Bermuda - Touring Sandy's Parish & West End

Sandy's Parish and The West End are justa 45-minute ferry ride from Hamilton and about 35 minutes by bus, and about 20 minutes by ferry boat, by far the best way to go. Sandy’s Parish (pronounced SANDS) is the barb of the hookshapedisland at the extreme western end of the Bermudian archipelago. It’s the location of the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, now a unique mall full of interesting shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés.

The Village of Somerset is comprised offive small islands at the extreme west end of Bermuda: Somerset, Watford, Boaz, Ireland Island North, and Ireland Island South. Somerset is the largest of the five and, consequently, is the heart of the parish. Somerset is named for Sir George Somers who greatly favored the West End, which for a time was known as Somers’ Seate. It’s mostly a rural area, with small farms and open spaces, craggy coastlines, tiny inlets, coves and wonderful beaches. This sleepy little fishing village has winding lanes, old fortifications, and waves that crash against the rocks on theo cean side, yet sit tranquil in the waters of the sound on the opposite side.

All the attractions are set along the main road from Somerset Bridge on the southern boundary of the parish to the Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland North. This layout makes touring the West End extremely easy. But Sandy’s is best known for the Royal Naval Dockyard, and that’s all most visitors ever see of the parish.

Sandy’s Parish, Somerset and the West End are much more than the Dockyard, and you’ll do well to make time for a proper visit; it can all be done in a day. Take either a bus or taxi to Somerset and begin at the southern end, or else jump on a ferry boat and start at the Dockyard. Another option is renting a moped or bicycle. For variety, consider arriving one way and leaving by another. By bus from Hamilton (or from any stop along the way), go to Somerset Village and ask to get off at Somerset Bridge. By moped or bicycle, head east on Front Street and follow the signs. When you reach the roundabout (a quaint old English improvement on the American fourway
stop), you can either turn west on Harbour Road, or go on to the next roundabout and turn west onto South Road,
following the coastline until it joins Middle Road. From there it’s just a few more scenic miles to Somerset Bridge.

Somerset Bridge is unique because it’s one of Bermuda’s first three bridges, built in the 17th century, and also because it’s the world’s smallest drawbridge. At first glance, you’ll find nothing unusual about the picturesque little bridge, but look more closely and you’ll see the central plank can be raised, leaving a small opening just large enough for a sailboat mast to pass through.

Continued on Page 2

Know Before You Go!