A Day in Bermuda

The following is an extract from the BMS World City Guide 2005, produced in partnership with The Review magazine.

Bermuda is justly proud of its history and much of it can still be seen or imagined in some of the grand and not so grand buildings that abound the island.

A good place to start is by taking the fast ferry from Hamilton across the Great Sound to visit one of Bermuda’s best preserved historical sites – the Dockyard.

Built between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, the Dockyard has a classical beauty that is the hallmark of British military installations of the Georgian era. While there, visit the Maritime Museum which provides an interesting introduction to the origins of Bermuda. This is complemented by the outstanding renovation of the building and exhibits at Commissioner’s House. Those more interested in nature may find the dolphins in the nearby aquarium a fascinating diversion.

On the outskirts of the capital Hamilton, the fort of the same name provides another reminder of the island’s past. Building commenced in 1868 in response to the perceived threat from America after its Civil War. It ceased, unfinished, in 1888.Now the surrounding moat and gardens provide a pleasant location for a walk.

Hamilton has not always been Bermuda’s capital. Until 1815 this title was held by St George’s.With several mini-museums such as Tucker’s House, St Peter’s Church and the Globe Hotel the town is still of great architectural and aesthetic interest today.

For action-minded visitors there are glass-bottomed boats to take you to wrecks around the reefs, snorkeling in bays such as Church Bay in Warwick and motor boats for hire at Somerset Bridge. Alternatively why not work on your handicap on one of the island’s seven golf courses.

Currency: Bermudian or US dollar
Time difference from GMT: -4
Main airport: Bermuda International
Dialling code: +1 441

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