Forget Notting Hill! Swap chaos in the capital for authentic Carnival celebrations at these underrated Caribbean gems - with idyllic beaches and buzzy nightlife

Published: 13:09 BST, 31 August 2026 | Updated: 16:59 BST, 31 August 2026

Notting Hill Carnival is well underway in the capital this weekend, with its usual display of bedazzled costumes, hectic energy and Caribbean-inspired food and drink stalls lining the streets of the eponymous London borough.

However, for those preferring to avoid the chaos altogether – but wanting a taste of Caribbean fun – look no further than the island gems that helped inspire the festivities.

Trinidadian human rights activist Claudia Jones organised the first ‘Caribbean Carnival’ in 1959 in London to match the annual carnival in the island of Trinidad, giving her credit for planting the idea in the UK.

Other events followed in the 1960s, including the first outdoor festival in Notting Hill in 1966.

Performers wear colourful, elaborate outfits at Notting Hill Carnival (pictured in 2023)

While the festival is pan-Caribbean, involving performers with links to Dominica, Grenada and St Lucia, the masquerade tradition of the carnival dates back to 19th-century Trinidad.

In comparison to more popular destinations, such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago are highly underrated island gems.

So why not add the dual-island Caribbean nation to your travel bucket list?

Stollmeyer's Castle Killarney in Port of Spain is a great example of the unique architecture in the city

Port of Spain is the capital and chief commercial hub of the island nation, and is a lively city with stellar food, a buzzing nightlife and vibrant street markets.

Visit Queen's Park Savannah and its Magnificent Seven colonial-era mansions, including Stollmeyer's Castle Killarney.

For revelries and festivities, book tickets ahead of the city's next carnival – set to take place in February 2027.

The tourist website reads: 'Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival is known as the "Greatest Show on Earth", renowned for its vibrancy as the world's most authentic carnival celebration.

'Expect dozens of high-energy parties and premier cultural competitions along the way. It's a colourful and exuberant festival showcasing our beautiful destination's rich cultural heritage.'

Chaguaramas in Trinidad offers outdoor activities and nature to explore

This is the place to be for those who love a touch of adventure while on holiday.

Start your trip to Chaguaramas by visiting the Bamboo Cathedral, where bamboo stalks create an arch above your head.

Zip-lining, water parks and beaches are also all on offer here.

Plus, take a leisurely stroll down the beachfront walkway in Chaguaramas, soaking up the breeze and sea views.

The underground Gasparee Caves are also not to be missed. The main grotto features a beautiful blue tidal pool, where sunlight shines straight through. This is scenery straight out of a film.

'One of the best beaches in the world', is how one visitor described Maracas beach, and photographs make it easy to see why.

While it's unlikely to be empty as the most popular beach in Trinidad, this top spot is unbeatable for days spent surfing, swimming and eating.

The bay is known as the home of bake and shark, a traditional street food.

It consists of a fried piece of shark meat inside a deep-fried flatbread – and the sandwich is a must-try dish for tourists visiting the island.

Blue waters, white sands and clear skies make Pigeon Point Beach a must-visit.

Be aware, you'll need to pay an entry fee – but at just $TT 20 (£2.20) for adults, it certainly won't break the bank.

The beach is also home to some of the biggest cultural events in Tobago.

It plays host to Tobago Carnival Regatta, Tobago Jazz Experience and plenty more live music events.

One visitor wrote: 'We spent a full day at Pigeon Point and loved it. The water is clear and calm, great for swimming and photos. There are places to buy food, rent chairs, and do boat tours, so you don’t need to leave the beach.'

Argyle Falls stands at 175 feet (54 meters) and has three dramatic levels

To get to Tobago’s highest waterfall, you'll take a 20-minute hike through green foliage, birds, butterflies and forest – and it's very much worth the effort.

Argyle Falls has three levels, and they are ideal for swimming.

Natural rock pools welcome you in, and if you can brave the trek, the third pool is arguably the best for taking a dip.

Holidaymakers have noted how fantastic the scenery is here too, with one writing on Tripadvisor this summer: 'It's a fantastic place to hang out, and make sure you bring your bathing suit to swim at the bottom of the waterfall. The hike to get to the falls is just 20 minutes. Bring good sneakers or hiking shoes.'

Finally, make sure not to miss a trip to the untouched Englishman’s Bay

Secluded Englishman’s Bay is probably what you picture when envisaging a Caribbean beach, all white sands, lush greenery and a rainforest backdrop.

Before you arrive, though, stop to enjoy the views from the lookout point on the hill.

'Englishman's Bay has to be one of the most fabulous beaches on earth,' one delighted visitor wrote, adding: 'The picture-perfect glimpse from the hill above as you approach is just a taster.'