Attractions in Bermuda

Places of Interest

The Bermuda Railway Trail

It may seem to us, in our motorized age, that an island the size of Bermuda scarcely needs a railway, but before the automobile established its inevitable grip on the island, the construction of a railway offered the only modern alternative to the horse and cart. The Bermuda Railway lasted only 17 years, making its first run on October 31, 1931, and finally disappearing in 1948. Before it opened, it had already set new records – but, sadly, only as the slowest and most expensive railway ever built (costing a stunning 1 million pounds, and progressing at a mere two and a half miles per year). Ultimately, wartime disrepair and the arrival of motor cars on Bermuda killed the railway off, and its 21 mile length, reaching into almost every parish on the island, lay unused for nearly 40 years. But in 1984, to coincide with the 375th anniversary of the discovery of Bermuda, the government opened the Bermuda Railway Trail for the public, and this distinctive nature-trail was born.

Royal Naval Dockyard

In 1795, Lord Wellington selected the Ireland Isles, at the far west of Bermuda, as the location for what he intended to become, "the Gibraltar of the West." The subject of a recent $20 million restoration, the Royal Naval Dockyard is the place to go to catch a glimpse into the rich naval history that so distinguishes Bermuda. The Dockyard can be reached by ferry, bus, taxi, bicycle or on foot, but however you get there, you are sure to find something to appeal. The heart of the six acre modern complex is still the beautiful limestone architecture, so redolent of the ‘Golden Age’ of the British Royal Navy – but alongside these you will find modern shops, a Craft Market, a cinema, an authentic naval pub and, perhaps most importantly, the Bermuda Maritime Museum. The museum, officially opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II on February 17, 1975, is located within the Keep, the largest fort in Bermuda. It takes the visitor on a fascinating voyage through Bermuda’s maritime history, from its colonial origins and buccaneering heyday, to the part played by Bermuda as a WW2 naval base. All in all, a diverse and entertaining day out, offering a splendid juxtaposition of the old and new.

Fort St. Catherine. St. George

Bermuda is a land of mighty fortifications. The first were constructed as early as 1612, and they continued to be built until the 1940’s. Hence, a study of the forts offers a superb cross-section of the islands colorful history. One of the oldest is Fort St. Catherine, constructed in 1614 by Governor Richard Moore, as a defense for Gate’s Bay, the original landing place of the Sea venture. The fort was further strengthened throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the last significant improvements being the mounting of five muzzle-loading guns between 1865 and 1878. The fort was used as a local training ground during the Second World War.

The Crystal Caves at Baileys Bay

Easily accessible by bus from Hamilton, the Crystal Caves are one of Bermuda’s most spectacular natural attractions. Located 80 feet below ground, this enormous subterranean network of caves was only discovered in 1912. The name derives from the clarity with which one can discern the grandeur of the pendulous stalactites and lofty stalagmites.

Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum and Zoo, Flatts Village

As Bermuda is surrounded by the ocean, its indigenous aquatic flora and fauna are an integral part of its island identity. The Aquarium consists of over 100 different species of spellbinding tropical fish, in two dozen tanks, the most eye-catching being the 145,000 gallon North Rock exhibit. But Bermuda also has a fascinating past on dry land, and the Natural History Museum guides the interested visitor through the island’s volcanic origins and complex ecology. Finally, the Zoo brings together some of the World’s most exotic creatures, in the Reptile Walkway, Primate Enclosure and the new, Australasia-themed exhibit.

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Hamilton

This state-of-the-art $20 million facility is specially designed to create a unique, interactive means of experiencing the mysteries of the ocean depths. Oceanographers from around the world have collaborated on an exhibition that is constantly developing. Current features are a simulated submersible dive, and an interactive installation of film, video and computer technology focusing on Bermuda’s ecosystem.

Dolphin Quest

Experience the thrill of close contact with these vastly intelligent and affectionate ocean mammals. Perfect for adults and children alike, with a variety of educational and interactive activities on offer. The dolphins can be seen from the beach of the Southampton Princess Hotel.

Best Beaches

Bermuda is renowned for its endless stretches of perfect pink beaches. Their distinctive color is due to the presence of a tiny single celled animal called Foraminifera, which calcifies on the reefs along the shore, and is then crushed by the erosive power of the ocean and washed up on the beaches. Bermuda has about 26 miles of beach, varying according to the time of year, and 20% of this is open to the public at all times.
But Bermuda’s beaches are by no means all identical. Here are some of the best around with an indication of their individual characteristics:
West Whale Bay, Sandy’s Parish – the smallest beach in Bermuda, known even to vanish at certain points of the year.
Horseshoe bay, Southampton Parish – probably Bermuda’s best known, most popular beach, with excellent beach-house facilities.
Jobson’s Cove, Southampton Parish - small, cosy and private, for a taste of personal paradise.
Elbow Beach, Paget Parish – a lovely and accessible beach if you are staying in the central area of Bermuda. Can be reached off Tribe Rd. #4, with a lunch truck available through the summer season.
Shelly Bay, North Shore, Hamilton Parish – this long, shallow beach is ideal for children and those who can’t swim, offering plenty of beach-based attractions, including a Beach house, playground and nature trails.
Tobacco Bay, St. George’s Parish – the best place to go snorkeling and witness some of the extraordinary aquatic life teeming off Bermuda’s rich shores. Snorkel rentals and beach house available.

Botanical Gardens, Devonshire

Bermuda is a garden paradise, but many people don’t realize that many of the island’s beautiful plants are not indigenous, but were brought here by the original settlers and their descendants. The Botanical Gardens has been the perfect way to see the majority of these glorious imports since 1898, when it was instituted for the promotion of agriculture. The gardens have grown over the intervening century to comprise 36 acres, with permanent collections including: the Hibiscus garden, a subtropical fruit garden, palm garden, plumeria collection, cacti, formal gardens, conifer plantations, and even an aromatic garden for the blind.

Hamilton City Hall and Arts Centre

On Church Street in the city of Hamilton, you will find the City Hall, easily recognizable from the bronze replica of the Sea Venture on its roof. The hall is home to the recently opened Bermuda National Gallery, with split level galleries and advanced climate-control. Permanent collections include the Watlington collection of 17th and 18th century European works by such prominent artists as Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Palma Vechio. There are also rotating exhibitions by Bermudian artists. The Arts Centre also contains a small theatre for readings, concerts films, etc.

The Perfumery Gardens, Baileys Bay

These gardens, established in 1929 by Madeline and Herbert Scott and in their present location since 1939, specialize in distinctive scents of Bermuda, for use in the manufacture of perfumes. Breathe the essence of jasmine, oleander, Easter lily, frangipani and passion flower in the gardens, then purchase the perfumes at the Calabash Gift Shop. Also features a stunning orchid house.

St. George

The origins of Bermuda lie in the town of St. George, where the original shipwrecked settlers landed, and where the first community was established following the official colonization in 1612. The name derives partly from the patron saint of England, but also from Admiral Sir George Somers, the colony’s founding father. Nowhere in Bermuda is so packed with historical significance, as St. George remained the capital until 1815. Equally, it is also one of the best preserved historical cities you will find, as life for its residents is not substantially different now than in its colorful past. The privateers may have gone for good, but St George is still a remarkable gateway to Bermuda’s fascinating past.



		Places of Interest
		The Bermuda Railway Trail It may seem to us, in our motorized age, that an island the size of Bermuda scarcely needs a railway, but before the automobile established its inevitable grip on the island, the construction of a railway offered the only modern alternative to the horse and cart. The Bermuda Railway lasted only 17 years, making its first run on October 31, 1931, and finally disappearing in 1948. Before it opened, it had already set new records – but, sadly, only as the slowest and most expensive railway ever built (costing a stunning 1 million pounds, and progressing at a mere two and a half miles per year). Ultimately, wartime disrepair and the arrival of motor cars on Bermuda killed the railway off, and its 21 mile length, reaching into almost every parish on the island, lay unused for nearly 40 years. But in 1984, to coincide with the 375th anniversary of the discovery of Bermuda, the government opened the Bermuda Railway Trail for the public, and this distinctive nature-trail was born. Royal Naval Dockyard In 1795, Lord Wellington selected the Ireland Isles, at the far west of Bermuda, as the location for what he intended to become, "the Gibraltar of the West." The subject of a recent $20 million restoration, the Royal Naval Dockyard is the place to go to catch a glimpse into the rich naval history that so distinguishes Bermuda. The Dockyard can be reached by ferry, bus, taxi, bicycle or on foot, but however you get there, you are sure to find something to appeal. The heart of the six acre modern complex is still the beautiful limestone architecture, so redolent of the ‘Golden Age’ of the British Royal Navy – but alongside these you will find modern shops, a Craft Market, a cinema, an authentic naval pub and, perhaps most importantly, the Bermuda Maritime Museum. The museum, officially opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II on February 17, 1975, is located within the Keep, the largest fort in Bermuda. It takes the visitor on a fascinating voyage through Bermuda’s maritime history, from its colonial origins and buccaneering heyday, to the part played by Bermuda as a WW2 naval base. All in all, a diverse and entertaining day out, offering a splendid juxtaposition of the old and new. Fort St. Catherine. St. George Bermuda is a land of mighty fortifications. The first were constructed as early as 1612, and they continued to be built until the 1940’s. Hence, a study of the forts offers a superb cross-section of the islands colorful history. One of the oldest is Fort St. Catherine, constructed in 1614 by Governor Richard Moore, as a defense for Gate’s Bay, the original landing place of the Sea venture. The fort was further strengthened throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the last significant improvements being the mounting of five muzzle-loading guns between 1865 and 1878. The fort was used as a local training ground during the Second World War. The Crystal Caves at Baileys Bay Easily accessible by bus from Hamilton, the Crystal Caves are one of Bermuda’s most spectacular natural attractions. Located 80 feet below ground, this enormous subterranean network of caves was only discovered in 1912. The name derives from the clarity with which one can discern the grandeur of the pendulous stalactites and lofty stalagmites. Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum and Zoo, Flatts Village As Bermuda is surrounded by the ocean, its indigenous aquatic flora and fauna are an integral part of its island identity. The Aquarium consists of over 100 different species of spellbinding tropical fish, in two dozen tanks, the most eye-catching being the 145,000 gallon North Rock exhibit. But Bermuda also has a fascinating past on dry land, and the Natural History Museum guides the interested visitor through the island’s volcanic origins and complex ecology. Finally, the Zoo brings together some of the World’s most exotic creatures, in the Reptile Walkway, Primate Enclosure and the new, Australasia-themed exhibit. Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Hamilton This state-of-the-art $20 million facility is specially designed to create a unique, interactive means of experiencing the mysteries of the ocean depths. Oceanographers from around the world have collaborated on an exhibition that is constantly developing. Current features are a simulated submersible dive, and an interactive installation of film, video and computer technology focusing on Bermuda’s ecosystem.		Dolphin Quest Experience the thrill of close contact with these vastly intelligent and affectionate ocean mammals. Perfect for adults and children alike, with a variety of educational and interactive activities on offer. The dolphins can be seen from the beach of the Southampton Princess Hotel. Best Beaches Bermuda is renowned for its endless stretches of perfect pink beaches. Their distinctive color is due to the presence of a tiny single celled animal called Foraminifera, which calcifies on the reefs along the shore, and is then crushed by the erosive power of the ocean and washed up on the beaches. Bermuda has about 26 miles of beach, varying according to the time of year, and 20% of this is open to the public at all times. But Bermuda’s beaches are by no means all identical. Here are some of the best around with an indication of their individual characteristics: West Whale Bay, Sandy’s Parish – the smallest beach in Bermuda, known even to vanish at certain points of the year. Horseshoe bay, Southampton Parish – probably Bermuda’s best known, most popular beach, with excellent beach-house facilities. Jobson’s Cove, Southampton Parish - small, cosy and private, for a taste of personal paradise. Elbow Beach, Paget Parish – a lovely and accessible beach if you are staying in the central area of Bermuda. Can be reached off Tribe Rd. #4, with a lunch truck available through the summer season. Shelly Bay, North Shore, Hamilton Parish – this long, shallow beach is ideal for children and those who can’t swim, offering plenty of beach-based attractions, including a Beach house, playground and nature trails. Tobacco Bay, St. George’s Parish – the best place to go snorkeling and witness some of the extraordinary aquatic life teeming off Bermuda’s rich shores. Snorkel rentals and beach house available. Botanical Gardens, Devonshire Bermuda is a garden paradise, but many people don’t realize that many of the island’s beautiful plants are not indigenous, but were brought here by the original settlers and their descendants. The Botanical Gardens has been the perfect way to see the majority of these glorious imports since 1898, when it was instituted for the promotion of agriculture. The gardens have grown over the intervening century to comprise 36 acres, with permanent collections including: the Hibiscus garden, a subtropical fruit garden, palm garden, plumeria collection, cacti, formal gardens, conifer plantations, and even an aromatic garden for the blind. Hamilton City Hall and Arts Centre On Church Street in the city of Hamilton, you will find the City Hall, easily recognizable from the bronze replica of the Sea Venture on its roof. The hall is home to the recently opened Bermuda National Gallery, with split level galleries and advanced climate-control. Permanent collections include the Watlington collection of 17th and 18th century European works by such prominent artists as Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Palma Vechio. There are also rotating exhibitions by Bermudian artists. The Arts Centre also contains a small theatre for readings, concerts films, etc. The Perfumery Gardens, Baileys Bay These gardens, established in 1929 by Madeline and Herbert Scott and in their present location since 1939, specialize in distinctive scents of Bermuda, for use in the manufacture of perfumes. Breathe the essence of jasmine, oleander, Easter lily, frangipani and passion flower in the gardens, then purchase the perfumes at the Calabash Gift Shop. Also features a stunning orchid house. St. George The origins of Bermuda lie in the town of St. George, where the original shipwrecked settlers landed, and where the first community was established following the official colonization in 1612. The name derives partly from the patron saint of England, but also from Admiral Sir George Somers, the colony’s founding father. Nowhere in Bermuda is so packed with historical significance, as St. George remained the capital until 1815. Equally, it is also one of the best preserved historical cities you will find, as life for its residents is not substantially different now than in its colorful past. The privateers may have gone for good, but St George is still a remarkable gateway to Bermuda’s fascinating past.