Bermuda (West End)
Bermuda (West End)
Description
The Royal Naval Dockyard, the westernmost point in Bermuda, not only showcases Bermuda's nautical heritage, but it also provides a home for an impressive array of attractions and shopping opportunities. The fortifications of the Royal Naval Dockyard were built by British convicts and slave labor during the mid-1800s. Since then it has served many purposes, including the headquarters for the Royal Navy and a strategic defense post for the British in the North Atlantic. Most recently it has been redeveloped into a fascinating attraction offering visitors a glimpse into Bermuda's history, and has become a fun place to shop or explore. The centerpiece of the Dockyard is the commanding Clocktower building, which once served as a naval store and the captain's offices. Today, it has been marvelously restored. Throughout the Dockyard, you will find several restaurants, art galleries, the Bermuda Craft Market, and the Bermuda Maritime Museum, as well as an array of specialty shops and boutiques.
Points of Interest
- Royal Naval Dockyard
- Hamilton
- St. George
- Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
- Maritime Museum
- Crystal Caves
- Gibb's Hill Lighthouse
- Horseshoe Bay Beach
More about Bermuda (West End) Points of Interest
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Royal Naval Dockyard -
The Royal Naval Dockyard at West End was a strategic outpost for the Royal Navy more than 200 years ago, and is packed with fascinating landmarks including the Maritime Museum and Commissioner's House.
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Hamilton -
Bermuda's capital city is named after Sir Henry Hamilton, who was governor from 1786 to 1793. It is a busy port and popular travel destination thanks to its colorful architecture and shopping.
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St. George -
The old town of St. George was Bermuda's first capital city and is home to St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in use in the Western hemisphere, and a pretty town square complete with replica cedar stocks.
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Aquarium, Museum & Zoo -
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo features everything from cockatoos to turtles to seahorses. It also boasts over 75 species of fish and the 145,000-gallon "North Rock" tank coral reef replica.
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Maritime Museum -
The Maritime Museum, Bermuda's largest fort, is home to 500 years of history, displayed in military buildings, including the Commissioner's House. View cannons, shipwreck artifacts and maritime art.
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Crystal Caves -
The magnificent limestone-carved Crystal Caves can only be reached by descending steps underground. The caves feature awe-inspiring formations of stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear lakes.
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Gibb's Hill Lighthouse -
Gibb's Hill Lighthouse is reputed to be one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world. It first flashed its light on May 1st, 1846 using kerosene, and can be seen by ships up to 40 miles away.
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Horseshoe Bay Beach -
This pretty pink sand bay is so-called because of its 'horseshoe' shape. It is a picture-postcard beach that is more popular, and boasts more facilities, than any other beach on the island.