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The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda – Complete Visitor Guide

The Royal Naval Dockyard is one of Bermuda’s most visited destinations and the island’s main cruise ship port. Located at the western end of Bermuda in Sandys Parish, Dockyard welcomes thousands of visitors each year who arrive by cruise ship or ferry to explore its historic fortifications, museums, restaurants, and waterfront attractions.

Originally built by the British Royal Navy in the early 19th century, the Dockyard once served as an important naval base in the Atlantic. Today, the area has been transformed into a lively visitor hub where historic buildings now house museums, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Visitors to the Royal Naval Dockyard can explore sites such as the National Museum of Bermuda, browse the shops in the Clocktower Mall, enjoy local dining, or use the Dockyard as a starting point for exploring the rest of the island. With its mix of history, entertainment, and transportation connections, Dockyard remains one of the most important gateways for travellers discovering Bermuda.

The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

Quick Facts About The Royal Naval Dockyard

Sandy’s Parish, Western Bermuda

Built by the British Royal Navy in the Early 1800s

Bermuda’s Main Cruise Ship Port – Heritage Wharf and King’s Wharf

Operated as a British Naval Base until 1956

National Museum of Bermuda, The Clocktower Mall, Dolphin Quest, Island Tour Center

The City of Hamilton: 35-45 minutes by road, 20-30 minutes by ferry

The Town of St. George’s: One Hour+ by road, 30-40 minutes by ferry

Horseshoe Bay Beach: 25 minutes by road

Crystal and Fantasy Caves: One hour by road

Ferry: Blue Route to Hamilton, Orange Route to St. George’s

Bus: Routes 7 and 8

Taxis: Taxi stands near cruise ports and Clocktower Mall

Minibus: Near cruise ports

Table of Contents

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, 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 Royal Naval Dockyard also features several restaurants, bars, and cafes, serving everything from local cuisine to international dishes.

Top Attractions in The Royal Naval Dockyard

National Museum of Bermuda

Located inside the historic Keep Fort, the National Museum of Bermuda explores the island’s maritime history and offers views across the Great Sound and to the North and West of the Island. Inside you will find exhibits spread across multiple historic buildings.

Clocktower Mall

The Clocktower Mall is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Dockyard, housing a variety of shops below two historic stone clock towers. From souvenirs to jewellery and local clothing, there is something for everyone.

Dolphin Quest

A marine experience located within the National Museum of Bermuda where visitors can observe and interact with dolphins. A ticket to the National Museum allows you to also view the dolphin shows that are performed a set times throughout the day. Additional experiences can be purchased separately.

Bermuda Fun Golf

This 18-hole mini golf course features “mini” versions of some of the most recognisable holes from Bermuda, Scotland and the USA. The course offers stunning views of the Atlantic and has one of the best sunset views on the island.

Vista View Bermuda

This virtual attraction offers a unique experience of the island with its simulated tours and other virtual reality experiences. Great if you want an idea of where to go in Bermuda or want a thrill with some of their many motion rides.

Restaurants in The Royal Naval Dockyard

Frog & Onion Pub

This popular restaurant in the historic cooperage building serves all of your pub favourites and local beer from Dockyard Brewing Company.

Bonefish Bar & Grill

Serving seafood and Bermuda-inspired dishes with views of the Dockyard Marina.

Cafe Amici

An Italian restaurant located inside the Clocktower Mall known for pizza and pasta with lovely outdoor seating.

The Dockyard Cafe

A small cafe with outdoor seating that serves fresh baked goods, espresso drinks and quick bites for breakfast and lunch. They also have a Filipino menu.

Anchor Restaurant & Bar

A casual dinning option near the entrance to dockyard serving seafood and other local favourites.

Shopping in The Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard is one of Bermuda’s main shopping areas, particularly for cruise visitors. Many shops are located inside the historic Clocktower Mall, while others can be found throughout other historic locations in dockyard.

Visitors can find a variety of items including souvenirs, local crafts, clothing, and specialty foods.

Common types of shops include:

• Bermuda souvenir shops
• Rum cake and specialty food stores
• Local craft and artisan shops
• Clothing and resort wear boutiques
• Jewelry and gift stores

The Bermuda Craft Market is also located in Dockyard and features vendors selling handmade products created by local artisans.

The Bermuda Art Centre is also located in Dockyard and features a variety of hand made and bespoke art work. Studios inside the shop allow you to interact with local artists and see what they are currently working on. You are more likely to find unique gifts here compared to the Bermuda Craft Market

During the cruise season, additional outdoor vendors sometimes set up stalls offering snacks, beverages, and souvenirs for visitors.

Transportation from The Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard serves as an important transportation hub for visitors arriving in Bermuda by cruise ship. From Dockyard, travellers can easily reach many parts of the island using taxis, public buses, ferries, and private transportation services.

Taxi stands are located directly outside the cruise ship terminals, making taxis one of the most convenient ways to travel to popular destinations such as Horseshoe Bay, Hamilton, and other beaches along Bermuda’s south shore. Taxi drivers are familiar with the most common visitor routes and can also provide island tours.

Bermuda’s public bus system also operates from the Dockyard transportation terminal. Buses connect Dockyard with Hamilton and other areas of the island, offering an economical way for visitors to travel around Bermuda.

The Dockyard ferry terminal provides regular ferry service across the Great Sound to Hamilton, offering a scenic and efficient way to reach the island’s capital. Ferry routes also connect Dockyard with St. George’s during certain seasons.

During the busy cruise season, shuttle services and private transportation options may also be available to take visitors to popular destinations such as Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Visitors also have the option to get around on their own with scooter and electric mini car rentals that can be picked up from near the cruise ports

Because Bermuda is relatively small, many of the island’s most popular attractions can be reached within 20 to 40 minutes from the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Learn more about the transportation options in The Royal Naval Dockyard:

Tips for Visiting The Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard is one of the busiest visitor areas in Bermuda, especially on days when cruise ships are in port. A little planning can help visitors make the most of their time exploring the historic complex and surrounding attractions.

Arrive early for popular activities
Cruise ships typically arrive in the morning and Dockyard can become busy as passengers begin exploring the area. Visitors who want to visit museums, shops, or nearby beaches may find it easier to start their day earlier.

Plan transportation in advance
While taxis, buses, and ferries are available from Dockyard, transportation lines can become busy when multiple cruise ships are in port. Planning transportation ahead of time can make it easier to explore the island.

Wear comfortable walking shoes
Many of the attractions in Dockyard are within walking distance of the cruise ship terminals, but the area covers a fairly large historic complex with stone walkways and open spaces.

Allow time to explore the National Museum of Bermuda
The National Museum is one of the most significant historic attractions in Dockyard and offers exhibits on Bermuda’s maritime history as well as panoramic views of the island.

Check ferry schedules when visiting Hamilton or St. George’s
The ferry terminal in Dockyard provides a scenic way to travel across Bermuda, but schedules may vary depending on the season and day of the week.

Exploring The Royal Naval Dockyard

The Royal Naval Dockyard remains one of Bermuda’s most important visitor destinations and is often the first place travelers experience when arriving on the island by cruise ship. With its combination of historic landmarks, museums, restaurants, shops, and waterfront views, Dockyard offers plenty to see and do within walking distance of the cruise terminals.

For many visitors, the Dockyard also serves as a starting point for exploring the rest of Bermuda. From here, travellers can take ferries to Hamilton, buses or taxis to the island’s famous pink sand beaches, or guided tours that showcase Bermuda’s natural beauty and historic sites.

Whether you are visiting for a few hours during a cruise stop or spending more time exploring the island, the Royal Naval Dockyard offers a unique mix of history, culture, and entertainment that makes it one of Bermuda’s most recognizable attractions.

More Information About The Royal Naval Dockyard

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