Although Paget Parish can seem like a quiet part the island, it’s actually ripe with places to visit and things to do. This weekend, get out and explore the best that this central Parish has to offer, we bet you learn or discover something new.
1. Botanical Gardens
These 35 acres of landscaped gardens are not to be missed, and even more so if you’re a local. Botanical Gardens is a great place to walk your dog, or to let your children play on the fields or in the banyan trees.
The property has three enclosed plant houses for exotic plants, cacti and ferns. It also has a sensory garden designed for the blind, with aromatic plants and features that produce sound. There are many man made ponds within the gardens, which are home to killifish, tadpoles and toads.
A free tour of the gardens is available from the Visitor’s Centre on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Fridays starting at 10:30am.
2. Paget Marsh
Paget Marsh is a lush 25-acre nature reserve maintained by the National Trust and the Audubon Society. The pond is very important because it’s one of the remaining inland freshwater ponds in Bermuda, supporting populations of toads, killifish, and waterfowl. Unfortunately, its position makes it highly susceptible to pollution by road run off.
It was refurbished in 1998 and now sports a 400ft boardwalk through the marshy land, allowing you to get up close and personal with pond and mangrove habitats without getting your feet wet. It’s definitely worth a visit the next time you’re in Paget, which is not often noted for its nature reserves.
3. Hungry Bay
This nature reserve is difficult to access because it is surrounded by private property, but if you can get special permission, or access it via the water, you will find yourself in a pristine mangrove landscape.
The Hungry Bay mangrove swamp is the most extensive in Bermuda, and the only place in Bermuda where channels through the trees can form. This extensive habitat makes it the only place in Bermuda that can support larger species of mangrove fish, the land hermit crab, and the giant land crab.
Kayaking through the mangroves is a spectacular experience, and visitors will be able to see abundant mangrove crabs, as well as herons. The beach adjacent to the nature reserve is also a good example of rocky shore habitat, and the tide pools there are full of life.
4. Coral Beach Club
The oldest part of Coral Beach dates back to the 1600s, and it aims to capture a colonial charm in its architecture and interior design. It is a private and exclusive club, and new members are only accepted via introduction by an existing member. However, members of the public can dine at the restaurants, as long as they follow the dress code which for some of them is quite formal.
Next time you’re in Paget, why not book a meal at Coral Beach Club and get a glimpse into the historic property? Visitors will be satisfied with hearty food and wonderful views of South Shore.
5. Elbow Beach
Elbow Beach is a wonderful beach for body surfing or beach BBQs. Some areas of it are set back from the water and shaded, making it easy to relax here. However, be careful of the undertow in rough water.
Offshore, spectacular boiler reefs break the waves, and here you can see a spectacular variety of fish.
Elbow beach is a public beach situated between two private properties, Coral Beach to the right and Elbow Beach Resort to the left. Visitors can have a look at these properties from the beach as they walk along it.
6. The Paraquet
Hungry after a swim at Elbow? Stop in to the Paraquet, a quaint little diner that’s been in the same family for three generations. It serves comfort food at breakfast, lunch and dinner time, and is sure to remind you of your mother’s meals at home.
It earned a Best of Bermuda award for its codfish breakfast in 2015, and the food and ambiance still stand up to the competition. Visit the Paraquet for a relaxed and yummy meal.
7. Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy club (R.H.A.D.C)
The dinghy club in Paget is situated on a beautiful outpost near Aburfeldy Nurseries and the National Trust’s headquarters at Waterville. The RHADC is the only remaining “royal” dinghy club in the world after re-application to Queen Elizabeth II for the status, and the title was confirmed in 1953.
The club encourages sailing, and especially supports younger members in developing their skills. They sponsor many events, most notably the Marion to Bermuda race.
It is a social club, priding itself on offering BBQs, parties, and drinks events for its members. They have Friday night pub nights and have their own snooker room. The property is open for meals and drinks, and visitors can gain access in this capacity. The club also welcomes membership for mariners.
