The Kensington Oval is the oldest cricket ground on the island of Barbados, referred to locally as “The Mecca” of cricket. Established in 1871, the ground is home to the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and Barbados Tridents – the island’s representative team in the Twenty20 Caribbean Premier League tournament.
The ground is the primary home for the West Indies when they play in Barbados and has hosted a number of Test matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. Kensington was expanded ahead of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, hosting the Final as Australia beat Sri Lanka. It was also the venue for the 2010 World Twenty20 Final as England defeated Australia.
Tenants: Barbados Cricket Association & Barbados Tridents (Caribbean Premier League)
Opened: 1871
Capacity: 28,000
Address: President Kennedy Drive, Bridgetown BB120004, Barbados
Location & Travel to Kensington Oval
The Kensington Oval is located in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados.
Airport: Grantley Adams International Airport is the largest airport in the Eastern Caribbean and is approximately 16km from Bridgetown.
The airport is served by major airlines from the UK and North America.
Thinking of going to Barbados? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
Taxi: Taxi’s can be identified by the ‘Z’ on the licence plate, expect to pay around B$20 for a taxi from Bridgetown to the Kensington Oval.
Walk: Walking from Bridgtown to the Kensington Oval is simple enough and will take you about 20-25 minutes. From the Parliament Building, head along the shops at Broad Street on to Cheapside Road, then Fontabelle Road – keep going straight and you will reach the ground.
Where to stay in Barbados
Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Barbados by clicking here.
Where to drink
The only bar I can recommend in the whole of the Caribbean, having been on an all inclusive cruise at the time, is the Pirates Cove bar on Brownes Beach. Offering a laid back vibe overlooking Carlise Bay, a bottle of Carib beer cost B$6.
Cricket Legends of Barbados
For cricket fans, the Cricket Legends of Barbados is located nearby to the Kensington Oval. Unfortunately I visited Bridgetown on a Sunday (the only day the museum is shut) so can’t offer my personal opinion, but with so many legendary cricketers raised in Barbados, I’m sure it would be a fantastic experience.
If visiting the Kensington Oval on a non-match day, tours are available every 30 minutes from 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
Further Information
Kensington Oval Official Website
Barbados Tridents Official Website
Barbados Cricket Association Official Website
West Indies Cricket Official Website, Kensington Oval information page
Sports Tourist Barbados Country Guide
Last Updated on February 24, 2021 by Sports Tourist