If you want to go beyond Grand Cayman’s beaches and experience the island’s cultural heart, Pedro St. James deserves a place at the top of your list. Known locally as Pedro’s Castle, this 18th-century Great House is the oldest stone building in the Cayman Islands, and is considered the birthplace of democracy on the islands!This stately property feels worlds away from the contemporary bustle of Seven Mile Beach, but it offers unique insight into the history of the island. It’s also the perfect activity to enjoy alongside our Grand Cayman boat tours, giving you a taste of both culture and adventure! Keep reading for all you need to know about visiting Pedro St. James, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about our tours.
The History of Pedro St. James
Built in 1780 from coral stone and imported slate, Pedro St. James was an extraordinary architectural achievement for its time. While most residents lived in modest thatched cottages, the Great House stood out as a true estate. Towering three stories high with thick stone walls, the Great House was built by an Englishman with the use of slave labour from Jamaica.
Since its initial construction, it’s gone through a variety of uses, including as a jail, restaurant, and assembly. For decades, it went through cycles of abandonment and repair, surviving countless storms and fires along the way. In the 1990s, the Cayman Islands Government purchased and restored it, turning it into the National Historic Site it is today.
If you’re interested in learning more about other iconic island sites, read our blog about the History of Grand Cayman’s Kittiwake Shipwreck!
The Birthplace of Cayman Democracy and Freedom
Pedro St. James is not only architecturally significant. It was here in 1831 that Caymanians gathered to hold their first meeting to form an elected parliament, earning the estate its title as the “Birthplace of Democracy”. Just a few years later, in 1835, the proclamation to end slavery was read at the Great House, turning it into a symbol of freedom.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Pedro St. James
When you visit Pedro St. James today, you can join either a guided or self-guided tour. With both, you’ll be able to explore the property, walking through the restored rooms or wandering the lawns while learning about Cayman’s history and heritage. There is also a multi-sensory 3D-film presentation, where you will be taken on a journey into the past and discover how previous inhabitants survived on the island.
Once you have explored the interiors, you can enjoy the natural scenery outside or enjoy a meal and rum tasting at the on-site restaurant, Thatch & Barrel.
Preparing for Your Visit to Pedro St. James
Pedro St. James is located in the district of Savannah, about a 25 minute drive from Seven Mile Beach and 20 minutes from George Town. Most visitors rent a car or call a taxi. The route is straightforward, following the main coastal road before turning inland toward Savannah’s residential area.
The site is open daily, typically from 8:30 am to 5 pm, though it’s always a good idea to check current hours before heading out. Admission is US$25 for adults and US$12.50 for children between three and 12. Children under 3 get free entry. The admission cost includes access to the Great House, the immersive theatre experience, and the surrounding grounds. Visitors should plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours here, especially if they want to enjoy the gardens or dine on-site!
A Grand Cayman Cultural Itinerary with Pedro St. James
A visit to Pedro St. James will only take a few hours out of your day, but there’s plenty more to enjoy in the area. We recommend starting your day with a visit to the castle, and enjoying a leisurely lunch and rum tasting afterwards on site.
After a satisfying meal, you can either choose to continue exploring towards the east of the island or return to the west side. If you continue towards the east, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park makes for an excellent stop that will add to your cultural itinerary. For beachside fun and more culinary experiences, head to the Rum Point Club, where you can savour fresh cocktails or lounge on the beach.
If you head back towards West Bay, you’ll pass through George Town, where more cultural attractions await. From the Cayman Islands National Museum to the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, George Town offers up plenty of sites for you to explore more about the islands’ history and culture. Read our blog about the 5 Best Things To Do in George Town, Grand Cayman to learn more!
Experience More of Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports
If you’re still eager for more after your cultural day out, join Red Sail Sports for a spot of adventure! Many of our Grand Cayman boat tours run from 1 pm onwards, giving you options to meet the stingrays of Stingray City or go snorkeling at USS Kittiwake after your morning at the castle. And if you’d prefer an afternoon at the beach, we also offer a range of beach activities and watersports in Grand Cayman! However you want to experience Grand Cayman, we can make it happen. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us!
