Exploring Hamilton on a Bermuda Holiday

On your holidays to Bermuda you will discover that much of the island life revolves around the capital. In fact Hamilton is commonly referred to as 'town' by most Bermudians. Therefore any sojourn into the capital is simply referred to as 'going to town'. With our guide to the best of Hamilton, you really can 'go to town' by discovering the best that the city has to offer.

Hamilton by Night

Many people venture to the island's capital in the evenings in order to experience the nightlife and contemporary style restaurants. Hamilton is an exciting blend of traditional and cosmopolitan and it isn't uncommon to view busy city executives drinking rum cocktails in expensive sushi restaurants along the waterfront in their knee length Bermuda shorts. Fusion cuisine and sushi is popular choice, but if you want to try something a little more traditional then you can't go wrong with a meal at the Hog Penny Pub. The English style pub is a remnant from the times when Bermuda was under British control; however the food is classically Caribbean with the signature dish being the fish and rum chowder.

The only way to travel on your holidays to Bermuda is by traditional horse and carriage and, with the balmy evening air on your face; the evening is the best time to take in the pastel-coloured Victorian buildings of Front Street. Lemons, limes and sky blues are just some of the colours you will spot on your travels. Although rather than continue with your travels you may want to alight here and visit a bar called The Porch. This 100 year old bar has a stunning porch area, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding Hamilton harbour.

Hamilton by Day

Half of all Bermuda's eateries are located in the capital of Hamilton, so spending an evening here is a must. However, there is also plenty to explore during the day and one of the city's most popular attractions is Fort Hamilton. The imposing fort with its sprawling dungeons and garden filled moat should also be visited on your holidays to Bermuda. The attraction really comes to life at Halloween, a tradition brought to the island by the British, with displays of fire and fancy dress. The party hosted here is amongst the biggest in North America, but if you can't get to Bermuda for Halloween then Fort Hamilton has enough to entertain on a year round basis. The fort houses a variety of gun emplacements and ramparts and should be more than enough to keep history buffs entertained. Every Monday at noon the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band gives a performance featuring Scottish bagpipes and drummers.

The Bermuda Historical Society Museum provides a facet of information on the history of the island. The museum features models of Sir George Somer's shipwrecked Sea Venture and the two ships he built to replace it. The museum also features the copy of a letter sent by George Washington asking for Bermuda's assistance during the American Revolution.

With so much and see and do in the bustling capital of Hamilton, your holidays to Bermuda just aren't complete without a visit.

John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays and visits Bermuda at least twice a year. He has been providing luxury holidays to Bermuda and many other destinations for over 30 years.