It is located in the north of Barbados, and is the only parish besides Saint Lucy that extends from the east coast to the west.

Its topography includes rolling hills and terraces, some of which are still covered by sugar cane, which was the island's chief cash crop during its colonial period.

The parish contains the following towns, villages, localities, settlements, communities and hamlets: The area of Speightstown was the first major port and commercial centre of Barbados.

It has a long and colorful history reaching back to the 17th century when it served as one of the main ports connecting the island with the “mother country,” England.

For six months Ayscue was unable to land in Barbados, and concentrated attacks on Speightstown were repelled by the small forts along the shore.

Speightstown saw a lot of activity during the reign of the sugar industry and the day of the slave trade.

On February 15, 1966, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the grounds as the Farley Hill National Park.

The forest of mahogany trees is transformed into the stage for musical and theatrical events several times a year, including the Barbados Jazz Festival and Gospelfest, among others.