The Seven Wonders of Bermuda

Bermuda is a small British territory covering 21 square miles located in the Caribbean. Despite its small size, Bermuda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and has many world-class attractions which can be labeled as the Seven Wonders of Bermuda.

The Seven Wonders of Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Horseshoe Bay Beach is located in the south of Bermuda on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the most famous beach in Bermuda and is among the best beaches in the world, attested by the fact that it was named the eighth best beach in the world by TripAdvisor as well as being included in the Top 20 beaches globally by Conde Nast Traveller in 2016. Horseshoe Bay’s beach is famous for its white sand which is also fine in texture. The beach also has huge boulders located at the secluded Port Royal Cove which is popular with children who swim in the shallow waters and get to feed parrots. There are many activities which take place at the beach including the weekly beach volleyball competitions as well as the annual Bermuda Beachfest Emancipation Celebration which is a two-day event of celebrating the local cultural traditions.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is located in Southampton Parish. The lighthouse was built in 1846 by the British is one of the oldest lighthouses built of cast iron. The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is built at the top of the highest point of the island and rises 117 feet. The lighthouse is a prime tourist attraction due to its height which offers a panoramic view of the entire island as well as its picturesque shores. However, to reach the top, visitors need to climb its 185 steps covering eight floors with several resting platforms. There are several plaques embedded in the lighthouse giving its history as well as small exhibits. The Gibbs Hill’s powerful light is visible up to 40 miles into the sea and by planes at 10,000 feet and 120 miles away. It began shinning in 1846 and has been flashing light to sea fearers ever since. Initially, it was powered by kerosene, but now has a 2.75-ton bulb of 1,000 watts

Fort Hamilton

Fort Hamilton is an old fort located on the outskirts of the island’s capital, Hamilton City. The fort was built during the American Civil War by the British Royal Navy as a fortification to protect its naval facilities located at the Royal Naval Dockyard adjacent to the fort. The fort was opened in 1967 as a public park. Fort Hamilton is a popular site where thousands of visitors come to learn about its rich history. The fort also offers great views of the capital as well as the nearby Hamilton Harbor. Fort Hamilton hosts the weekly Skirling Ceremony. The Haunted Playground located in Fort Hamilton comes alive during Halloween where actors dressed as monsters play hide and seek with children on the fort’s moats, gardens, and tunnels.

Renovations and preservation

Bermuda’s government has been very keen on preserving these tourist attractions especially the ancient buildings. An example is the Gibbs Hill lighthouse which was closed in January 2014 for renovation work which cost about $360,000 and was later reopened. Another example is the 143-year old Unfinished Church of Bermuda which was closed in December 2010 for structural renovations and was reopened in February 2013.