Bermuda holidays

1. Explore the Royal Naval Dockyard. Bermuda’s largest fortification and bustling cruise port hub features a prison, a Victorian victualling yard, several restaurants and museums, a manmade beach and snorkelling park and the island’s biggest waterpark. Browse the shops and museums housed in the Keep, a sprawling fortress which was once used as a launchpad for the British raid on Washington D.C. in 1814.

2. Spot wildlife on Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. This 77-acre nature reserve comprising unspoilt beaches, woodland, salt marsh and rocky shores was handed back to nature in 1995 when the US Navy pulled out. Today a series of nature trails weave their way through mixed woodland of native Bermuda cedars and olivewoods, interspersed with Brazilian pepper and allspice. The reserve boasts seven peaceful beaches, while the salt marshes are the perfect place to spot endemic herons, kingfishers and giant land crabs.

3. Conquer Fort St Catherine. Bermuda has 91 forts but if you only get time for one, make it this one. Built on a rocky outcrop in 1614, it’s been expanded five times since then. Cross the pretty drawbridge into the museum complete with dioramas and a replica crown jewels, before delving underground into the gunpowder storage room, shell lift and armaments room. Back above ground from the ramparts, take in fine vistas of the reefs that wrecked the Sea Venture.

4. Take a dive into the mysteries of the deep at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). The hands-on exhibits in this museum provide plenty of education and entertainment. Try the fun diving capsule simulator for size which plummets you 12,000ft into the virtual deep, gawp at the diving equipment on display, including a 17th Century diving bell, plus the spoils from Bermuda’s many shipwrecks. While you’re there, run a virtual yacht race and learn all about the island’s shark-protection activities.

5. Walk the Railway Trail. From 1931 to 1948 the railway traversing Bermuda was the island’s main mode of transport. Today you can enjoy the views afforded by the railway of sweeping turquoise waters on 18 miles of the trail. The abandoned railbeds are now overgrown with flora and fauna giving views out to the rocky coastline and the horizon beyond.

• Explore the cobbled streets and colourful pastel buildings, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St George – and learn of times gone by. Wander around and enjoy this quaint colonial town, visit museums and ports, then stroll along beaches for heart-stirring views. Get back to nature and make your way along to Tom Moore’s Jungle. See Castle Grotto, cliff jump into azure blue pools and watch out for wildlife. Then visit the nearby Crystal Caves for a piece of underground magic.
• Exciting and vibrant, Hamilton is the thriving centre of Bermuda. Bursting with plenty of shopping, delicious dining and a lively nightlife, this harbourside capital is a must-visit. Everything is easily accessible by ferries, local buses and even bicycles. Keep an eye out for the traditional Bermudian men rocking Bermuda shorts and socks, why not join the look? Head to Front Street for the best of everything – atmosphere, night time lights by the harbour, eateries, bars and shops.
• Visit the Royal Naval Dockyard, enjoy retail therapy and pop into a gallery at the Clock Tower Mall, or grab some surfing kit at the nearby Makin Waves. Browse for glistening glassware and ceramics at the Clayworks, then get yourself a tantalising rum cake from The Bermuda Rum Cake Company. Or hit up the water sports here, from jet ski fun to chartering a yacht. Then make your way to the nearby Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for enchanting South Shore views.
• There are just over 30 beaches spread across the 21-mile-sqaure island, all of which offer fine white sand dusted with specks of coral pink. The enchanting South Shore is home to many of the finest examples. Horseshoe Bay is perhaps Bermuda’s most renowned beach. Alongside the eye-catching rock formations here you’ll find all the amenities you might need. It’s also part of a coastal trail connecting it with other equally charming beaches east and west.
• Warwick Long Bay is one of the island’s longest and most scenic stretches of sand. The bay stretches for half a mile with dramatic outcrops framing the beach and a coral island poking out of the clear blue waters just offshore. It’s especially family-friendly since it offers bathrooms, a lunch cart (summertime-only) and a playground. There’s particularly good snorkelling to be had and coastal paths connect it with Chaplin Bay and Jobson’s Cove. Some of the more secluded coves found nearby include Astwood Cove. Rugged cliffs surround this seriously secluded wedge of sand, making this hidden little gem of a beach popular with wedding parties. The hike to get down to it can be a little challenging, but you’ll likely have the place to yourselves if you do persevere.
• Tucked between rocky sea cliffs, the unassuming little beach of Chaplin Bay practically disappears during high tide. When the water is out though, you’ll discover a scenic and tranquil spot to enjoy. Coastal trails connect it with other beaches with more facilities within easy walking distance. Its twin, Stonehole Bay, is a rock-dotted idyll that’s also worth checking out. Go for a dip, relax on the sands or perch yourself on a bluff at night and count the stars above.

• Bermuda all-inclusive holidays start and end with Grotto Bay Beach Resort. This is the only all-inclusive hotel  on the island, so it's a popular choice. Along with three private beaches and two fascinating underground caves to plunder, it’s just one mile away from the airport.
• The St. Regis Bermuda Resort is the ideal choice for those looking to combine sunbathing with sightseeing, as it's situated in the historic town of St George, along St Catherines Beach. There’s plenty for active travellers at Fairmont Southampton, including an award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, PADI dive centre, snorkelling rentals, water sports and tennis courts. You can also easily access Horseshoe Bay from here, or catch the daily ferry service to Albuoy’s Point in downtown Hamilton for a spot of boutique shopping, dining and entertainment.