Explore Bermuda

Explore historic churches

Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity CHURCH STREET, CITY OF HAMILTON The original Anglican Church, built where the Cathedral stands today, burned down in 1884. Work began on the present neoGothic structure the following year, and was completed in 1911. Built of Bermuda limestone and imported stone from Nova Scotia, Scotland, Indiana and France, the Cathedral was designed by the Scottish architect William Hay of Edinburgh. Visitors may climb the 155 stairs to the top of the 143-foot high tower for a spectacular panoramic view of the City of Hamilton and nearby parishes - there are a couple of spacious landings to take breaks. Info: The Cathedral is open Monday to Friday, 10 am - 4 pm, Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm. There is a fee of $2 to climb the tower. Sunday service is at 10 am.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church 16, OLD MILITARY ROAD, ST. GEORGE’S Debre Ganet Emmanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church – which means Immanuel Cathedral of Paradise – was established in 1974 in what was once the garrison chapel for the British military. The Church is celebrated for its beautiful interior of intricately painted icons which were completed by Ethiopian Monk Priest Abbe Gebre Hiwot Wolde Samuel over a period of three years. Info: Sunday worship is at 8.30 am. To make an appointment to view the church, contact 441-747-7227.

Cobbs Hill Methodist Church 6 MOONLIGHT LANE, COBBS HILL, WARWICK Cobbs Hill Methodist Church is part of Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail, a designated part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project. Construction began on the church in 1825, by free men, women and slaves. They toiled in their spare time, mostly in the moonlight, cutting stone from nearby quarries and carrying it on their backs, shoulders and heads to build their church. The building was completed in 1827 and the bell in the tower was added soon after. Info: Sunday service is at 9.30 am. To make an appointment to view the church, contact 441-236-8586.

Explore Nature Reserves

Castle Harbour Nature Reserve

Abbots Cliff One of Bermuda’s most impressive sea cliffs is also home to rare native and endemic plants that have disappeared from other parts of Bermuda. Rare species found here include the Toothed Spleenwort, Bermuda Bedstraw, Snowberry and Wild Bermuda Pepper. Enter the nature reserve from North Shore Road via Abbot’s Cliff Drive. Bus 1, 3, 10 or 11 oysters, sponges and algae set up home here. Rare Land Hermit Crabs can be seen here and also protected West Indian Topshells. Take Bus 7 along South Shore Abbots Cliff Nature Reserve

Spittle Pond Declared a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site), Spittle Pond contains important rocky shore habitat, including a limestone pavement formation locally known as ‘the Checkerboard’. Expect to see Bermuda Skink, Longtails, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and Buckeye Butterflys along your journey as you explore a well marked loop along the 64 acre nature reserve. During April you might even catch a glimpse of a migrating whale from the view at Portuguese Rock. Bus 1 and 3 along South Road.

Castle Harbour Located at the south-eastern corner of Bermuda, Castle Harbour contains all of the islands and islets between Tuckers Town and Cooper’s Island. This includes Nonsuch Island, Southampton Island, Charles Island, Castle Island and a number of smaller rocks and islets. The area contains many of Bermuda’s critically endangered endemic species such as the Bermuda Skink and Cahow. You can rent a boat, kayak or paddle board from Blue Hole Watersports located in Baileys Bay or hire a charter. See more at Bermuda.com in our Things To Do section. Hungry Bay Nature Reserve

33 bermuda.com app - free download Hungry Bay Hungry Bay is the best example of a large coastal mangrove swamp, featuring both the Black and Red Mangrove and relative Buttonwood. Birds, such as herons, visiting songbirds and local endemics like the Whiteeyed Vireo rely on this habitat. Snails, crabs and lizards love living in this habitat and Spittle Pond Nature Reserve

Explore historic Forts

Martello Tower

Bermuda Forts are easy to find and in picturesque areas - you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy them. Most have been restored, some are in parks, but all have gorgeous views.

Alexandra Battery ST. GEORGE’S Located next to Frobisher’s Building Bay, where the Deliverance was built in 1610 to take shipwreck survivors on to Virginia. The Battery was completed in the 1860s and features a 9-inch muzzle loader at the southern end. A 30 minute walk from the St. George’s town square, just past Gates Fort.

Fort Hamilton PEMBROKE Enjoy magnificent views over the City of Hamilton and its harbour. The upper levels and battlements have been landscaped with lawns, which make a fine place for a picnic. Entry is across a wooden bridge over the deep dry-moat and there are plenty of cannons and ramparts inside. If walking from Front Street head east and take a left towards King Street. Walk up the steep incline of Kings Street and turn right to Happy Valley Road. Fort Hamilton is on your right.

Fort St. Catherine ST. GEORGE’S Packed with historic exhibits, artifacts, and a well preserved interior, this stone built fort houses a museum and is one of Bermudas most impressive structures and in the old artillery store there is an exhibit of the fort’s development over four centuries. From Kings Square take Duke of York Street, take a left at Somers Super Market towards Duke of Kent Street. Keep going and you will reach Tobacco Bay. Fort St. Catherine is a 5 minute walk from there.

Scaur Hill Fort & Park SOMERSET ROAD, SANDYS This fort was built to defend the Royal Naval Dockyard against the Americans during the war of 1812. Then in the 1940s, American guns defended the fort during WWII. While exploring, look for the deep gun pits and galleries which go deep into the hillside. The ramparts offer spectacular views of Ely’s Harbour and the Great Sound. Bus 7 or 8 (operated between Dockyard and Hamilton)

34 Bermuda.com . Spring 2020 Martello Tower FERRY REACH, ST. GEORGE’S The egg shaped fort was built in 1823 and features a moat, 9-11 foot thick walls of Bermuda stone, and a drawbridge. It is located on a hill at Ferry Reach Park, near Whale Bone Bay, a section of the Railway Trail and other coastal defence sites. Outside viewing only. 30 minute walk along Ferry Road, St. George’s, from bus route 1, 3, 10 or 11.

Explore Historic CAVES

Fantasy Cave Fantastic calcite formations make Fantasy Cave a mesmerizing experience. Entire walls of the cave are covered in calcite mineral deposits nature has shaped to resemble majestic waterfalls frozen in time. The deep clear pools reflect the formations and you can see the beginnings of the passageways connecting the caves with the ocean. A state-of-the-art lighting system highlights the intricacies and impressive detail of the formations. Bus 1, 3, 10 or 11. Guided tours take place daily. Visit Bermuda.com for details.

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave Crystal Cave was discovered by accident in 1907 when two teenagers lost their cricket ball. Today it is one of Bermuda’s most popular attractions with its limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Pathways of floating pontoons span the deep, clear underground pools of azure blue water where formations seem to be mere inches below the surface. In fact they are over 50 feet below the surface of the crystal clear water. Bus 1, 3, 10 or 11. Guided tours take place daily. Visit Bermuda.com for details.

Walsingham Cave

Walsingham Cave Walsingham Cave is part of Walsingham Nature Reserve, an important ecological site and protected area now part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. The reserve is home to an extended system of caves, likely formed during the last ice age, which are a biodiversity hotspot. Walsingham Cave can be found in the eastern section of the reserve, is quite deep and has a concrete path and steep stairs leading to it. Swimming in the cave is discouraged, however tours are available with qualified guides. Contact IslandTourCentre.com, 441 236 1300. Bus 1, 3, 10 or 11 to entrance of Blue Hole Park.