Middlesex County Holidays

Middlesex County, Jamaica: A lush, laid-back land of river thrills, misty mountains, and pure island soul that hits different for families, couples, groups, and foodies.

Highlights

• 🌿 Blue Mountains – Misty peaks, coffee plantations, and epic hiking trails

• 🛶 Rio Grande River rafting – Old-school bamboo rafts through tropical jungle

• ☕ Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee – Brewed at the source and strong enough to convert tea lovers

• 🏞️ Reach Falls & Somerset Falls – Hidden waterfalls where you can swim in jade-coloured pools

• 🎨 Authentic culture – From Maroon heritage to bustling street markets in Spanish Town

Getting around

Middlesex County covers the heart of Jamaica and is a bit more spread out than its coastal cousins, but getting around is still a breeze if you know your options. Buses and route taxis are available, but for real flexibility (especially if you want to venture into the hills or explore remote waterfalls), hiring a car is the way to go. The major towns – like Mandeville, Spanish Town, and Port Antonio – are all connected by highways, and you can easily reach the area from Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport. Expect winding roads, dramatic views, and the occasional goat crossing the street. Standard island stuff.

Things to do for families in Middlesex County

If you're bringing the kids, Middlesex County brings nature, adventure, and a hefty dose of “wow.” Castleton Botanical Gardens is a family-friendly spot perfect for a stroll, picnic, or butterfly spotting – it's one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, and a real stunner. For water babies, Somerset Falls in Portland has gentle cascades and secret caves you can explore by boat. Feeling brave? Try rafting on the Rio Grande – calm enough for little ones, with gorgeous jungle views the whole way. There’s also Hope Zoo near Spanish Town – home to lions, zebras, and more – and it’s ideal for a low-key, animal-loving afternoon.

Things to do for couples in Middlesex County

Couples, take note: Middlesex County is made for slow sips, scenic hikes, and sneaky kisses behind waterfalls. Start your trip with a sunrise hike up Blue Mountain Peak – it’s a bit of a climb, but the views at the top are straight-up dreamy (plus, shared adventure = couple bonding!). Afterward, take a tour of a Blue Mountain coffee estate, where you can sip together with a view and maybe even snag some beans to bring home. For romantic seclusion, Reach Falls is your go-to – surrounded by jungle and usually blissfully uncrowded. Wrap up the day with dinner in a hillside restaurant in Mandeville or Portland, where the cooler mountain air and candlelight do half the work for you.

Things to do for groups in Middlesex County

Travelling with your crew? Middlesex brings the goods. Start with a group rafting session down the Rio Grande – coolers are welcome on board (just saying), and it’s a whole vibe. Next up, head to Blue Lagoon in Portland – rumoured to be bottomless and definitely magical. The colour alone is Insta-worthy. If your gang loves a bit of music and history, check out Charles Town Maroon Village, where you can learn about Jamaica’s fierce and fascinating Maroon heritage with drumming, dancing, and authentic storytelling. Looking for nightlife? Spanish Town has a growing live music scene with bars and sound system parties that go late. And if it’s all a bit too much, wind down at Milk River Spa, where the mineral baths are said to work miracles.

Things to do for foodies in Middlesex County

Listen, foodies: Middlesex County has flavours you won’t find on a touristy beach strip. Start in Port Antonio, where you can eat Boston-style jerk pork right where the method was invented. It's smoky, spicy, and ridiculously good – no cutlery required. For breakfast, try ackee and saltfish with fresh-roasted breadfruit from a roadside cookshop (yes, it’s totally normal to have fish for breakfast here). If you're up in the hills, don’t miss Blue Mountain coffee farm tours, complete with tastings and sweet treats like cassava pudding and banana fritters. In Spanish Town, dig into traditional pepperpot soup, and if you spot a curry goat patty in the wild, buy two. No regrets.