Parishes of Sandys and Somerset, Somerset Island Area Attractions
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There are quiet lanes, sheltered coves, beaches and nature reserves to be explored in the most westerly part of Bermuda.The hub of the Somerset Island area is the Dockyard, the Royal Navy's home in Bermuda for over 175 years. Cruise ships dock at this revitalized community of shops, restaurants and museums.Somerset Island can be accessed via the smallest drawbridge in the world, however ferries from Hamilton regularly serve the chain of islands stretching from Somerset Island.
Royal Naval Dockyard
Built by slave and convict labor in the 18th C, these historic naval buildings have now been converted into restaurants, shops and craft workshops. The Dockyard's focal points are the Clocktower Centre, and the Bermuda Maritime Museum, set in the body of the fort.
Bermuda Craft Market
Bermudian handicrafts are made and sold on site in this large stone building that dates from 1831.
Bermuda Maritime Museum
Eight historic buildings found within the Keep at the Royal Naval Dockyard, contain exhibitions on Bermuda's history.
Commissioner's House
The Commissioner's House c 1823, is the first residence in the world constructed using using cast iron structural components.
Clocktower Building
The clock on the south tower was cast in 1857 while the single-handed clock on the north tower was set daily to indicate the tides.
Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard
Frequently changing exhibitions of local artists.
Bermuda Clayworks Pottery
Visitors can watch potters at work in this converted warehouse.
Rock Ramblers Walking Tours - Bermuda
A local eco-heritage group offers customized and scheduled walkabouts using a variety of parklands, trails, beaches and forts. Commentary includes local history, ecology and culture.
Heydon Trust Park
22ac/9ha of trails composed of fields, orchards and unspoiled woodland, plus picnicking and swimming opportunities.
Heydon Trust Chapel
A very small chapel dating from 1620.
Royal Naval Cemetery
Over 1,000 servicemen from as early as 1819 are buried in the oldest and largest cemetery of its kind.
Scaur Hill Fort
This untested fortification houses guns on a disappearing carriages and offers views of the Great Sound and Ely's Harbor.
Somerset - Daniel's Head Beach Park
Snorkelers enjoy the variety of tropical fish seen at these two calm and shallow beaches.
Somerset Bridge
Originally built in 1620, Somerset Bridge allows an 18in/46cm clearance for the mast of a small sailing vessel.
Somerset Long Bay Park
This nature reserve is ideal for bird-watching while the adjacent crescent-shaped beach is good for beach walking and snorkeling.
Somerset Village, Bermuda
A quiet village with shops and inns on roads with names such as Spice Lily Lane and Pink House Lane.
Somerset - Gilbert Nature Reserve
There are a number of walking trails in this wooded reserve.
Springfield Mansion
Springfield Mansion, surrounded by the Gilbert Nature Reserve, was built around 1740 and is owned by the Bermuda National Trust. Springfield is now a community center.
Hog Bay Park
38ac/15ha of well maintained trails, agricultural fields and wooded hillsides.
