ATTRACTIONS

Hamilton Attractions

Fort Hamilton

Fort Hamilton is a substantial Victorian fort with a panoramic view of Hamilton Harbour. It is one in a series of fortifications built in the mid-19th century during a period of rising tensions between Britain and the USA. The ramparts are mounted with 18-ton artillery pieces (to date unused) capable of firing 400-pound (181kg) cannonballs through iron-hulled vessels. Located nearby is Clarence Cove, a popular little beach that forms part of Admiralty House Park. The house itself dates from the early 19th century and was built as the residence of the Royal Navy's regional commander. Another military echo along North Shore Road, Black Watch Well, marked with a memorial tablet, was dug by troops of the famous Scottish regiment during a drought in 1849.

Address: Happy Valley Road; Telephone: (441) 292 1234; Opening time: Fort open daily 8am to sunset; Admission: Free

Hamilton Attractions

Botanical Gardens

Paget is a delightful park that provides the perfect departure point from which to study the island's flora. It is a fragrant haven of exotic subtropical plants, flowers, and trees. Some of the highlights of this 36-acre paradise include the palm garden with native palmetto trees, the subtropical fruit garden, a garden for the visually-impaired which features scented plants, a ficus collection, and a flowering hibiscus garden. In addition, there are greenhouses with orchids, bromeliads, a miniature forest, an aviary, and a variety of flowering houseplants. The white house on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens is Camden, the official residence of Bermuda's Premier. The house is open for tours, except when official functions are scheduled.

Address: 169 South Road; Telephone: (441) 236 4201; Opening time: Sunrise to sunset daily, year round; Admission: Free (though there is a charge during the Agricultural Exhibition every April)

Hamilton Attractions

Harrington Sound

Harrington Sound is a large inland sea five miles (8km) northeast of Hamilton. Its calm waters provide perfect sailing territory. The Sound is linked to the ocean by the narrow Flatts Inlet where changes to the tide are magnified and waters rush beneath a bridge connecting the two sides. On the north side of the inlet, opposite Flatts Village, is the Bermuda Aquarium (www.bamz.org) where visitors can enjoy more than 100 species of indigenous Bermuda fish in ocean and reef environments. Located within the same complex is the Natural History Museum and zoo that features animals from the Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Madagascar and the Galapagos.

Telephone: (441) 293 2727 (Aquarium); Opening time: Aquarium: daily 9am to 5pm; closed Christmas Day. Last admission is an hour before closing; Admission: Aquarium: $10 (adults); $5 (children 5-12 years)

Hamilton Attractions

Crystal Caves

The stretch of land between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour is riddled with caves. Located 80ft (24m) underground, Crystal Caves with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites never ceases to amaze and inspire. There is a wonderful walk over the pontoon bridge to Cahow Lake, with crystal-clear water that reaches a depth of 55ft (17m). Visitors to the Crystal Caves can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Palm Garden. A little further on are the Leamington Caves with their incredible crystal formations and underground pools that can be explored along well-marked paths. More caves are located on the grounds of the 300-year-old Walsingham House, now a well-known restaurant.

Address: 8 Crystal Caves Road; Telephone: (441) 293 0640; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm; Admission: BD$14 (adults), BD$8 (children 5-12)