Hamilton, Bermuda — Attractions
Fort Hamilton
Fort Hamilton is a substantial Victorian fort with a panoramic view of Hamilton Harbour. It is one in a series of fortifications 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 (to date unused) capable of firing 400-pound (181kg) cannonballs through iron-hulled vessels. Located nearby is Clarence Cove, a popular little beach that forms part of Admiralty House Park. The house itself dates from the early 19th century and was built as the residence of the Royal Navy's regional commander. Another military echo along North Shore Road, Black Watch Well, marked with a memorial tablet, was dug by troops of the famous Scottish regiment during a drought in 1849.
- Region/City Name
- Hamilton
- Address
- Happy Valley Road
- Phone Number
- (441) 292 1234
- Hours
- Fort open daily 8am to sunset
- Admission
- Free
Botanical Gardens
Paget is a delightful park that provides the perfect departure point from which to study the island's flora. It is a fragrant haven of exotic subtropical plants, flowers, and trees. Some of the 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. In addition, 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. The house is open for tours, except when official functions are scheduled.
- Region/City Name
- Hamilton
- Address
- 169 South Road
- Phone Number
- (441) 236 4201
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset daily, year round
- Admission
- Free (though there is a charge during the Agricultural Exhibition every April)
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.
- Region/City Name
- Hamilton
- Phone Number
- (441) 293 2727 (Aquarium)
- Website
- www.bamz.org
- Hours
- Aquarium: daily 9am to 5pm; closed Christmas Day. Last admission is an hour before closing
- Admission
- Aquarium: $10 (adults); $5 (children 5-12 years)
Crystal Caves
The stretch of land between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour is riddled with caves. Located 80ft (24m) underground, Crystal Caves with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites never ceases to amaze and inspire. There is a wonderful walk over the pontoon bridge to Cahow Lake, with crystal-clear water that reaches a depth of 55ft (17m). Visitors to the Crystal Caves 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.
- Region/City Name
- Hamilton
- Address
- 8 Crystal Caves Road
- Phone Number
- (441) 293 0640
- Hours
- Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
- Admission
- BD$14 (adults), BD$8 (children 5-12)
Bermuda Railway Trail
Bermuda used to have a railway that served the island's eastern and western cities between 1931 and 1948, but in 1984, the government opened the Bermuda Railway Trail as a public walking trail and bridle path. A great way to spend a few hours with the kids, the trail can also be cycled, ridden on horseback or even roller-bladed in certain areas. This 21-mile (35km) trail is a great way to see the island's natural flora and fauna and to experience some breathtaking views and do a spot of bird watching. Organized walking tours available.
- Region/City Name
- Hamilton
- Phone Number
- 441 295 9428
- Email Address
- ltgorham@ibl.bm
- Website
- www.bermudarailway.net
