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Bermuda holidays

Bermuda holidays

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History and Culture

Bermuda's history and culture are rich and diverse, reflecting its unique position in the Atlantic. Colonial heritage is vividly preserved in the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. George's, where cobblestone streets and 17th Century buildings tell tales of the island's early settlers. Bermuda's maritime history is equally fascinating, with numerous forts and shipwrecks around the island narrating stories of exploration and defence.

Cultural events such as the annual Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts and the colourful Gombey dancers showcase vibrant traditions. Museums, like the Bermuda National Gallery and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, offer deeper insights into artistic and nautical legacies, making the island a fascinating destination whatever you're into.


Things to Do

  • St. George’s Wander through the charming streets of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to experience the island's rich colonial history and architecture.
  • Crystal and Fantasy Caves Marvel at the stunning stalactites and underground lakes in this breathtaking natural wonder.
  • Jobson’s Cove Relax on the serene sands of this sometimes overlooked gem, a secluded beach surrounded by dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters.
  • Bermuda Maritime Museum Uncover the island's naval history and admire the exhibits housed in a historic fortress.
  • Bermuda Botanical Gardens Lose yourself in tranquil beauty, where colourful blooms, lush greenery, and meandering pathways create a serene oasis.
  • Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute Embark on an underwater journey, where interactive exhibits and immersive displays unveil the mysteries of the ocean.
  • Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Ascend one of oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world, and admire the sweeping views of Bermuda and its breathtaking coastal scenery.
  • Dockland Glassworks Watch skilled artisans at work and browse beautiful handcrafted glass art.



Food and Drink

The culinary scene in Bermuda offers a rich blend of flavours influenced by its diverse heritage. Savour the island's signature fish sandwich, indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or explore the vibrant dining options in Hamilton. With a variety of eateries, from casual beachside spots to elegant fine dining establishments, Bermuda caters to every palate, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience.

Don't miss out on trying a classic rum swizzle or a dark 'n stormy cocktail, both iconic drinks that capture the island's spirit. Local markets also provide a chance to taste and purchase local specialities. With stunning views and a rich culinary landscape, Bermuda provides a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.


Shopping

Bermuda holidays bring a charming shopping experience infused with local culture. Wander through the stylish boutiques in Hamilton for fashionable apparel and bespoke jewellery, or explore the Royal Naval Dockyard for artisanal crafts and unique souvenirs. And don't miss the markets brimming with fresh produce and Bermudan delicacies. 


Places to Stay

Bermuda offers a wide range of hotels to suit everyone's taste. If you're seeking luxury, the island boasts several high-end resorts such as the 5 star The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Beach Club and Spa, offering top-notch amenities and stunning ocean views. 


Dress code

If you're a man and not keen on formal dress codes insisting you have to wear long trousers, even in hot, humid conditions then you're in luck. Here, Bermuda shorts are considered to be smart, not casual. However, it's important to note the country is more conservative when it comes to beachwear. Swimwear should be reserved just for lying on the sand or relaxing in the pool.

Map of Bermuda

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Best time to visit: April and May offer warm weather, as well as being the months with the lowest risk of rain.

 

7 hours
Flights to Bermuda land at L.F. Wade International Airport, 6km south of St George’s.

Bermuda is best for...

Colourful beaches: Bermuda is famous for its stunning pink sand beaches, which are among the most beautiful in the world. Relax on the soft sands of Horseshoe Bay, one of the island's most iconic spots, or discover the tranquil beauty of Elbow Beach. The unique pink hue of the sand, caused by crushed coral and shells, adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the coastline.

Scenic hiking: Walkers will find Bermuda's Railway Trail a delightful adventure. This route, which stretches across the island, offers delightful pathways through tropical landscapes, coastal vistas and historical sites. It's a perfect blend of nature and history, allowing you to enjoy Bermuda’s natural splendour while tracing the remnants of the island's railway heritage.

History: Wander through the charming streets of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the 17th-century buildings that tell the story of Bermuda's past. In Hamilton, explore the blend of historic and modern architecture, including landmarks like the Bermuda House of Assembly and St. Peter's Church. The island's colonial heritage offers a fascinating glimpse into its rich history.

Fast facts for Bermuda

Language: The main language spoken in Bermuda is English.

Currency: The currency used in Bermuda is the Bermuda Dollar (BMD).

Local time: Bermuda is in the Atlantic Time Zone, which is usually 3 hours behind UK time. Note that Bermudians put their clocks forward and back on the same dates as the USA, which are different to European dates.

Fly to: L.F. Wade International Airport is located in the east of the island, 6km from St George’s and 14km from Hamilton.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time is at least 7 hours. 

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Bermuda. 

Visa / Health: British nationals don’t require a visa to visit Bermuda. The latest advice can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

Getting around Bermuda

By bus: An efficient network of air-conditioned buses link the island’s main towns. A simple colour coding system allows you to find the correct stop - pink stands are for services towards Hamilton and blue are for services heading in the opposite direction. Buses are cash only and change is not given. Carnets of 15 tickets can be purchased from Post Offices and bus and ferry terminals - these can be cheaper even if you don’t use all 15. 

By ferry: The pink line from Hamilton to Warwick runs year-round, with the end-to-end journey taking 40 minutes. Between May and October there are also orange line ferries, operating between Dockyard and St George’s, with a 45 minute journey time.

By taxi: Taxis all operate on a metered basis, with a 25% surcharge on Sundays. It’s easy to find them at stands in the main towns. If you phone to request a taxi be prepared to wait a while - they are reliable but not always punctual.

On foot: With the distances between places often being short you may decide you can walk it. However, do note outside the main towns roads are often narrow without separate footpaths, so care must be taken.

Events in Bermuda

Bermuda Day: Celebrated on the last Friday in May, Bermuda Day marks the unofficial start of summer on the island. The day is filled with vibrant festivities including a lively parade featuring colourful floats, Gombey dancers and majorettes. It symbolises national pride, unity and celebration.

Carnival in Bermuda: June's annual Carnival in Bermuda that brings the island to life with music, dance, and colourful costumes. Get up early to witness the 'Jouvert', where revellers dance through the streets at sunrise, which is followed by 'Raft Up' - a massive party on the water. The grand parade showcases stunning costumes and pulsating soca rhythms, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Cup Match: Cup Match is Bermuda's most anticipated public holiday. The annual cricket tournament between the island's two rival clubs, St. George’s and Somerset, goes beyond sport. It’s steeped in tradition and includes Crown and Anchor games, music and local cuisine - a cultural extravaganza not to be missed!

Bermuda safety and security

Should I get travel insurance?
We always recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your holiday. That way, you’ll be covered for any medical expenses or emergencies while you’re away. Make sure to thoroughly check what is included in your policy, especially if you plan to take part in excursions or activities that require insurance.

Swimming in Bermuda
Due to strong rip currents, locals tend to avoid swimming in the ocean from late May until the end of the year.

Extreme weather and natural disasters
In the unlikely event of a national emergency (e.g. severe weather) being declared during your stay, the government’s Emergency Measures Organisation will communicate important updates on FM radio (frequency 100.1). 

Bermuda weather

Bermuda has a sub-tropical climate, meaning it’s warm year-round. From November to April expect daytime highs in the mid to low 20s, while in July and August expect them to reach 30°C and overnight lows to be in the mid 20s. However, don’t expect perfect weather on Bermuda every day - there'll be some wet days each month, while hurricanes sometimes occur between June and November. If you like it hot then it’s an ideal post-Easter holiday destination, if you prefer it milder then travel closer to New Year.

FAQs
FAQs
What are the best months to go to Bermuda?

If you want to swim in the ocean then you should plan your trip in the first few months of the year, as strong currents may mean it’s unsafe to enter the water from late-May onwards. The period from December to May is milder than other months, but the risk of extreme weather is much lower. However, even in winter daytime highs are similar to a typical summer day in Britain. If you want to travel for events and culture then May and June are the best time to visit, with some of the island’s big annual events occurring in these months.

Is Bermuda expensive?

Bermuda holidays can be on the pricier side, but the experience is well worth it. The island offers a range of hotels, from luxury resorts to charming guesthouses, catering to different budgets. Eating out, shopping, and outdoor activities might be more expensive than in some destinations, but the high quality of service and stunning surroundings make it a memorable getaway.

Can you walk around Bermuda?

While the island is too large to walk entirely, many areas are perfect for strolling. Hamilton and St. George's offer pedestrian-friendly streets filled with shops, restaurants and historic sites. For longer distances, convenient buses, ferries and taxis make getting around easy. Outside the towns be aware that roads are often narrow, without separate footpaths. If you're a keen hiker take a look at the Bermuda Railway Trail, offering 20 miles of walking routes of varying difficulty, showing you sides of the island that you’d miss if you stick to travelling on the roads and ferries.

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