10 Must Do Things in Bermuda
It’s been nearly two years since I was in Bermuda. As it was, it was also my second time visiting this Atlantic island. Infamous for the legends of the Bermuda Triangle, the island is broken up into nine parishes, with Hamilton as its capital. Did you know you can actually drive around the whole thing in less than an hour?
Steeped in history, there is so much more to this island than sea legends of past. Here are my 10 top things you must do on your trip to Bermuda.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave are actually two different and unique caves you can visit. The caves feature beautiful turquoise water, incredible formations and underwater pools. Walking through the floating pontoons on your guided tour, it is amazing to think that they were formed over a million years ago! It’s definitely easy to see why these natural wonders are a must visit on any trip to Bermuda.
Fort St. Catherine
Within an easy walking distance from downtown St. George lies Bermuda’s largest fort. The original St. Catherine fort was built around 1614 and has since been renovated five times. Defending the fort, you had five canons, each weighing 18 tons. Additionally, the shells that they used to fire with weighed 400 pounds and were capable of going through thick, iron plates.
Today, the fort houses a museum where you can see exhibits featuring a collection of pistols, swords, muskets and if you’re lucky, you might see the fort ghost too. There is also a real live drawbridge and underground passages you can explore!
Unfinished Church
The Unfinished Church, so named because it is all that is left of the building that began in 1874 to replace St. Peters Church. The work of architect William Hay of the Scottish firm Hay & Henderson, it has a simple design made to hold 650 people. The church was never finished and today the ruin is preserved as an historic monument as part of the St. George’s World Heritage Site.
Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is probably the most recognizable beach in Bermuda. It’s curved, pink sand beach and turquoise waters make it a top tourist destination. But, its also a family friendly beach with plenty of other activities if water ones are not your thing. Go for a walk along the cliffs, play a game of volleyball, or grab something to eat. Horseshoe Bay has everything you need to make your day at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches a day to remember.
Wander the Streets of Hamilton
Wandering the streets of Hamilton, you’ll find amazing restaurants, charming stores, colorful buildings and historic sites. A few of my favorites include The Pickled Onion on Front Street for a great lunch with a view spot, The English Sports Shop for your authentic Bermuda shorts and Hamilton City Hall.
Royal Naval Dockyard
Royal Naval Dockyard is a quick ferry trip away from Hamilton. Home now to the Bermuda National Museum, this is primarily used as a cruise ship port. However, in the 19th century, it was a fort that defended the west end of the island.
Head over to the Clocktower Mall and shop local boutiques for jewelry, crafts, souvenirs and more. Don’t forget to watch the glassblowers and other artists and sample the tasty treats at the Bermuda Rum Cake Company. There are also historical walking tours, seasonal festivals, bike rentals, mini golf, the Commissions House you can visit, and dolphin encounters.
Railway Trails
The Bermuda Railway Trails has the most scenic trails and offers a different way of exploring the island of Bermuda. What used to be an actual railway track, has been converted into walking and biking trails. Eighteen miles of trails will take you through St. George, the central parishes, and then finally ending at the western end of the island. The best part is the stunning views, as the majority of the trails run along the coastline.
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont
I love a good afternoon tea! There is is something so quintessentially English about it and the Fairmont Princess Hotel in Hamilton has been my go-to place each time I’m visiting. My favorite is when they do a themed tea, such as a festive one for the Holidays. You will find all of your favorites served with the tea of your choosing. Delicious sandwiches, mouth-watering pastries and of course the out-of-this-world Devonshire cream that accompanies their scones. Just amazing!
Tobacco Bay
A short walk from both Fort St. Catherine and the Unfinished Church sits Tobacco Bay. This beach sits at the northernmost end of Bermuda and is quite picturesque. Before it became a popular tourist attraction, it was the backdrop for the Gunpowder Plot of 1775, where Bermuda locals helped American revolutionaries steal a supply of British gunpowder from the Town of St. George.
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, look no further than Tobacco Bay. The lagoon and surrounding rock formations make it easy to understand why this another must visit beach in Bermuda!
Try a Rum Swizzle
Trying one of the national drinks of Bermuda, a Rum Swizzle, is a must for an itinerary. Created first in the 1920s, you will find this rum-based cocktail on every menu. The best place to try one is at the Swizzle Inn. Bermuda’s oldest pub is in Hamilton parish and a short drive away from the downtown area.
Blue Hole Park
Are you looking to get a little off the beaten path? Then, look no further than the Blue Hole Park. Bermudians call this area Tom Moore’s Jungle after the Irish poet who wrote a lot of his work in the area. The Blue Hole itself is a large, deep pool, surrounded by mangroves. It has clear water so you can see all of the colorful fishes that make it home.
After you’re done swimming, snorkeling or cliff jumping, grab your hiking shoes so you can explore the 12-acre park.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses built in 1844. Standing at 117 feet tall, its worth it to climb the 185 steps to the top so you can see the fantastic views of the Royal Naval Dockyard and the city of Hamilton. While making your way up the stairs, you can also read about the construction of the lighthouse, along with a history of Bermuda.
Have you been or are you looking to travel to Bermuda? I’d love to know what your favorite activities were or what you are planning on doing!