The Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda is a popular tourist destination that offers a glimpse into Bermuda’s rich history and naval heritage. Located on the western end of Bermuda’s main island, the dockyard is one of the largest attractions in Bermuda and draws visitors from all over the world.

History of The Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard was established in 1809 as a strategic naval base to protect British interests in the North Atlantic. The dockyard was built to provide maintenance and repair facilities for the Royal Navy’s ships, which patrolled the waters around Bermuda and the Caribbean. Over the years, the dockyard grew in size and importance, becoming a hub for naval operations in the region.

During both World Wars Dockyard was an important naval base where almost 600 ships were repaired and deployed for action. It was also used for antisubmarine training. After the wars, the dockyard remained an active naval base until the 1950s, when the Royal Navy began to withdraw from its overseas territories.

In the 1960s, the dockyard was repurposed as a tourist attraction, with the historic buildings and fortifications converted into museums, art galleries, and shops. Today, the Royal Naval Dockyard is a popular destination for visitors to Bermuda, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment.

The Royal Naval Dockyard Today

Today, the Royal Naval Dockyard has been repurposed as a tourist attraction, with its historic buildings and fortifications converted into museums, art galleries, and shops. It is now a lively port where large cruise ships are docked on a weekly basis during the summer months. Visitors can explore the dockyard’s many attractions, including the National Museum of Bermuda, which traces the island’s history from its early settlement by the British to the present day.

In addition to museums and shops, dockyard is a hub for water based activities including swimming with dolphins, boat tours and jet ski tours. The dockyard also features several restaurants, bars, and cafes, serving everything from local cuisine to international dishes.

Attractions in The Royal Naval Dockyard

Museums

National Museum of Bermuda, Bermuda Transportation Museum

Beaches

Snorkel Park

Restaurants

Anchor Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, Cafe Amici, Bonefish Bar & Grill, Frog and Onion Pub, The Dockyard Pastry Shop