No matter where you travel in Bermuda it is hard to miss the profuse array of flowers and trees that line the roadsides. Many trees native to the island produce scented flowers that fill the air with perfume. The Botanical Gardens in Paget is one of Bermuda’s major attractions. The 35-acre landscaped park contains hundreds of clearly identified flowers, shrubs and trees, including a vast collection of subtropical fruit, hibiscus, an aviary, banyan trees and a garden for the blind. A good way to see the expanse of gardens is to take the walking tour, which lasts for 90 minutes and stretches from the Point Finger Road, to Berry Hill and the South Shore Road. The Bermuda Botanical Society operates the Visitor Centre open from 9:30am to 3:30pm (except Holidays) and holds a walking tour of the Gardens on Tuesdays & Fridays 10:30 am year-round, weather permitting, beginning at the Visitors Centre. The Visitor Centre also has a wonderful Craft Shop with lots of unique gift items, and a place to have sandwich, coffee, tea or cool drink.
The Botanical Gardens is the site of the Bermuda Annual Exhibition, when local farmers, school children and amateur exhibitors bring out their produce, flowers, handicraft and baked goods to compete. This 3-day event takes place in late April each year and fun for the whole family.
Camden House
"Camden" is the official residence of the Premier used only for offical functions, not a living quarters. It is an historic example of typical Bermudian architecture, it was first built in the early 1700's and houses wonderful antiques and art. It was a private residence primarily to the Tucker family. The Hon. Henry Tucker purchased it in 1823 and was the Mayor of Hamilton from 1851 to 1870. He produced large quantities of arrowroot on the property creating an "Arrowroot Factory", which was considered high quality product in Great Britain and the USA. The property eventually sold to the Bermuda Government as an extension of the Botanical Gardens. Free tours are given on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12noon to 2pm, unless official functions are scheduled. Plan to see this beautiful old Bermuda home after the Botanical Gardens tour!
Botanical Gardens Visitors Center
The Bermuda Botanical Society operates the Visitor Centre open from 9:30am to 3:30pm (except Holidays) and holds a walking tour of the Gardens on Tuesdays & Fridays 10:30 am year-round, weather permitting, beginning at the Visitors Centre. The Visitor Centre also has a wonderful Craft Shop with lots of unique gift items, and a place to have sandwich, coffee, tea or cool drink.
