
Greenwood Great House
Step back in time at Greenwood Great House, an 18th-century mansion preserving Jamaica's rich plantation history with captivating tours.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Greenwood Great House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Greenwood Great House, an 18th-century mansion preserving Jamaica's rich plantation history with captivating tours.
"One of the most rewarding and affordable experiences of our trip, don't miss it!"

🚗 Mind the Roads
Be prepared for bumpy roads! Take routes near fuel stations for the smoothest drive.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Our guides were amazing! Ask questions, they love to share stories.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Barrett Family's Legacy
Throughout the house
Explore rooms filled with period furnishings and fascinating artifacts that tell the story of the wealthy Barrett family.

Engaging Guided Tours
Starting point for tours
Knowledgeable guides bring the history of the house and its inhabitants to life with captivating stories.

Exquisite Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the stately 18th-century mansion, a historical gem showcasing impressive architecture and design.

The On-site Pub
Pub area
Relax with a drink after your tour and chat with the friendly staff, soaking in the atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Road to History
Immersive Historical Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Mind the Roads
Be prepared for bumpy roads! Take routes near fuel stations for the smoothest drive.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Our guides were amazing! Ask questions, they love to share stories.
🍹 Enjoy a Post-Tour Drink
The on-site pub is a great spot to relax and chat with staff after your tour.
💰 Affordable Experience
Considered one of the most rewarding and affordable experiences in Jamaica.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Mind the Roads
Be prepared for bumpy roads! Take routes near fuel stations for the smoothest drive.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Our guides were amazing! Ask questions, they love to share stories.
🍹 Enjoy a Post-Tour Drink
The on-site pub is a great spot to relax and chat with staff after your tour.
💰 Affordable Experience
Considered one of the most rewarding and affordable experiences in Jamaica.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience a unique and personal look at Jamaican plantation history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Greenwood Great House for its authentic historical experience and the exceptional quality of its guided tours. Guides are frequently highlighted for their knowledge, passion, and ability to bring the past to life. While the journey can involve navigating rough roads, the rewarding insights into Jamaican heritage make it a highly recommended stop.
"As Canadian tourists traveling independently—not on a cruise or staying at an all-inclusive resort—we found our visit to Greenwood Great House to be one of the most rewarding and affordable experiences of our trip. The house itself is a beautifully preserved piece of Jamaican history, filled with fascinating artifacts and stories, but what truly made the tour exceptional was our guide, Kyla. She was engaging, knowledgeable, and brought the house to life with her warm and insightful storytelling. This was easily one of the best experiences we've had in Jamaica—don’t miss it! As of July 2p25 $30 adult $20 under 12"
Sass enach
"This was a fantastic tour by a wonderful lady who was passionate, warm and knowledgeable. The road to get there is…a bit rough. You will definitely earn your P.H.D. (Pot hole dodging degree) on the way there. However, once you get there it’s a fantastic experience.
There is a small bar there as well and I highly suggest having a drink after the tour and chatting with the staff."
Miscellaneous McC
"The tour was interesting, but it was made great by our tour guide! Not only was she well-informed, but her ability to draw us into the history of the home was remarkable! Her personality was perfect. She also made sure each of us understood what was being discussed and patiently answered every question.
The surprise?? The house is a home! A Barrett family member still resides on the property!"
S. Dye
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Greenwood Great House involves navigating some rural roads. Many visitors recommend taking routes near fuel stations as they tend to have fewer potholes. If you're not self-driving, consider a taxi or a tour that includes transportation.
The roads leading to Greenwood Great House can be 'a bit rough' with numerous potholes, earning a 'Pot hole dodging degree' from some visitors. Plan for a slower journey if driving yourself.
Yes, taking a taxi is a viable option. It can offer a more comfortable ride than self-driving, especially if you're concerned about the road conditions.
Several tour operators in the Montego Bay and Trelawny areas offer excursions that include transportation to Greenwood Great House, often combined with other attractions like Martha Brae River rafting.
Locals and visitors suggest taking the road near a fuel station as it's often the most direct and has fewer potholes compared to other routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of July 2025, adult admission is $30, and for children under 12, it's $20. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them for the most current pricing.
While advance booking might not always be strictly necessary, it's recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the house is open for tours during daylight hours. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most accurate information.
Some tours cater to student groups, as seen with history students visiting. It's advisable to inquire directly with the Great House or tour operators about potential group or student discounts.
Information on payment methods isn't explicitly stated, but it's wise to carry some Jamaican dollars for entry fees and any purchases, though major attractions often accept cards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are guided and highly informative, focusing on the history of the Barrett family and the people who lived and worked there. You'll see period-furnished rooms, artifacts, and learn captivating stories.
Yes, guides are consistently praised for being engaging, knowledgeable, passionate, and bringing the history to life with their storytelling.
Children under 12 have a reduced admission fee. The historical content might be more engaging for older children who can appreciate the stories and artifacts.
Greenwood is one of the few original great houses preserved from the Jamaican plantation era, offering a more personal and less commercialized experience. A Barrett family member still resides on the property.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide if photography is permitted inside the house, especially without flash, to respect the artifacts and other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small pub on-site where you can enjoy a drink after your tour. For full meals, visitors often combine their visit with a stop at local restaurants like Father Bull.
For authentic Jamaican food, visitors have enjoyed restaurants like Father Bull, located near the border of St. James and Trelawny.
Absolutely! The on-site pub is a recommended spot to have a drink and chat with the staff after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the grand entrance, and the beautifully furnished interiors offer excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding gardens also provide scenic backdrops.
It's best to confirm with your guide about photography rules inside the house. Some historical sites restrict interior photography to protect artifacts.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for exterior shots, while late afternoon might offer a warm glow. Consider the time of day for the best lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with other family-friendly activities in the region, such as rafting on the Martha Brae River, to create a full day of exploration. The on-site pub also offers a relaxed spot for parents to unwind after the tour.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
The highly praised guided tours are a significant draw, with guides celebrated for their deep knowledge and engaging storytelling. This ensures a rich and immersive learning experience, making Greenwood a standout destination for understanding Jamaica's heritage.
🚗 Independent Travelers
While self-driving is an option, be prepared for potentially rough roads. Alternatively, arranging a local taxi or booking a tour that includes transport can ensure a more comfortable journey to this historical gem.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Plantation Life
The tours here are particularly lauded for their depth and narrative quality. Guides are not just reciting facts; they are storytellers who weave tales of the family, the enslaved people who worked the estate, and the social dynamics of the time. This approach makes the history palpable and memorable. Visitors often highlight how the guides bring the artifacts and rooms to life, making it a truly engaging experience.
What sets Greenwood apart is the palpable sense of history and the personal touch. The fact that a Barrett family member still resides on the property adds another layer of authenticity. It’s a place where you can truly feel the history, rather than just observe it. This makes it a highly rewarding visit for those interested in Jamaican heritage and the broader history of the Caribbean.
Navigating the Journey: Roads and Recommendations
Given these road conditions, self-driving might be a challenge for some. Many travelers find that opting for a taxi service or joining a guided tour that includes transportation can provide a smoother and less stressful experience. If you do choose to drive yourself, local advice suggests taking routes near fuel stations, as these are often the most direct and best-maintained paths.
Despite the potential road challenges, the consensus is that the destination is well worth the effort. The unique historical insights and the quality of the guided tours make the journey a worthwhile endeavor for anyone interested in exploring Jamaica's rich past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit