Hamilton Parish

Introducing Hamilton Parish

Water views abound in this parish, which wraps around scenic Harrington Sound. Bermuda's largest inland body of water, the sound is bordered to the south by Bermuda's most exclusive golf course, to the north by Bailey's Bay and to the west by Flatts Village. Peppered around the rest of the sound are fine upscale homes in enviable settings.

On the surface Harrington Sound has the appearance of a calm lake, but it is in fact a saltwater bay, connected to the sea by a narrow inlet at Flatts. In the village of Flatts, you'll find the island's most-visited sightseeing attraction. Environmentally distinguished and superbly presented, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo should make it onto any itinerary, doubly so for those with kids. The village's quirky railway museum can also be fun.

The parish's second village, Bailey's Bay, is a geographic wonder potholed with grand limestone caves and caverns. Virtually every place in Bailey's Bay seems to center around them. A trail through the village's Blue Hole Park winds along a series of caverns; the Grotto Bay Hotel has two awesome caves right on its grounds; and if you want to see the champion of them all, there's mammoth Crystal Caves which can be visited on a guided tour.

Beaches are few in the parish, but Shelly Bay Park is a popular family spot as the waters are shallow and there is a cool playground and decent snorkeling. Kayaking, sailing and diving are all available at the Grotto Bay Hotel. Or for a uniquely Bermudian underwater adventure, consider a helmet dive with Bermuda Bell Diving in Flatts.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009