Things to do in Hamilton
A holiday in Hamilton is a holiday in the principal harbour town of one of the world's favourite Caribbean islands. Tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions and activities in the city. No one who travels to Bermuda can avoid visiting Hamilton, the focal point of the island's historic sight-seeing and tourist attractions. From Hamilton all the sightseeing boats, ferries and local buses depart and all the cruise liners arrive, and its busy Front Street is the main shopping area of the island.
Front Street is the life and soul of Hamilton City and centre of all the main activities. This is where most of the island's glittering shops, great restaurants, retail shops and many other commercial establishments like banks and insurance companies are located. And as expected, this is the busiest place in the island. A good place to start exploring is the Visitor's Information Center located next to the Hamilton ferry terminal. There are complimentary pocket maps and brochures available, and visitors can leave from here to enjoy the attractions on foot, or take the option of carriage ride - there is nothing more romantic than a horse drawn carriage taking a stately route through Hamilton City. There are of course buses as well that can take visitors to various points within the city and the outskirts in Pembroke parish.
From Hamilton it is a 15-minute walk to one of Bermuda's more recent attractions, the state-of-the-art Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. This is a multi-million dollar institute built to showcase the natural wonders of the surrounding oceans. The Institute offers a simulated dive in a capsule and interactive exhibits detailing local reef wrecks, plant and animal life. Also worth visiting is the Bermuda Historical Society Museum.
Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton is a substantial Victorian fort with a panoramic view of Hamilton Harbour, built in the mid-19th century during a period of rising tensions between Britain and the US…
Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton is a substantial Victorian fort with a panoramic view of Hamilton Harbour, built in the mid-19th century during a period of rising tensions between Britain and the USA. The ramparts are mounted with 18 ton artillery pieces capable of firing 400 pound (181kg) cannonballs through iron-hulled vessels. Nearby is Clarence Cove, a popular beach forming part of Admiralty House Park. The house itself dates from the early 19th century, built as the residence of the Royal Navy's regional commander. Another military echo along North Shore Road, Black Watch Well, was dug by troops of the famous Scottish regiment during a drought in 1849.
Address Pembroke, Middle Road, Bermuda
Botanical Gardens
Paget is a delightful park providing the perfect environment to experience the island's flora. It is a fragrant haven of exotic subtropical plants, flowers, and trees. Highlights o…
Botanical Gardens
Paget is a delightful park providing the perfect environment to experience the island's flora. It is a fragrant haven of exotic subtropical plants, flowers, and trees. Highlights of this 36-acre paradise include the palm garden with native palmetto trees, the subtropical fruit garden, a garden for the visually-impaired which features scented plants, a ficus collection, and a flowering hibiscus garden. There are greenhouses with orchids, bromeliads, a miniature forest, an aviary, and a variety of flowering houseplants. The white house on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens is Camden, the official residence of Bermuda's Premier, open for tours except when official functions are scheduled.
Address Point Finger Road Pharmacy, 16 Point Finger Rd, DV 04, Bermuda
Harrington Sound
Harrington Sound is a large inland sea five miles (8km) northeast of Hamilton. Its calm waters provide perfect sailing territory. The Sound is linked to the ocean by the narrow Fla…
Harrington Sound
Harrington Sound is a large inland sea five miles (8km) northeast of Hamilton. Its calm waters provide perfect sailing territory. The Sound is linked to the ocean by the narrow Flatts Inlet where changes to the tide are magnified and waters rush beneath a bridge connecting the two sides. On the north side of the inlet, opposite Flatts Village, is the Bermuda Aquarium where visitors can enjoy more than 100 species of indigenous Bermuda fish in ocean and reef environments. Located within the same complex is the Natural History Museum and zoo that features animals from the Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Madagascar and the Galapagos.
Website www.bamz.org
Crystal Caves
The stretch of land between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour is riddled with caves. Located 80 feet (24m) underground, Crystal Caves never ceases to amaze with its dramatic stal…
Crystal Caves
The stretch of land between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour is riddled with caves. Located 80 feet (24m) underground, Crystal Caves never ceases to amaze with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. There is a wonderful walk over the pontoon bridge to Cahow Lake, with crystal-clear water that reaches a depth of 55 feet (17m). Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Palm Garden. A little further on are the Leamington Caves with their incredible crystal formations and underground pools that can be explored along well-marked paths. More caves are located on the grounds of the 300-year-old Walsingham House, now a well-known restaurant.
Bermuda Railway Trail
Bermuda used to have a public railway that served the island's eastern and western cities between 1931 and 1948. In 1984, the government opened the Bermuda Railway Trail as a walki…
Bermuda Railway Trail
Bermuda used to have a public railway that served the island's eastern and western cities between 1931 and 1948. In 1984, the government opened the Bermuda Railway Trail as a walking trail and bridle path. A great way to spend a few hours with the kids, the trail can also be cycled, traversed on horseback or even rollerbladed in certain areas. This 21-mile (35km) trail is a great way to see the island's flora and fauna, made even better with some breathtaking views and plenty of chances for bird watching. Organised walking tours are also available.