Royal Naval Dockyard

Overview

Overview

Perched on Bermuda’s Ireland Island, these old stone buildings were once an important Atlantic stronghold for the British Royal Navy. Today the dockyard is a port of call for cruise ships, as well as a popular tourist destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

The Basics
Learn about Bermuda’s history at the National Museum of Bermuda, located in the heart of a former navy fortress. Stroll through the 19th-century dockyard and shop at the Clocktower Mall, the Dockyard Glassworks, or the craft market—then head to Snorkel Park Beach to rent a kayak, pedal boat, or Jet Ski.

Most Bermuda island tours include a stop at the Royal Navy Dockyard, whether you opt to leave from Hamilton or St. George’s. Sightseeing can be done on foot, in a traditional tour vehicle, or via Segway. As the dockyard area is adjacent to the cruise port, many excursions originate from the Island Tour Centre there. 

Things to Know Before You Go
  • Public docking for those arriving by boat is available for a maximum of three hours. Vessels can contact the dockmaster to inquire about extended stays.
  • There are a handful of restaurants at the Royal Naval Dockyard, including the famous Frog and Onion Pub.
  • A free trolley shuttle service operates around the dockyard in summer. 

How to Get There
The Royal Naval Dockyard is located in Sandy's Parish on the westernmost point of Bermuda. The outpost can be reached via regularly departing ferries from Hamilton and by bus, taxi, car, or rented moped.

When to Get There
Bermuda is busiest from May through October. Those wishing to avoid the major crowds (especially from cruise ships) would do well to visit in March or April, when the weather is just starting to warm up. 

Royal Naval Dockyard History
Following the American Revolution, the British lost all of their strategic ports on the US mainland and instead turned to their "Gibraltar of the West:” the Royal Naval Dockyard. The dockyard remained a strategic base in the Atlantic for England and an active shipyard through WWI and WWII, until it stopped serving the Royal Navy in 1951.
Info

Address

Ireland Island North
Sandy's Parish

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