

7. St Mark's Chapel

11.91 MILES

St Mark’s Chapel in Irish Town is an attractive white 19th century clapboard church. It was heavily restored after being damaged by Hurricane Gilbert in…

8. Craighton Coffee Estate

12.09 MILES

Just north of Newcastle, you can take a one-hour tour of the attractive 200-year-old Craighton Estate Great House and coffee plantation. During the tour,…