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Bermuda is one of those places that really does have it all, and the lucky visitors who take time to explore find a genuinely welcoming destination, brimming with history, culture, natural beauty and world-class attractions. While it's the epitome of a tropical paradise, it's also lively and cosmopolitan, with something to offer every type of traveller. Holidays to Bermuda are particularly appealing to families, in no small part due to the wonderful island culture (and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world) and the opportunity to soak up all that sunshine. But Bermuda is anything but one-dimensional and there are plenty of other attractions to keep young visitors happy and engaged. Here are a just a few that I've found to be excellent for younger visitors on holidays to Bermuda. St. Catherine Fort If you're over in the St. George area on your holidays to Bermuda, pay a visit to the site of the island's first settlement, St. Catherine Fort, which occupies a picturesque vantage overlooking the ocean. But it's probably not the views that appeal most to youngsters when there's so much exploring to do. The adventure starts immediately, with entry to the fort over the moat (dry, unfortunately!) via a drawbridge. The fun continues as you wander through the exhibits of artefacts and ancient weaponry, then down deep into the eerie underground chambers. If you're still around at sunset, I highly recommend taking the kids to dinner at The Beachhouse at Blackbeard's (right next to the fort) to watch the sun go down. Even hard-to-impress young ones will be captivated. The Crystal Cave Not just fun and fascinating, but actually educational as well (although you might be best keeping that under wraps), the Crystal Caves, in Hamilton Parish, is the largest cave formation in Bermuda. These incredible limestone caves, buried about 36 metres underground, are a truly magical experience for youngsters. Dripping with glittering stalactites and stalagmites, the cave complex is also home to the crystal clear underground Cahow Lake. You can also visit the nearby Fantasy Cave, where the walls are encrusted with calcite mineral deposits, giving it the appearance of being bejewelled with a million tiny waterfalls, frozen in time. Dolphin Quest Situated within the popular dockyard complex, in Sandys Parish (near Hamilton), Dolphin Quest is a fabulous place for kids to get up close and personal with the namesake animals in the display and training centre. There are special dolphin shows every day, and youngsters can get involved in the children's programme where they can hand-feed, touch and even swim with the dolphins. I don't think there's a child (or adult for that matter) in the world who wouldn't enjoy one of the incredible Dolphin Encounter sessions. The Maritime Museum Don’t let the word 'museum' make you think your children won't enjoy this fantastic attraction, which is also in the dockyard complex. With a suitably sombre historical ambience, the museum is set in an ancient fortress once known as 'The Keep'. There's plenty to see, from the massive three-metre statue of King Neptune, to the many fascinating exhibits of maritime artefacts, silver, jewellery, coins and other priceless treasures recovered from the wrecks of hapless ships that came to grief on the surrounding reefs. I can also recommend a visit to the nearby Commissioner's House, which, as the oldest cast-iron structure in the world, is one of Bermuda's most significant buildings. (This tip might be more for the parents than the kids, but it's your holiday too!) Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo As the name suggests, this is actually three attractions rolled into one. Situated in Hamilton Parish, in Flatts Village, in my experience you need to set aside an entire day to do it justice. • The fabulous Natural History Museum has a host of interactive experiences for kids in the Local Tails exhibition, which includes bird calling and identification, conch blowing and using a remote control underwater camera. • The zoo is packed full of unusual Australasian animals your kids would rarely otherwise get to see – including cute tree kangaroos and exotic bear cats. • Last but not least, the aquarium is home to colourful displays of the local marine life, and kids can get up close to some of the funniest-looking creatures from the oceans around Bermuda. There are plenty more child friendly attractions to explore if you have the time on your holidays to Bermuda, but these ones are certainly among the very best. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays to Bermuda, as well as holidays to Croatia, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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