This summer, get out and enjoy the forts and gardens that populate Bermuda. The history and sheer beauty present at each is astonishing and a day trip to points of historical interest make for the perfect opportunity for little ones to learn more about Bermuda’s history and local flora and fauna.
Palm Grove Gardens
Privately owned by former premier Sir David Gibbons, Palm Grove Gardens is an outdoor sanctuary covering 18 acres in Devonshire. The space features many palm trees, an aviary with parrots and toucans and a living map of the island, which is contained within a lily pond. The gardens offer the perfect setting for children to play, explore and enjoy a picnic and are open from Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Botanical Gardens
Complete with a rose garden, a sensory garden, an aviary and huge lawns bordered with large, shade-giving trees, the Botanical Gardens offers plenty of entertainment and space for kids to run and play. Pack a lunch to enjoy on one of the many picnic tables outside, or stop into Homer’s Café for a bite to eat. If the weather is poor, try Masterworks museum, which is located on the grounds of the gardens and right beside the café. No matter their ages, the kids are sure to have a good time.
Spittal Pond
Spittal Pond in Smith’s is a great place to take the kids for a walk and enjoy being outdoors. This nature reserve has plenty of walking trails and is home to many species of Bermuda’s wildlife, from birds to plants and marine life. There is also the “checkerboard,” an unusual geological formation near the water’s edge where children can explore. Parrotfish can sometimes be seen in the water below the rocky coastline, and the whole family can enjoy stunning views of the south shore from various points along the trail.
Fort St. Catherine
On the northern tip of St. George’s is Fort St. Catherine, one of Bermuda’s best-preserved and most impressive forts, dating back to 1614. In addition to seeing collections of antique weapons and learning more about Bermuda’s history at the museum inside, children can run around the tunnels, towers and ramparts while enjoying the views and admiring the large canons. There are even 20-minute tours at certain times on Saturdays from June through August. Click HERE for more!
Fort Hamilton
If canons and ramparts excite your children, they will enjoy running around Fort Hamilton, which is located off the top of King Street. You can get to it via the BUEI train tour or by walking from Front Street. The views across Hamilton are spectacular, and the deep moat surrounding the fort has been transformed into tropical gardens that are great for games of “hide and seek.”
