All About Bermuda’s 9 Parishes
Bermuda’s rich history, charm, and natural beauty are spread across nine distinct parishes on our 21-square-mile island. Originally known as “tribes” and named after influential figures from Bermuda’s early colonial days, these areas were designed to be equal in size, with St. George’s as the exception. Today, each parish has its own unique character, reflecting the island's storied past.
- People & Culture
Whether you’re discovering historic landmarks, lounging on pink-sand beaches, or getting lost in nature, you’ll find something extraordinary at every turn. So, get ready to explore the nine parishes of our island paradise — where getting a little lost is half the fun!
1. Sandys Parish: A Maritime Wonderland
Named After: Sir Edwin Sandys, English politician and a founder of the Virginia Company
Sandys Parish, located at Bermuda’s westernmost tip, has been a cornerstone of the island’s maritime history for centuries. At the heart of this parish is the Royal Naval Dockyard, which once served as a strategic military outpost and has now transformed into a lively cultural hub filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment. After exploring the Dockyard, take a dip at Snorkel Park Beach Club, explore the charming Somerset Village — home to the world’s smallest drawbridge, Somerset Bridge — or dive deeper into the island’s rich heritage at the National Museum of Bermuda.
2.Southampton Parish: Iconic Beaches & Golf Retreats
Named After: Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton
Situated on Bermuda’s West End, the Southampton Parish is a top destination for relaxation and recreation. Here, you’ll find some of Bermuda’s most beloved beaches along Bermuda’s South Shore, including the iconic Horseshoe Bay Beach. With its crescent-shaped shoreline and pink sands, it’s a postcard-perfect destination that you can’t miss. Southampton is also home to the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world. If you're looking for more outdoor adventure, this parish also boasts two top-tier golf courses: Port Royal Golf Course, consistently ranked among the world’s best public courses, and the Turtle Hill Golf Club, where you can perfect your swing while enjoying stunning ocean views.
3. Warwick Parish: Scenic Beaches & Tranquil Parks
Named After: Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick
In the south-central area of the island, Warwick offers a mix of beaches and serene parks. Warwick Long Bay is one of Bermuda’s longest and most scenic beaches, known for its pink sand and rolling dunes. Nearby, Jobson’s Cove is a secluded, tiny stretch of pink sand surrounded by cliffs, providing a picturesque spot for swimming and snorkelling. In addition to its natural beauty, Warwick is home to the historic Southlands Estate, a 37-acre property featuring gorgeous gardens and walking trails.
4.Paget Parish: A Botanical Oasis
Named After: William Paget, 4th Baron Paget of Beaudesert
Paget is a central parish known for its beaches and gardens. Named after William Paget, the 4th Baron Paget de Beaudesert, this parish is where you’ll find the Botanical Gardens, a living museum of Bermuda’s flora, the lush Paget Marsh and Boardwalk nature reserve, and Elbow Beach, which features magnificent stretches of pink sand for sunbathing.
5.Pembroke: The Island’s Vibrant Hub
Named After: Henry Pembroke, 3rd Earl of Pembroke
Home to Bermuda’s capital city of Hamilton, Pembroke Parish is the beating heart of the island located in the centre of Bermuda. This bustling area is packed with things to do, from great restaurants and shopping on Front Street to the famous Bermuda National Gallery, a world-renowned contemporary art museum. You can also find many attractions and historic sites in Pembroke, including Victoria Park, Admiralty House Park, and Fort Hamilton.
6.Devonshire Parish: A Nature Lovers Paradise
Named After: William Cavendish, 1st Earl of Devonshire
Named after William Cavendish, the 1st Earl of Devonshire, Devonshire Parish is a quiet retreat in central Bermuda, renowned for its natural landmarks and outdoor experiences. This parish is home to the Arboretum, a 22-acre park ideal for picnicking and nature walks. It’s also where you’ll find the Devonshire Marsh, a protected area teeming with wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
7. Smith’s Parish: The Quiet Beauty
Named After: Sir Thomas Smith, English aristocrat and treasurer of the Virginia Company
Smith’s Parish, located in south-central Bermuda, is a quiet yet captivating area known for its rolling hills, secluded beaches, and the picturesque Flatt’s Village. Among its many highlights is John Smith’s Bay, a stunning pink sand beach named after Captain John Smith, the same explorer who famously encountered Pocahontas during his time at Jamestown.
For nature enthusiasts, Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is a must-visit. As Bermuda’s largest bird sanctuary, it offers scenic trails that wind through beautiful landscapes, leading to breathtaking ocean views. The reserve is also home to Portuguese Rock, a historic site where early settlers inscribed their arrival in 1543, leaving a tangible mark of Bermuda’s early history. Be sure to visit Harrington Sound, a large inland body of water connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a small channel named Flatt’s Inlet. Surrounded by lush landscapes and limestone cliffs, its the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.
8. Hamilton Parish: Natural Wonders & Family Fun
Named After: James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton
Not to be confused with the city of the same name, Hamilton Parish is a nature lover’s paradise located along Bermuda’s northern coast. Among its must-see attractions are the Crystal Caves, discovered in 1907 by two young boys chasing a cricket ball. These caves dazzle with glittering crystal formations and clear blue waters, offering a magical underground experience.
Just a short distance away, Blue Hole Park invites visitors to explore its walking trails, hidden caves, and calm, clear waters. Hamilton Parish also features a scenic stretch of the Bermuda Railway Trail, which follows the path of the old railway that once connected the island’s rail network. It’s ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride, offering beautiful views and historical markers along the way. For those seeking an educational outing, the world-famous Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo provides an engaging look at the island’s natural history and diverse marine life, making it an ideal destination for families.
