Royal Naval Dockyard

The Basics

Learn about Bermuda’s history at the National Museum of Bermuda, located in the heart of a former navy fortress. Stroll through the 19th-century dockyard and shop at the Clocktower Mall, the Dockyard Glassworks, or the craft market—then head to Snorkel Park Beach to rent a kayak, pedal boat, or Jet Ski.

Most Bermuda island tours include a stop at the Royal Navy Dockyard, whether you opt to leave from Hamilton or St. George’s. Sightseeing can be done on foot, in a traditional tour vehicle, or via Segway. As the dockyard area is adjacent to the cruise port, many excursions originate from the Island Tour Centre there.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Public docking for those arriving by boat is available for a maximum of three hours. Vessels can contact the dockmaster to inquire about extended stays.

• There are a handful of restaurants at the Royal Naval Dockyard, including the famous Frog and Onion Pub.

• A free trolley shuttle service operates around the dockyard in summer.

How to Get There

The Royal Naval Dockyard is located in Sandy's Parish on the westernmost point of Bermuda. The outpost can be reached via regularly departing ferries from Hamilton and by bus, taxi, car, or rented moped.

When to Get There

Bermuda is busiest from May through October. Those wishing to avoid the major crowds (especially from cruise ships) would do well to visit in March or April, when the weather is just starting to warm up.

Royal Naval Dockyard History

Following the American Revolution, the British lost all of their strategic ports on the US mainland and instead turned to their "Gibraltar of the West:” the Royal Naval Dockyard. The dockyard remained a strategic base in the Atlantic for England and an active shipyard through WWI and WWII, until it stopped serving the Royal Navy in 1951.

What is the history of the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda?

The history of Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard dates back to the early 1800s, when it was built to be Britain’s strategic defense post in the Atlantic. The Royal Navy abandoned the dockyard in 1951 and today it is home to the island’s biggest cruise ship pier, plus many restaurants, stores, and other attractions.

What are the top attractions to see at the Royal Naval Dockyard?

The top attractions at the Royal Naval Dockyard are the National Museum of Bermuda, which is located in a former fortress and houses exhibits on the island’s history; the Clocktower Shopping Mall, housed in a historic building with twin clock towers; and the Spirit of Bermuda ship, a replica of a Royal Navy sloop-of-war ship.

How can I get to the Royal Naval Dockyard from Hamilton or St. George's?

You can get to the Royal Naval Dockyard from Hamilton by taking the high-speed ferry or the bus. From Hamilton, the ferry journey is 20 minutes—around half the time it takes to travel by road. In the summer, the ferry travels from St. George’s to the Dockyard in under an hour.

Is the Royal Naval Dockyard worth visiting?

Yes, the Royal Naval Dockyard is worth visiting—the site has a number of attractions to suit most interests. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re looking to do some shopping in the mall or at local artisan craft stores, where you can find interesting souvenirs.

Are there any restaurants or dining options at the Royal Naval Dockyard?

Yes, there are several dining options at the Royal Naval Dockyard, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. Options include dining on seafood in the Clocktower Shopping Mall, having a British-style pub lunch in the Old Cooperage Building, or enjoying an ice-cream cone on the terrace.

What tips do you have for visiting the Royal Naval Dockyard?

Some tips for visiting the Royal Naval Dockyard include visiting early to avoid the biggest crowds—especially on days when cruise ships are in port—wearing comfortable footwear as the site is spread out, and checking the opening hours of attractions before you go.

Ways to explore

Most cruise ship passengers dock at King’s Wharf or Heritage Wharf, two areas developed to handle large ships. Both are in the heart of the Royal Naval Dockyards where shops, eateries, and hustle and bustle welcome you to Bermuda.

Regardless of whether you’re a cruise ship passenger, the place is open to all and has plenty to do. If you exhaust the shops, restaurants, beach, and museum, there are Royal Naval Dockyard tours that showcase its naval history, and tours by Segway, bike, and boat. Taxis and shuttle services also abound, as it’s a popular start point for Bermuda excursions.

Accessibility

Most areas inside the Royal Naval Dockyard are wheelchair accessible

Age limits

None

What to pack

Beach gear for Snorkel Park Beach, bug spray, cash or card, sunscreen

What to wear

Sun hat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Driving on the right (in case you hire a scooter or electric car)

Amenities

ATM for Bermudian dollars, eateries, shops, free shuttle service around the dockyard

Address 

The Royal Naval Dockyard is on the far tip of Bermuda’s West End. It’s a key tourist hub, and basically everyone on the island knows where it is.

Driving

If you have an electric car or moped, just head west. Harbor Road and South Shore Road offer scenic views, while Middle Road is generally the quickest option. There are short-stay car parks and a longer-stay car park near the Clocktower Mall.

Public transportation

Ride the #8 bus from Hamilton to Dockyard. Buses depart roughly every half hour from early morning until late evening, although they stop for a few hours around lunchtime.

Best times to visit

Come in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the cruise ship rush.

Best days to visit

If you’re not a cruise ship passenger, visit on a day when there are fewer boats docked. Weekends tend to be especially busy.

Best months to visit

High season between May and September is when the Dockyard is at its liveliest

Special events

Stop by during the holiday season for Holiday Fest, which offers family fun and food on the North Lawn and in the Frog and Onion pub.