Built in 1846, this is one of the oldest cast-iron lighthouses in the world. It was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, shortly after her coronation. For spectacular island and sea views, trek up the 185 steps to the lighthouse’s lantern. The adjacent restaurant, the Dining Room, is open for lunch and dinner, and serves pastas, pizzas and more-substantial entrées.
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Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse
There are half a dozen lighthouses to visit in Bermuda, and with over 300 shipwrecks dotting the island, you get to wondering how many potential shipwrecks these lighthouses have helped to prevent over years. With such an impressive (and dangerous) coral reef all around the island, these warning beams are essential. Gibbs Hill in particular was built in 1846 and is still active. Hurricane Fabian caused substantial damage in 2003, but in 2012, the government announced it would soon begin a $500,000 restoration project of the lighthouse. It is located on the highest point of the island in Southampton Parish.
Climb into Bermuda's Nautical Past
Casting brilliant light to warn of reefs and rocks, Bermuda’s lighthouses have served as beach beacons for more than a hundred years. Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world, has kept watch over Southampton Parish since 1846. The 185 step spiral staircase is a workout, but the view at the top is worth the extra exertion. Built of Bermuda stone in 1879, St. David’s Lighthouse can be found on St. David’s Island. Climb the 208 feet for spectacular views of St. George’s and the reefs of the south shore. With a drawbridge, a fort, and a moat, a former munitions warehouse is home to the Bermuda Maritime Museum, which holds collections and exhibits on whaling, shipbuilding, and shipwrecks.
Dine Beneath a Lighthouse at The Dining Room at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
Located in the former home of the lighthouse keeper, The Dining Room at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is a unique and memorable choice. Energize before, or recharge after, climbing the 185 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Breakfast items include cod hash with poached eggs, omelets, pancakes, and pan-seared black pudding. The lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, specialty burgers, fish chowder, and gourmet pizza. Atlantic salmon, pasta, poultry dishes, and a large wine list fill the dinner menu. This is also an excellent spot for catching Bermuda’s beautiful South Shore sunsets. Dinner is served every day, lunch on Thursday through Saturday, and breakfast on Sundays.
