Planning Your Time

Both Smith’s [1] and Hamilton Parish [2] are full of attractions—historic, eco-oriented, and recreational. You could spend several days’ outings exploring this region, particularly since some sights, such as the Aquarium & Zoo [3], Spittal Pond [4], Crystal and Fantasy Caves [5], and certain beaches, offer hours of possible exploration and enjoyment.

Any of these could also be visited as part of a drive east to St. George’s, since all are easily accessible from the main roads. Cafés, restaurants, and ice cream parlors, like those at Flatts Village [6], Collector’s Hill, Crawl, or Bailey’s Bay [7], offer many options for libation and meals en route. Kayak and sailboard rentals, scuba, snorkeling, and sport-fishing outings can also be arranged through several operators located here.

Beginning in Flatts, a whole day’s outing could be tailored to a circuit of Harrington Sound [8] itself, encompassing visits to the Aquarium, Museum & Zoo [3], the caves, parks, beaches, or historic sites like Holy Trinity Church [9], and any number of restaurants or cafés along the way. Shopping and organized entertainment in both parishes, however, are slim pickings, with only a handful of retail outlets, mostly tiny stores inside key attractions.

Accommodations are also few, so it’s likely you would venture here from other parishes. Mopeds, taxis, and buses are efficient ways to get around; well-marked bus stops are outside most of the main sights.

As elsewhere, the Railway Trail offers lovely out-of-the-way views, coastal serenity, and glimpses of genuine Bermudian life, though the trail is interrupted by main roads at a couple of points. Several of Bermuda’s best swimming areas are located in these parishes, a mixture of South Shore’s surf and sand and North Shore’s calmer, sometimes beachless rocky coves, snorkeling areas, and deep swimming holes.