Naval base

Explore Bermuda: Royal Naval Dockyard

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• published: 11 Apr 2013
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Join us on a tour of the Royal Naval Dockyard! Whether taking in some local history, stunning views of the sea, or exploring Bermuda's largest fort, there is plenty to see and learn at this cultural attraction. It’s home to the island’s biggest cruise ship pier and it’s packed with restaurants, shops and exciting attractions. There’s so much to see and do, you could spend an entire vacation here. The Clocktower is a stunning arcade of shops in a unique setting, with stone-paved passages leading you from place to place. If you’re looking for island-inspired apparel or gifts, you’ll find them here. There are also unique boutiques, art galleries and plenty of tempting treats. Next door, pick up some surf gear at Makin’ Waves or hit the Dockyard Pharmacy for necessities. Many Bermuda artisans call Dockyard home. Across from the Clocktower Mall you’ll find the studios for the Bermuda Clayworks, featuring outstanding artistic ceramics. And don’t miss seeing the skilled craftsmen and women creating glassware at Glassworks. Bermuda’s famous rum cakes are also made here – once you taste a sample, you’re sure to want to take some home. Time for coffee? The Pastry Shop makes the best cappuccino on this side of the Atlantic and their pastries are baked fresh right here in their kitchen daily. The Royal Navy pulled out in the 1950s, but this is still a working dockyard with a thriving yachting and boating community. It’s a gateway to aquatic adventures – from here you could go parasailing for a birds-eye view of the island, go deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna or wahoo, charter a sailboat to explore the island or hop on a jet ski for some real speed on the water. And if you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, your dream can come true at Dolphin Quest, located within the walls of the National Museum of Bermuda. You can swim, touch and even get a kiss from a dolphin during this fun and unforgettable experience. When it’s time for lunch, there are tons of options, including the Frog & Onion Pub, located in a 200-year-old naval cooperage. There’s a microbrewery on site so in addition to some tasty pub grub, you’ll get a creative – and BIG – craft beer as well. Eat where the locals eat at the Freeport Sea Food Restaurant – their fish sandwiches are legendary. The Bonefish Bar & Grill has an award winning view and a sunny patio with great views. Café Amici serves delicious pasta and other Italian favorites. For a taste of authentic Bermuda dishes, such as curried goat, shark hash or oxtail and pumpkin rice, try Woody’s. Walk off your lunch by wandering on Bermuda’s trails, parks, beaches and peaceful green spaces. Another option is the Snorkel Park, where you can lounge on a daybed, relax on a pink sand beach or take a dip in the warm, calm water. If you want to get more active, there’s also snorkeling, paddleboats, kayaks, waterslides and beach volleyball. You don’t have to walk to see all of Dockyard’s attractions – you can cruise around on a Segway, bike, or riding aboard the trolley-style train. You can even golf in Dockyard, by putting your way along the oceanfront Fun Golf, featuring 18 world famous golf holes, re-created in mini-golf style. Learn all about 500 years of local history at the Bermuda National Museum. Good to know: all of Dockyard is a wi-fi hotspot. The Cooperage is home to the Bermuda Craft Market, where unique artisans sell their wares. Many of the products, including cedar items, condiments, jewelry and more, are made right in front of your eyes. Nearby is the Arts Centre, where you’ll see works by the island’s most accomplished artists – and maybe even meet a few of those artists, too! When the sun goes down, Dockyard keeps on going, with the Neptune Cinema, bars, clubs and restaurants, not to mention a party at Snorkel Park with live entertainment. Video from The West End Development Corporation and Bermuda Media.