Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FROMMER'S
favorite
BERMUDA
EXPERIENCES
Strolling Bermuda's Pink Sands
The
pink sand beaches are reason enough to
come to Bermuda. Find your favorite
cove (perhaps Whale Bay, Astwood
Cove, or Jobson's Cove) and stroll aim-
lessly at dawn, at twilight, or whenever
your fancy dictates. See the map “Ber-
muda's Best Public Beaches & Snorkel
Sites” on p. 124.
Cycling
On a rented bicycle, or maybe
a moped built for two, explore Bermuda
from end to end. Start in St. George in
the East End and go all the way to the
Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End,
or vice versa. You can do this in 1 day or
stretch it out. See “Other Outdoor Pur-
suits,” in chapter 6.
Touring the Commissioner's House at
the Royal Naval Dockyard
Around
1850, it was the most visible symbol in
the mid-Atlantic of the Imperial power
of the British Navy. After the turn of the
millennium, it was majestically restored
from a dilapidated ruin into a glowing
memorial to another age and time.
Visiting the Bermuda Masterworks Col-
lection in the Botanical Gardens
A
source of enormous civic pride, it con-
tains the largest assortment of Bermu-
dian and Bermuda-inspired artwork in
the world—proof positive that lots of
other artistically sensitive people have
loved the island as much as we do.
Following the Bermuda Railway
Trail
As you follow this intermittent
trail from one end of the island to the
other, you'll take in panoramic sea-
scapes, see exotic flora and fauna, hear
the soothing sounds of the island's bird
life, and often have long stretches of
trail completely to yourself. See “Rattle
& Shake: The Bermuda Railway Trail” on
p. 57.
Viewing Bermuda from Gibbs Hill
Lighthouse
Climb the 185 steps of the
oldest cast-iron lighthouse (p. 150) in
the world for one of the greatest views
of the Atlantic Ocean. Springtime visi-
tors may be lucky enough to see migrat-
ing whales beyond the shore reefs.
7
St. James' Anglican Church
This is one of the most beautiful churches on
Bermuda. It was constructed on the site of a structure that was destroyed by a hur-
ricane in 1780. The present church was built 9 years later. A unique feature is the
altar, which faces west instead of the customary east. The north and south aisles were
added in 1836, the entrance gate in 1872, and the spire and chancel in 1880. The
church was struck by lightning in 1939 and restored shortly thereafter.
90 Somerset Rd.
&
441/234-0834.
Free admission. Daily 8am-5pm. Bus: 7 or 8 from the City of Hamilton.
Ireland Island & the Royal Naval Dockyard
The American War of Independence created a crisis for Britain's military planners:
Ports along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard were closed to British warships for repairs and
replenishments. And during the Napoleonic Wars with France, the need for a British-
controlled stronghold in the mid-Atlantic became something approaching an obses-
sion with Britain's military leaders. Beginning in 1809, foundations for a massive
naval fortress evolved, based mostly on enforced labor from slaves (and later freed
slaves), prisoners, and prisoners-of-war.
Today, the Royal Naval Dockyard is one of the premier attractions of Bermuda.
Within the sprawling compound are a scattering of shops and restaurants, and the
attractions listed below.
