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Family holidays to Bermuda

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No surprise that this tiny scrap of green adrift in the huge Atlantic has a reputation for exclusivity and expense.

But Bermuda isn’t limited to the sailing fraternity, luxury cruise ships and weekending New Yorkers.

A closer look at the gorgeous archipelago of 181 tiny islands reveals Bermuda to have a tremendous talent for family holidays too.

Why go on holiday to Bermuda

  • Direct flights

    Year-round direct flights from London to Bermuda with flying time of just under eight hours.

  • Sub-tropical climate

    Temperatures of 25 to 30˚C between May and September and average winter temperatures of 22˚C.

  • Famous pink sandy beaches

    The entire Bermuda archipelago is only 54km² but has 75km of coastline famous for delicate, shell-pink sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.

  • Astonishing sealife

    Bermuda’s waters contain over 650 different species of fish and are home to five of the world’s seven known marine turtle species.

  • Eco-conscious mentality

    Conservation-conscious Bermuda bans hired cars and has highly efficient, inexpensive public transport, safe cycling and great sailing instead.

  • World's oldest English town

    The country’s historic capital, St. George, was founded in 1612 and is now the oldest English town (outside England) in the world.

Where to go

Bermuda’s family accommodation ranges from luxurious beachfront resorts to heritage guesthouses in St. George, South Shore self-catering apartments and cosy, characterful inns close to Hamilton.

Hamilton

Bermuda’s capital is a charming city of sparkling streets, subtly mixed old and new architecture and unhurried calm – even during the working week. Bermuda shorts are worn to the office, everyone makes time to say ‘hello’ and there’s very little traffic because it’s easier to get about here without a car. It’s all a delightful culture shock, the small-scale appeals to kids and there’s always something to see.

  • Hamilton’s been Bermuda’s capital since 1815, it’s the country’s business heart and good for restaurants, shops, museums and galleries.
  • Don’t miss: Bermuda Aquarium, the lush and lovely Botanical Gardens, the National Art Gallery and the Underwater Exploration Institute.
  • Take a walk along Front Street for the historic Colonial buildings and pretty harbour views.
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South Shore

Trimmed with limestone cliffs and stretches of flawless pink sand, South Shore is perfect Bermuda escapism. You’ll find Hog Bay National park and Horseshoe Bay here. There are endless natural walking trails and easy cycling routes. And, soaring above the sea, Port Royal Golf Course has some of the world’s most inspiring views.

  • Horseshoe Bay ranks number eight in Trip Advisor’s World Top 10 Best Beaches. Go for the powder fine pink sand, caves, safe swimming waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Hog Bay National Park is one of the best places in Bermuda for birdwatching with over 120 different species recorded.
  • Don’t miss: walking or cycling the Railway Trail, Somerset Bridge, South Shore Park nature reserve, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse and Scaur Hillfort.
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St. George’s

Crossing the bridge to the historic Bermudan capital, St. George’s, is like stepping back into the 18th century. Now a World Heritage site, this is the best place to get an idea of what this lovely archipelago was like before it became a holiday paradise. The buildings tucked along tiny, twisty lanes are beautifully preserved and delightful experiences like the Perfumery are matched by some plain oddities – the punitive Ducking Stool’s a big crowd pleaser.

  • Visit St. David’s Island from St. George’s and climb the enormous lighthouse, it’s so tall sailors claim they can see it from over 60km away.
  • Don’t miss: the Crystal Caves, Fort St. Catherine, the Carter House, the Perfumery and the Ducking Stool, of course.
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Royal Naval Dockyard

Prepare to be amazed by this impressive complex of grand early 19th century buildings which served the British Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic for almost 150 years. Remarkably well preserved, the Royal Naval Dockyard is a must-do visit – so much so, it’s where visiting cruise ships always drop anchor in Bermuda.

  • The Clocktower is so lovely you could easily forget it’s a shopping mall, but it is and the stores are marvellous.
  • Bermuda Arts Centre is in the Dockyard, kids can watch local artists at work and there are new exhibitions every six weeks.
  • There’s a regular passenger ferry service to the Dockyard.
  • Don’t miss: the Rum Cake Factory, Bermuda Fun Golf, Snorkel Park Beach, the National Museum of Bermuda and Dolphin Quest.
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What to do

Snorkel Park Beach, Royal Naval Dockyard
Kids emerge from a limestone tunnel into paradise packed with every water sport and beach game they’ve ever dreamed of.

Dolphin Quest, Royal Naval Dockyard
Everything kids love about dolphins in a great, personal and super-friendly experience – strong conservation focus.

Bermuda Aquarium, Hamilton
Fun city aquarium and zoo – if kids don’t spot any of Bermuda’s wild turtles, they can see them here for sure.

National Museum Bermuda, Royal Naval Dockyard
Well designed museum exploring Bermuda’s cultural and social heritage from the 17th century. Kids under 16 visit free.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, South Shore
Relaxed family beach with gentle sand fun for young kids and plenty of wild stuff to get up to for older ones. One of the world’s top 10 best beaches.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, South Shore
This 75m tall cast iron lighthouse has enormous views over South Shore and the Bermudan archipelago. Recently restored it’s more sensational than ever.

St. David’s Lighthouse, St. David’s Island
Stately red and white St. David’s Lighthouse is one of Bermuda’s most iconic sights. Climb to the top at the right time of year and it’s also the best place to spot Humpback Whales making their way across the Western Atlantic.

Crystal Caves Bermuda, St. George’s
For all the beaches and lush scenery, one of the most enchanting sights on Bermuda is underground in these astounding caves. Another absolute must-do with kids.

Hog Bay Park, South Shore
This 13 hectare national park is another great reason to visit South Shore. Shady forest to wander round and hundreds of birds to watch out for.

Railway Trail, South Shore
Crossing the island from coast-to-coast, this route is wonderful to walk or cycle – can be done as part of a two hour guided tour.

Educational value for kids

  • Bermuda’s seafaring past is an education everywhere from the Royal Naval Dockyard to St. David’s Lighthouse.
  • Known as, shipwreck capital of the world, the waters round Bermuda contain an estimated 300 wrecks. Several are the domain of experienced divers, but quite a few are accessible to complete beginners – under expert supervision, obviously.
  • Visit the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and take a guided morning tour.
  • Bermuda has clear waters to depths of almost 50m, perfect for snorkelling and getting to know a few of the island’s 600 plus marine species.
  • Go sailing with kids. Bermuda is a yachting legend and one of the best places to pick up basic skills.
  • Take advantage of Bermuda’s insistence on small cars only to cycle safely and explore more remote parts of the islands.
  • Visit the Tucker House Museum in St. George’s to see the living quarters of early Bermudans and many of the island’s intriguing archaeological finds.

Getting around with kids in Bermuda

No hire cars on Bermuda make transport decisions a lot easier. Buses are the best way to get about and you want pink bus stops for buses to Hamilton and blue bus stops for buses to other areas. There are regular ferry services too and some resorts have their own water-shuttles. Cycling is safe and fun and bike hire’s inexpensive – many hotels and inns have bikes for guests to use.ly way to go.

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