Tucked between Barbados and Martinique, the eastern Caribbean island of St Lucia offers a heavenly blend of pristine beaches, luxury accommodation and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. It’s hardly surprising that this ridiculously romantic little island is a favourite for honeymooners.
You might think that this lover’s bolthole has little to interest children, but when you find out it’s home to an inflatable water park, a giant natural mud bath and some of the tastiest chocolate on the planet, you might think again.
11/11 Diamond Botanical Gardens, Soufriere
Enjoy the beauty and the warmth of the tropics and take a walk through Diamond Botanical Gardens. Steeped in history, the gardens are the oldest in St Lucia and boast a diverse range of beautiful flowers and plants. The easy terrain makes the Botanical Gardens a relaxing and child-friendly day out. After strolling through the gardens you’ll come to the stunning, 17m high Diamond Waterfall. The water has a unique pigment due to the mixture of rainwater and sulphur springs. On scorching hot days, the Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to relish in St Lucia’s natural beauty and shelter from the sun.
Price: Adults £5.40; children £2.70
Find out more about Diamond Botanical Gardens
10/11 Fond Doux Heritage Tour, Soufriere
This-fun packed tour educates kids about the island’s vegetation and history. The 250 year old plantation, Fond Doux, is situated alongside cocoa groves where visitors are invited to participate in the process of making chocolate and even enjoy some traditional cocoa dancing! You’ll sample a variety of delicious organic fruits native to St Lucia, such as bananas, mangoes, love apples, guavas, star fruits and refreshing jelly coconuts, all picked by the Fond Doux Tarzans. During this experience, your guide will also show you the unique and varied bird life of the island and teach you how to call hummingbirds. After learning about St Lucia’s wildlife and farming you’ll kick back in the sun on the beautiful plantation with some fresh mango.
Price: Tour & snacks £19 per person; tour & lunch £30 per person
9/11 Pigeon Island
Relax and pause on Pigeon Island, an idyllic spot with rich history, stunning views and glorious beaches. This national park is marked with trails that will lead you through the ruins of Fort Rodney, an 18th century fort built by the British. Although a challenging climb to the top of the fort (an ideal occasion for your baby-carrier backpack), you’ll be repaid with panoramic views of the island’s magnificent coastline. After a sweaty hike, recline on one of Pigeon Island’s gorgeous beaches. More peaceful than the popular Reduit beach, the southern side of Pigeon island has two sheltered stretches of golden sand, perfect for families.
Price: Adults £6; children 5-12 years £2.30