Mandeville is a principal Town of the Parish of Manchester and a quiet, relaxing mountain resort. It sits just over 2,000’ above sea level. It enjoys a cool climate around 70˚-75˚ by day and 65˚-70˚ by night. The town is frequently described as like an English Village with its town square just like a Village green, attractive stone buildings and stone-wall pastures. Manchester parish is the Island's largest producer of bauxite, the red soil that can be seen all over the parish. The Manchester Country Club on Brumalia Road is Jamaica's oldest golf course; however, it only has nine holes. The course has a clubhouse and tennis can also be played here.

The parish of Manchester was created in 1814 by the Governor at that time, the Duke of Manchester. The parish Capital which was founded in 1816 was named after his eldest son, Viscount Mandeville, and was one of four hill stations for the Army. It was once considered a peaceful haven for English gentlefolk who declared it the closest thing to home; it was a quiet pedantic uneventful place. Then, with the arrival of the bauxite industry in the 1950’s – Mandeville suddenly became a boom town, growing and thriving as a market centre for farmers, a dormitory town for two large alumina companies and has continued to do so ever since.

The town centres around Cecil Charlton Park, named after a former Mayor. The Mandeville Courthouse stands on the northern tier of this square. Constructed in 1816, of cut limestone in Georgian style, it has a remarkable dual staircase and is graced with Doric columns.

The Rectory is next-door to the courthouse and is the oldest building in Town, completed in 1820. All through its lengthy history, it was both a tavern and a hotel before reverting to its present status as a private home. St. Mark's Church is located on the south side of the square, also established in 1820. The graveyard is full of tombs of British soldiers who died of yellow fever.  

Charlton Mansion is the home of former Mayor of Mandeville – Cecil C. Charlton. It is located on Huntingdon Summit, around a mile and a half south of Town. The splendid octagonal shaped house is set among some amazing scenery. Tours are available to the public by prior arrangement.

Roxborough Great House is located at Royal Flats Main Road, in Mandeville and was initially part of a larger estate known as Roxbro Castle. It is the birthplace of Jamaican National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Norman Manley. The house was destroyed by fire in 1968, with only the barbeques used for drying pimento grains and a terraced garden left. There is a spectacular view over the plains of Clarendon. At present, only the foundations of the great house remains, and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust proposes to re-establish the house.

Bloomfield Great House is located at Perth Road in Mandeville and dates back prior to the formation of Manchester Parish. The history of this property shows many different uses as a coffee plantation, a citrus plantation, a cattle rearing farm, a dairy and a hotel. Nowadays, the property houses a restaurant and gift shop.

Alligator Hole is a project of the National Resources Conservation Authority and is located south of Mandeville. There is a sign around a mile before Milk River Spa that directs you Canoe Valley and Alligator Hole. The Alligator Hole River comes from the limestone hills above and provides a habitat for an array variety of birds, plants, manatees and crocodiles (which you may or may not see). There’s a small visitors centre that has information about them.

Cashoo Ostrich Park is located near Lacovia in St Elizabeth and covers some 100 acres. The property is eco friendly, being entirely solar powered. In addition to the ostriches, other attractions within the park include: A Medicinal Herbal Garden, a Children’s petting Zoo and play area, a bird Sanctuary and more. You can boat on the river, fish in the ponds or just relax and enjoy a drink or something to eat from one of the bars there.