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Begun in 1809, the Royal Naval Dockyard was intended to make Bermuda into the "Gibraltar of the West." Its facilities eventually included a fortress plus facilities to maintain and repair Royal Navy ships. It remained an important naval base for British and NATO ships until 1951 when most of its facilities were closed. The Royal Navy closed the remaining facilities in 1995.
The closure coincided with a dramatic increase in the size of cruise ships. Since the large ships could not dock in Hamilton, a new port that could handle large ships was needed. This led to the conversion of the dockyards into a cruise port. More than just a pier, the dockyards complex has been transformed into a tourist center. |
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To defend the Dockyard, the British built a fortress with high walls and large cannons. This area known as The Keep includes the The National Museum of Bermuda (formerly the Bermuda Maritime Museum) including the restored home of the dockyard commissioner, which dominates the center of the fortress. (See slideshow)
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The Dockyards is not all history. Inside the old
fortress is a Dolphin Quest attraction where visitors can interact with dolphins (left). The cruise ships often offer these experiences as shore excursions. |
The Dockyards is a haven for shoppers. Several of the buildings have been converted into shops. For example, The Clock Tower Mall (above and above right) has shops ranging from souvenirs and crafts to upscale boutiques.
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The Bermuda Rum Cake Company and Dockyards Glassworks sells Bermuda-made rum cakes as well as glass bowls, figurines and vases. They also give glass blowing demonstrations. |
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For those looking for more activity, the Dockyard offers, among other things, various excursion boats, jet skis, a tractor train, trampolines, and segways.
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Several of the buildings including The Cooperage (above left) have been converted into bars and places to eat. In fact, the Cooperage is the home of the Frog and Onion Pub, a Dockyards landmark, that includes Bermuda's only brewery. |
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It has been said that everybody in Bermuda knows Tony B Here, the singer/songwriter/entertainer, accompanied by Tony Cox on congas, performs at the Frog and
Onion. |
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Another dockyard building now
houses the Bonefish, a bar and dining venue. |
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Another Dockyard area that has been transformed into an entertainment venue is Snorkel Park. During the day, it features water sports and a small beach. In the evening, its facilities for eating and drinking take center stage. It is a favorite of the crews of the cruise ships that call at the Dockyards.
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In the evenings, there are often special entertainment events such as the Lennon Dockyard free concerts held on Thursday events during the 2013 season. These featured a band playing the former Beatle's music, craft stalls as well as bar and dining offerings.
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The Dockyard is also a pleasant place to stroll with
flowering plants adorning the remains of the various structures that once made up the naval base. Of more recent vintage is the Moongate (lower left). Newlyweds who kiss beneath it are assured happiness and prosperity. The Dockyard also includes a pretty marina (below). |
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Cruise destination - - Bermuda - - Attractions - - Royal Naval Dockyard