Royal Naval Dockyard, King’s Wharf Bermuda
Overview:
The
Royal Naval Dockyard, is located on the western most tip
of Bermuda. Built in the early 19th century,
from the War of 1812 until after World War II it was
used as a strategic British military outpost. Closed in
1951, the historical buildings have been restored and
the 75 acre site now houses museums, shops, restaurants,
arts and craft studios and even a movie theater. It is
Bermuda's premier docking facility for cruise ships and
has become its most active cruise port.
Ship Docked at Heritage Wharf
Cruise Port Location and Information:
Cruise ships dock at one of two berths directly at the
Royal Naval Dockyard. Since many of the newer cruise
ships are too large to dock in Hamilton or St. George's,
in 2009 a new berth was built at the Dockyard to
accommodate cruise traffic. Ships now dock at either the
newly opened Heritage Wharf or King's Wharf (often
listed as the port, but is actually one of the berths).
Everything that encompasses the Royal Naval Dockyard is
within walking distance and easily accessible from the
pier. Maps, bus/ferry passes and tourist information can
be found at any of the three Visitor's Service Bureaus
(one at each of the two cruise terminals and one along
the Dockyard Terrace). An ATM and phones are also
available at the port.
View of Dockyard from Ship
Exploring on Your Own:
It
is very easy to see and do everything available at the
Dockyard on your own. Just walk off the ship, grab a
Dockyard map and enjoy!
Dockyard Grounds
For those who don't want to walk, there is a
complimentary Dockyard Train that makes 20 minute loops
from the cruise terminal around the Dockyard. Passengers
can hop-on/hop-off anywhere along the route. If you wish
to venture outside of the Dockyard, there are numerous
options, however, public transportation is our preferred
method. Scooter's can be rented at the Dockyard (between
the Bermuda Clayworks and Glassworks buildings), but we
don't recommend it. Drivers
drive on the left side of the road, there are many very
narrow winding streets, heavy traffic and confusing
turnabouts that make scooter or moped driving a
dangerous undertaking. Rental cars are not available on
the island (only residents are permitted to drive cars).
Metered taxis are plentiful and you can also hire them
by the hour for exploring. However, they are expensive,
which makes public transportation the best option for
exploring on your own. If you plan to visit Hamilton or
St. George's, ferries are the quickest mode of
transport. During the cruise season, Sea Express Ferries
make multiple trips daily to and from Dockyard to
Hamilton and St. George’s.
Dockyard Ferry
If you wish to visit the beaches, or other nearby
Parishes, grab the Bermuda Breeze public bus #7 (scenic
south shore beaches) or #8 (Middle Road route) at the
bus stop next to the ferry wharf. Cash fares require
exact change only, but if you plan to do a lot of
exploring on your own, you may want to consider
purchasing a transportation pass. A one day adult pass
is $12 and a 3 day pass is $28 – good for unlimited use
on all buses and ferries.
Dockyard Bus Stop
Shopping Tips:
Dockyard Shopping
The majority of shopping at the Dockyard can be found in
the Clocktower Mall. This historic building houses 30
interesting shops and boutiques. Although many items
tend to be on the expensive side, since purchases are
tax-free bargains can be found.
Clocktower Mall
If
you are looking for original Bermuda crafts, the Bermuda
Craft Market in the old Cooperage Building has a diverse
selection of handcrafted items such as, candles,
ceramics, Christmas ornaments, glass jewelry, cedar
products and original paintings.
Cooperage Craft Market
Of
course, while you wander the Dockyard taking in the port
highlights you can always purchase a tasty rum cake at
the Bermuda Rum Cake Company, handmade glassworks at the
Dockyard Glassworks Gallery, or unique pottery at the
Bermuda Clayworks.
Original Glassworks
Port Highlights:
Just take a pleasant stroll around the grounds of the
Dockyard and historical, cultural and entertaining
experiences can be found around each corner. Depending
on your interests, the Dockyard has everything you need
to have an enjoyable day. Housed in what was the
fortress known as the Keep is The National Museum of
Bermuda.
The Keep
It
officially opened as the Bermuda Maritime Museum in 1975
and after 25 years of restoration it was reopened in
2000. The cornerstone of the museum is the
Commissioner's House.
Commissioner's House
Exhibitions featuring Bermuda's military history are on
display and worth a visit. Beyond the Commissioner's
House, are six additional buildings and grounds where
artifacts of shipwrecks, war memorabilia and other
seafaring collections are on display. In 2010, the
Maritime Museum was renamed the National Museum of
Bermuda and the Casemates prison became a part of the
attraction.
Buildings of the National Museum of Bermuda
Dolphin Quest
is also located on the grounds of the Bermuda National
Museum. Dolphin Quest provides a unique opportunity to
interact with dolphins, both in and out of the water.
The Bermuda Arts Center is located in the historic
Cooperage Building. Exhibits of original artwork by
local artists change regularly, and visitors are welcome
to visit the working studios of 6 resident artists in
the Arts Center.
Bermuda Arts Center
Continuing to explore the Dockyard, you are sure to
visit the Dockyard Glassworks and Bermuda Rum
Cake Company.
Dockyard Glassworks/Bermuda Rum Cake Company
At
the Bermuda Rum Cake Company you can watch bakers
produce traditional Bermuda rum cake made with Goslings
Black Seal Rum in “The Cakery” a Bermuda style cottage.
There are a number of flavors to sample as well.
Bermuda Rum Cakes
From there, stop next door at the Dockyard Glassworks
to watch artisans demonstrate the process of
glassblowing and flameworking as they create some
beautiful hand made glass items at the studio. Then,
make sure to visit the gallery where items are on
display and for sale.
Dockyard Glassworks Gallery
Just beyond those buildings, is an open-beamed naval
building that was once used for repairs. It has been
restored and is now home to Bermuda Clayworks. On
site studios are in full production creating unique
pottery and ceramic pieces. Not only can visitors watch
the artists in action, but there is also an exhibition
gallery and gift shop.
Snorkel Park Entrance
Snorkel Park Beach
is a man-made beach created for the pleasure of cruise
ship passengers. Enter a tunnel in the northwest corner
of the Dockyard wall and emerge onto a white sand beach.
There is a bar/restaurant; umbrellas, lounge chairs and
snorkel equipment can be rented and a variety of water
sports including paddleboats, kayaks and jet skis are
available. This is also the location of the Jet Ski
Safari Excursion.
Snorkel Park Beach
On
Monday and Thursday evenings during the summer cruise
season, the Victualling Yard is transformed into
festival grounds. On Monday, visitors can enjoy Royal
Naval Nights, sponsored by the West End Development
Corporation, Bermuda Dept. of Tourism, Royal Caribbean
Cruises and Norwegian Cruise line. Live entertainment
performed by local and cruise ship entertainers,
traditional Bermuda vendors, food, drink and Gombey
Dancers make for a fun-filled evening.
Victualling Yard
On
Thursday from 6:30-9:00 PM, Bermudian Heritage is
celebrated at Heritage Nights. Once again, local
dancers, musicians, vendors and traditional food provide
a festival-like experience.
Off the Beaten Path:
●Not actually off the beaten path, but if you are
looking for something a little different, taking an
optional Bermuda Segway Tour of the Dockyard grounds can
be fun. Also, the Jet Ski Safari Tour departs from
Snorkel Park Beach. Offering a trip around the western
end of the island, you will go through Somerset Bridge
(the smallest drawbridge in the world) and into Ely's
Harbour.
Somerset Bridge
●Gibb's Lighthouse, the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in
the world, is worth a trip off the Dockyard grounds.
Located in nearby Southampton Parish, take Bus #7 from
the Dockyard to Lighthouse Road. Walk a few hundred
yards up the hill to Gibbs Lighthouse and one of the
highest spots on the island. Once there you can climb
the 185 steps of the spiral staircase for an awesome
view.
Gibbs Lighthouse
●Somerset Village, a sleepy little enclave of narrow
streets, picturesque pastel houses, a few quaint shops
and Mangrove Bay are nearby and worth exploring.
Dining and Drinking Suggestions:
Frog and Onion Pub
While at the Dockyard, one of my favorite stops is the
Frog and Onion Pub. Located in the historic “Cooperage”
building, this authentic English pub serves good
traditional British fare, from fish and chips to bangers
and mash. If you haven't already done so, this is a good
place to order a “Dark n' Stormy”. Bermuda's traditional
drink made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum and ginger
beer. In my opinion, it is a “must” for first-time
visitors.
Frog and Onion Pub Interior
Must Do List:
I
would say, that the best thing to experience at the
Royal Naval Dockyard is one (or both) of the festival
nights: Royal Naval Nights on Monday and/or Heritage
Nights every Thursday during the summer.
Moongate at Dockyard
