The hectic and hot summer months are behind us, but this change in season doesn’t mean there are fewer things to see and do in the Town of St George. In fact, at this time of the year our idyllic corner of the island really comes into its own: this is the perfect time to wander and get lost.
Start your visit in King’s Square, the heart of the Olde Town, where you can witness the re-enacting of historic scenes at noon on most days of the week save Sundays. Take a picture in the stocks or view the history that lines the walls of the Town Hall. If you’re lucky enough to be here around the New Year, you’ll see the delightful sight of a glittering gold onion perched on the front of the Town Hall ready to be dropped at the stroke of midnight – Bermuda‘s version of the Times Square ball.
Next, stroll along the cobblestones of King Street towards the State House. Built in 1620, this impressive white stone building sits on top of a slight rise and was once the first parliament on the island. King Street is also home to a number of historic residences, the doors of which are thrown open to the public on the evening of the first Friday in December for the National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout. A short walk from there along Princess Street will take you to the green jewel box that is Somers’ Garden. This park is full of flowering tropical shrubs and trees including some impressive towering palms and is where you can find a monument that honours the original settlers to the island.
From Somers’ Garden have a look for the Unfinished Church, the open air ruins of an incomplete Anglican cathedral with Gothic influences. Its imposing facade makes it a great place to explore. The venue is still used today and makes a striking backdrop for weddings and other ceremonies. Looking to explore further afield? St George’s is home to numerous well-preserved forts such as the popular St Catherine‘s Fort and Museum, but don’t forget to seek out some of the lesser-known ones such as Gates Fort with its huge cannons that still maintain watch over the island or the sprawling Alexandra Battery next to which can be found Buildings Bay, a tiny beach which is the site of a veritable treasure trove of sea glass.
And speaking of hidden coves, as you make the loop back towards the centre of town you can also find several intimate beaches if you know where to look. Drew’s Bay, a sandy beach that’s just about big enough for two, is tucked off Grenadier Lane and the access to Achilles Bay another hidden gem located right on the northernmost tip of the island is down a short flight of steps near the foot of St Catherine‘s Fort.
Meander along any of our streets and alleys and you’re sure to find something to piqué your interest: from colourful lanes to historic houses and forts, museums and shipwrecks and beautiful vantage points, the historic Town of St George makes getting lost fun.
