Overview
Kingstown is the compact, characterful capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the gateway to the archipelago's islands and cays. There are no direct flights from the UK, but the connection is straightforward and the reward is a refreshingly local corner of the Caribbean, all arched shopfronts, cobbled streets and a working harbour.
Best time to fly to Kingstown
The dry season, roughly December to May, brings warm days of 28-31C, lower humidity and dependable sunshine, ideal for sailing down to the Grenadines. It is also the busiest and dearest period, especially around Christmas, February half-term and Easter. June to November is the wetter Atlantic hurricane season, with September and October the most unsettled. Late April to June and November often balance good weather with better value, so check the When to book chart above before you fix your dates.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop from the UK to Argyle International Airport (SVD). The common routing is British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick or Heathrow to Barbados, then a connecting hop of under an hour with a regional carrier such as interCaribbean Airways or Mia. From Manchester, TUI Airways and Virgin Atlantic serve Barbados with an onward connection. London to Barbados takes about 8.5-9 hours; with the layover and final leg, plan on 12-15 hours in total. Connections via St Lucia, Grenada or Antigua also work.
Things to do in Kingstown
Kingstown rewards a slow wander through its arcaded streets, known locally as the "City of Arches", before you head for the surrounding hills and coast.
- St Vincent Botanical Gardens: Founded in 1765, the oldest tropical botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, home to a breadfruit tree grown from Captain Bligh's original stock.
- Fort Charlotte: An early 1800s hilltop fort with sweeping views over Kingstown harbour and the northern Grenadines.
- St Mary's Catholic Cathedral: A remarkable patchwork of Gothic, Romanesque and Moorish styles built in dark local stone.
- Kingstown Market: A busy produce and craft market, at its liveliest on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Anglican Cathedral of St George: A serene Georgian church with interior galleries and notable stained glass.
At Argyle International Airport (SVD)
The airport lies about 8km (5 miles) east of Kingstown, a 20-30 minute drive along the windward coast. Government-set taxi fares apply and are paid in Eastern Caribbean dollars, so agree the price before you set off. Many hotels arrange transfers, local minibuses run into the capital cheaply if you travel light, and a few car hire firms operate from the terminal; you will need a temporary local permit and must drive on the left.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kingstown
- Book around three to six months ahead for the best choice on the UK-Barbados legs; Caribbean long-haul fares seldom drop at the last minute.
- Fly midweek and sidestep the mid-December to early-January, half-term and Easter peaks; moving a week either way can help, as the price charts on this page show.
- Keep your dates and your connecting hub flexible, as a routing via St Lucia or Grenada sometimes undercuts Barbados.
- Compare British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and price the long-haul and inter-island tickets both together and separately.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits; you are normally granted up to a month on arrival and should hold a passport valid for at least six months plus an onward or return ticket. The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar, which is also widely accepted, though it is worth carrying cash for markets and buses. No vaccinations are required for most travellers, but a yellow fever certificate is needed if you are arriving from a risk country; check NHS Fit for Travel for the latest advice before you go.
