At the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys Parish, centuries of maritime history meet modern attractions, art and local crafts. If you travel to the Dockyard by sea, you will arrive at King’s Wharf or Heritage Wharf. As arrival operations may vary, check the current arrival schedule before travelling.
Maritime history and crafts
The history of the Royal Naval Dockyard also includes its construction. In Bermuda, the complex was built over several decades by enslaved people and convicts employed as skilled workers. This context draws attention not only to maritime history, but also to the people whose work contributed to building the Dockyard.
The National Museum of Bermuda features, among other things, artefacts from shipwrecks and Bermuda’s role in world history. If you have specific exhibits in mind, check the current exhibitions in advance. Another way to explore is through live glass-blowing demonstrations at the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard; check before visiting to see whether they are currently taking place. At the Craft Market, you can find and take home handcrafted products.
Open spaces, birds and views
Hog Bay Park offers more than 30 acres of open space across varied terrain. It is also a birdwatching destination: 120 species have been spotted there. The size of the park, its varied terrain and the birdlife observed there give it a distinctive character. For visitors who enjoy watching birds outdoors, the number of species is a useful point of reference.
At Fort Scaur, the focus is on a particular view. If you walk or cycle to the fort along the Railway Trail, you have to climb the hill to see the Great Sound and Ely’s Harbour. Unlike at Hog Bay Park, the climb is explicitly part of the route to the views. The two nature experiences therefore differ not only in what they offer, but also in the effort required to reach them.
Quiet places and local culture
The Royal Naval Cemetery is on the north side of Lagoon Park, about a five-minute drive south of the Royal Naval Dockyard, and is a pleasant place for a quiet walk. Check current visiting arrangements in advance. Lodge Point Park is in Sandys, on the way to the Dockyard, and is recommended as a place to stop and enjoy some open space. The difference is clear: the Cemetery is about a peaceful walk, while Lodge Point Park offers open space along the way to the Dockyard.
The Somerset Village area has local shops and quiet lanes. Its atmosphere offers a different emphasis from the maritime and artistic themes of the Dockyard. The Somerset Cricket Club is also considered a place where Bermudian culture, cricket, music, food, fashion and family traditions are celebrated. This cultural perspective extends beyond maritime history to include sport and family traditions as well.
Discover more destinations: Somerset Village, Hog Bay, Saint George's, Southampton Parish, Pembroke Parish, Paget Parish.
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