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Family Vacations to Bermuda

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Bermuda – Family Vacation Guide

Bermuda is full of history, as it is the oldest British colony, enjoys sunshine and tropical weather all year and is one of the world’s top yachting destinations.

It’s 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

  • Sub-tropical Climate

    Temperatures of 75 to 85˚F between May and September and average winter temperatures of 70˚F.

  • Famous Pink Sandy Beaches

    The entire Bermuda archipelago is only 30 square miles, but has 50 miles of coastline famous for delicate, shell-pink sand beaches and dramatic cliffs. Families should take full advantage of all of the beautiful beaches.

  • Astonishing Sea Life

    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 rental cars and has highly efficient, inexpensive public transport, safe biking and great sailing.

  • World's Oldest English Town

    The country’s historic capital, St. George, was founded in 1612 and is now the oldest English town (outside of England) in the world. There’s a ton of history and culture to explore with your family here.

Where to Go

Bermuda’s family-style accommodation ranges from luxurious beachfront resorts and heritage guesthouses in St. George to South Shore apartments and cozy, 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 around here without a car. It’s all a delightful culture shock. The small-scale appeals to kids and there’s always something new to see.

  • Hamilton has 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 biking 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 biking 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 island was like before it became a holiday paradise. The buildings tucked along tiny, twisty lanes are beautifully preserved.

  • 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 30 miles 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, so much so, it’s where visiting cruise ships always drop anchor in Bermuda.

  • The Clocktower is so pretty you could easily forget it’s a shopping mall, but it is and the stores are worth spending those vacation dollars.
  • 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. There is a strong conservation focus here.
  • Bermuda Aquarium, Hamilton
    Fun city aquarium and zoo. If kids don’t spot any of Bermuda’s wild turtles anywhere else, 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 30-acre 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 bike. It 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.
  • Visit the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and take a guided morning tour.
  • Bermuda has clear waters to depths of almost 150 feet, perfect for snorkeling and getting to know a few of the island’s 600 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 and bike safely to 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 archaeological finds.

Getting Around

No rental cars on Bermuda make transport decisions a lot easier. Buses are the best way to get around and you want pink bus stops for buses to Hamilton and blue bus stops for buses to other areas. There are regular ferry services and some resorts have their own water-shuttles. Biking is safe and fun and bike rentals are inexpensive; many hotels and inns have bikes for guests to use.

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