St. George's Bermuda: A Walk Through History

Ever wanted to step back in time and experience what life was like in a bygone era? In St. George, Bermuda you can essentially do just that.

This quaint former capital of Bermuda gives you a glimpse into centuries of the island’s history and culture. As you stroll down the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel transported to the town in the 17th century.

With its ramparts, churches, and traditional Bermudian buildings, St. George earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Whether you’re interested in architecture, religion, a history of slavery, or maritime history, you’ll find remnants of Bermuda’s past around every corner in this open-air museum.

The best part? Unlike stuffy indoor museums, you can experience history here while enjoying the beautiful scenery and pleasant weather Bermuda is known for.

A visit to St. George is a must for any traveler seeking to understand Bermuda. In just one short walk through town, you’ll learn more about the island’s culture and roots than any textbook could teach you. So take your time exploring each historic nook and cranny. St. George is a place that deserves to be savored.

5 Things to Know about St. George Bermuda

Technically, Bermuda is not considered a Caribbean Island; it is located in the North Atlantic Ocean
The main areas of St. George are walkable
While St. George is walkable, you will at times, find the need to walk uphill to reach your destination; pace yourself
You can walk to Tobacco Bay Beach if you don't mind the 15-20 minute walk from the town center
A visit to Lili Bermuda is a must do. If you can't make it to the main shop on St. George, you will find the perfumes sold at many other shops across the island

Why St. George Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

St. George should be on the itinerary of any history buff visiting Bermuda. Its exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture, fortifications, and churches provide an educational glimpse into life during an important time in the New World. No wonder it has achieved such an esteemed UNESCO honor.

A Long and Rich History

St. George earned its UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its exceptionally long and well-preserved history. Bermuda was first inhabited in the early 1600s, and St. George’s was established shortly thereafter in 1612, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied colonial towns in the New World.

The town has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with many of its colonial buildings still standing. Some of its oldest historic buildings are the forts dating back to 1612 and 1621, like the ruins of Paget Fort and Southampton Fort.

Exploring the ramparts and buildings of St. George’s various forts is like stepping back in time. They demonstrate how military defense structures evolved from the early 1600s through the 19th century. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about how cannons were loaded and fired, soldiers lived and trained, and strategies for protecting the town were developed over time.

St. George also has some of the oldest Anglican churches in the Western Hemisphere, including St. Peter’s Church which was originally built back in 1612. Take a stroll down the historic Duke of York Street to see preserved colonial architecture and get a feel for what life was like centuries ago.

The Unfinished Church: A Place of Worship Frozen in Time

Perched on top of Duke of Kent Street, you'll find one of St. Georges' oldest continually most fascinating historical sites - the Unfinished Church. Construction on this Anglican church began in 1874, intending to replace St. Peter's Church.

Exterior of the Unfinished Church, St. George’s, Bermuda

Progress on the church moved slowly, allowing time for the congregation to become divided between Anglo-Catholics and Protestants. This disagreement ultimately led to the congregation splitting and the church being left unfinished.

The Unfinished Church remains frozen in time, a place of worship abandoned mid-construction. The stone walls stand without a roof, open to the elements. Though damaged by tropical storms over the years, much of the original structure persists.

Interior Unfinished Church, St. George’s Bermuda

Walking around the ruins, you can see the intended grandeur of the design. Tall, arched windows line the sides, and the base of the pillars remain intact.

This relic of Bermuda’s religious history gives a glimpse into the island’s community in the 19th century. Though the Unfinished Church never served its intended purpose, it has become an unintentional monument to Bermuda’s cultural heritage. A must-see for any history buff visiting St. George.

Stroll Through Somers Garden, an Oasis in the Heart of Town

If you're looking for a break from touring and the seasonal crowds, head to Somers Garden for a peaceful respite. Named after Admiral Sir George Somers, the founder of St. George, this beautiful and tranquil garden is located on Duke of York Street.

Moongate, Somers Garden, St. George’s Bermuda

The garden is a nice escape from the crowds around town. Find a bench under the shade of the trees and just enjoy the peace and quiet
Public restrooms are located in the park, so it's a convenient place to stop if you need a break
Don't miss the moongate, an arched trellis gateway that frames picturesque views of the garden

Somers Garden has been an oasis in the heart of St. Georges for over a century. As you wander the paths of the beautiful gardens, lined with tropical flowers and palms, soak in the history around you.

This park was officially dedicated back in 1920 by the then Prince of Wales.

King’s Square: At the Center of It All

The Heart of the Town

King’s Square is home to the Town Hall, located at the east end of Water Street since it was completed in the 1800s.

Town Hall Flagstone St. George’s Bermuda

Building of the Town Hall began in 1802 and still serves as the seat of the local government today. If you peek inside, you’ll see the desk in the center of the room where the secretary still handwrites the official minutes, just as it was done over 200 years ago.
Surrounding the square are historical homes, churches, and businesses that showcase a range of architectural styles from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Interior of Town Hall St. George, Bermuda

A stroll down King’s Square through this open-air museum transports you back in time and gives context to the deep history and cultural traditions of this British overseas territory. King’s Square has witnessed significant events, daily life, celebrations, and change in the town of St. Georges over hundreds of years.

A Lasting Legacy

King’s Square represents the very heart and soul of this UNESCO World Heritage site, with enduring landmarks that provide a direct connection to the past and a source of civic pride. Its central role in community life for centuries gives St. Georges a sense of timelessness that will inspire you and stay with you long after you’ve left the island.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Wahoo’s, a Local Favorite

A Must-Try: Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio

During your visit to St. George, enjoying some fresh seafood at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio is a must. This popular local restaurant is situated right along the harbor, offering gorgeous views of the water and boats docked in Somers Wharf.

Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio Menu St. George’s Bermuda

We've stopped into Wahoo’s to have lunch on our last two trips to St. Georges, Bermuda. We’ve found the food to always be good and the waterfront views a reason to keep coming back.

Lobster Ravioli Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio St. George’s Bermuda

Their menu has something for everyone in your group, whether you prefer fish, steak, salads or pasta. However, they are particularly known for their wahoo nuggets - bite-sized pieces of wahoo, a firm white fish caught right off the island.

This restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. For that reason we recommend making reservations, especially if dining during peak season or on weekends. Be sure to reserve a table on the outdoor patio to fully enjoy the lovely weather and picturesque setting.

Wahoo Nuggets, Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio St. George’s Bermuda

Wahoo’s is open for lunch and dinner; you'll find that the attentive staff and laid-back island vibe will make you feel right at home. You really can’t go wrong with the fresh seafood and beautiful water views at this unpretentious gem.

So much more to see and do in St. George Bermuda

St. George is a treasure trove of Bermudian history and culture. Visit some of the island’s oldest churches, like St. Peter’s Church, to immerse yourself in Bermuda’s religious heritage.

The St. George’s Historical Society Museum also known as the Mitchell House Museum is a nearly 300 year old house that is home to artifacts documenting life in St. George’s since the 1700s. You’ll even find an intact colonial kitchen.

Relax at the beach

Wrap up your day exploring the fortifications and museums of St. George with a sunset stroll along Tobacco Bay Beach. This picturesque cove, lined with palm trees and pastel cottages, is one of Bermuda’s most scenic beaches.

Pull up a lounge chair, go for a swim, or grab a drink at the popular beach-front bar. The pink-hued sky at dusk is the perfect backdrop to a relaxing end of your day discovering the history and culture of St. George’s.

Somers Wharf

When you arrive in St. George by ferry, Somers Wharf will likely be your first stop. This historic wharf is now home to shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite, do some shopping, or just sit and people watch.

Check out the shops along the wharf. You'll find unique locally owned businesses that have everything you need from souvenirs to beach essentials.
One of the most popular eateries on the wharf is Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio. They offer casual fare like fish and chips, burgers, and salads with stunning views of the harbor.

Somers Wharf provides a glimpse into the history of St. Georges while also embracing modern-day conveniences for visitors. You could easily spend an entire afternoon wandering the shops, dining al fresco, and simply enjoying the surroundings. The wharf's picturesque setting amid pastel-colored buildings and sailboats bobbing in the azure water may make you feel as though you've stepped back in time.

Take a stroll down the charming cobblestone paths of Somers Wharf. You never know what hidden gems you might discover in this historic heart of St. George’s.

Lili Bermuda Perfumery

A Sweet-Smelling Stop

No trip to St. George, Bermuda is complete without visiting the Lili Bermuda Perfumery. Located on Queen Street, this world-renowned perfumery is known for hand-mixing and bottling their fragrances. It’s worth stopping in just to browse their delightful scents.

You can take a free tour to see how their perfumes and colognes are created using essences and oils from around the world. Watch as their perfumer expertly blend notes of citrus, florals, woods and spices. Tours are given daily at 11am and 3pm except for Sundays and public holidays
You can book afternoon tea in their garden on Wednesdays and Saturdays
You can create your own custom fragrance by choosing from their selection of essential oils. The Perfume Workshop is available every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00-12:30. A unique souvenir to take home!

A trip to this perfumery paradise will delight your senses and leave you smelling as sweet as the island’s pink sand beaches and pastel-colored cottages. Be sure to leave room in your luggage to take home one of their signature scents as your own bottled memory of exploring the historic St. Georges.

Final Thoughts - Is St. George's Bermuda worth a visit?

As you wander the historic streets and alleyways, soaking in the architecture of the colonial buildings, you realize St. Georges isn't just a place, it's an experience. An experience that transports you back in time and allows you to connect with Bermuda's fascinating history in an authentic way.

So take your time exploring all this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. Chat with the locals and embrace the unhurried pace of island life.

By the end of your visit, you'll understand why St. Georges is considered the jewel of Bermuda and a living museum of the island's colonial past. A perfect escape to the past that you'll find hard to leave behind.

Enjoy the Journey!

A Walk Through History: Exploring St. George, Bermuda a UNESCO World Heritage Site

5 Things to Know about St. George Bermuda