Hamilton's Royal Dockyard and other Bermuda Things to Do Tips

Observing the Dolphins at Royal

Dockyard

by VeronicaG , 3 more photos

We took a ferry to the Royal Dockyard to see the The Maritime Museum, a fort built by convicts in the 1820's. A 3-day ferry pass was $23 for adults and $1 each way for a child.

Dockyard Glassworks is one of the shops here. I purchased a small multi-colored fluted dish. The "glassworks" isn't fancy and it was stifling from the heat, but we still had fun going through the shop.

There was also a dolphin education site at the dockyards. For more information on this, call 441-234-4464 or see www.dolphinquest.org.

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Directions: Somerset & Dockyards

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Saint George's Island: St. George's Parish--St. Catherine's Fort

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

Another view of Fort Catherine

St. Catherine's Fort was built in the 1600's and has a spectacular view of the ocean from its heights. A replica of the British Crown Jewels is inside, as well as dioramas depicting British history. Our grandchild was enthralled with the muskets, swords and military paraphenalia. There is even a tower! We paid $5 for adults and $2 for children.

There is a spectacular beach located at the foot of this fort, St. Catherine's beach. We found it to be the nicest of two we visited.

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Phone: 441-297-1920
Address: 15 Cool Pond
Directions: North/Easternmost

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Hamilton Parish: Hamilton's Crystal Caves

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

Getting ready to explore Crystal

Caves

Crystal Caves is a great place to visit in the heat of the afternoon. The history of the caves began in the early 1900's when some boys discovered it while playing. Once inside you'll see clear water and delicate rock formations. The line was long, but moved steadily. The cost was inexpensive at $6 for adults and $3 for a child 4-12.

A guide escorted us through the caves, but try to get in front of the line if possible. We were at the back and could not hear what he was saying. There is a nice gift shop--our grandchild used souvenir money to buy lots of polished rocks. That's logical!

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Phone: 441-293-0640
Address: Wilkinson Avenue

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Hamilton (The City of): Hamilton's Bermuda Underwater Exploration Inst.

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

You can actually experience what it feels like to submerge without leaving land in a simulated dive that feels like and sounds like you are really underwater. See exhibits on shipwrecks and what life is like beneath the ocean. There are also some great videos and collections worth viewing such as SHELLS.

This facility is open year round with the exception of Christmas day. There is a restaurant (La Coquille)and gift shops. A great place for kids!! Prices were $9.75 for adults and $5.00 for children 7-16.

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Phone: 441-292-7219
Address: 40 Crow Lane Hamilton

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Sandy's: Maritime Museum-Royal Dockyard

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

Royal Dockyard

by VeronicaG , 3 more photos

We arrived at the Royal Dockyard by ferry which we caught on Front Street. The maritime museum was quite a complex. There are eight buildings in which there are exhibits. We saw the magazine where gunpower was once stored. There was also a display of coins used throughout the years in Bermuda. A restored racing yacht was located here that was 100 years old. Items recovered from ship wrecks, too. An area called the boat loft had interesting things for children to see. Also on hand were cannons from the 19th century and various weaponry. This fort was built by convicts in the early 1800's and was used for almost 150 years.

I've included a photo of the commissioner's house which was almost finished when we toured the maritime museum. It was designed by the chief architect of the Royal Navy, Edward Holl in 1822. This was used as a private residence, ceremonial residence and as administrative offices from 1827-1837. It was turned over to the Army in 1862 and formally commissioned as a ship (which was tradition) in 1919 as the HMS Malabar.

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Phone: 441-234-1333
Address: Royal Dockyard-15 Maritime Lane
Directions: Somerset & Dockyards

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Hamilton Parish: GO TO THE BEACHES!

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

Crystal Clear Water--Pristine

Beaches

by VeronicaG , 3 more photos

The beaches we traveled to in Bermuda were striking in their beauty! I included views of two beaches: Horseshoe Bay and the beach by St. Catherine's Fort. They were fantastic examples of the pristine beaches on two different parts of the island.

Horseshoe Beach was located at the Hamilton side of Bermuda. It had a beach house where snacks and beverages could be purchased, as well as sand chairs, lounges and umbrellas. There were also changing rooms. We were told to beware of rip tides that occasionally appeared in this area. The address is South Shore Park, 94 South Road and phone number is 441-238-2651.

The beach at St. Catherine's Fort was at the St. George's side of Bermuda. This was our favorite beach because it was the prettiest! We retrieved LOTS of beach glass from the water in colors of cream, orange, purple, amber, brown and green. There were restrooms and a small snack area. We could see St. Catherine's Fort looming over us as we swam below. I want to return to this beach again someday!

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Saint George's Island: St. Peter's Church--oldest church on the island

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

St. Peter's Church at St. George

While walking around St. George, we came across a little white church set on a rise that had to be reached by climbing many steps. Inside we discovered its simple beauty and precious relics.

St. Peter's (1713) is the oldest church in Bermuda. It sits on the site of what once was the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere built in 1612 but destroyed in a storm. St. Peter's holds within its sacred walls a Bible from 1594, a 1625 chalice and the oldest piece of furniture on the island, the mahogany altar.

The church is opened from 10 am-4:30 pm and is free.

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Phone: 441-297-8359
Address: Duke of York Street
Directions: North/Easternmost

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Saint George's Island: St. George--Bermuda's historic town

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

Street scene in St. George

by VeronicaG , 1 more photos

St. George was founded in 1612. It is the oldest town in Bermuda and was once the capital. It is deemed to be the oldest speaking colonial town existing today. The streets are winding and narrow; the buildings romantic in nature.

King's Square is where you'll see stocks, whipping posts and pillories--forms of punishment in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Town Hall and Visitors Bureau are located on the square.

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Directions: North/Easternmost

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Hamilton Parish: Visit The Perfumerie--Hamilton

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Updated by VeronicaG

on Dec 20, 2006

The floral beauty at the Perfumerie

by VeronicaG , 1 more photos