Bermuda holidays

What are the best things to do in Bermuda?

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 17^th 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.

Which holiday type in Bermuda is right for me?

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.