If you didn’t manage to get a window seat on the plane, or simply got too inebriated on complimentary beverages, you can still get a bird’s eye view of Bermuda from the top of the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Unfortunately you’re going to have to climb 185 steps for the privilege.
Constructed in 1844 the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world. The hill on which the lighthouse stands is 245 feet high while the lighthouse itself measures 117 feet. A 1,000 watt bulb sits inside a lens revolving in a trough of 1,200 pounds of mercury. The light beam it emits can be seen by ships 40 miles away and from a distance of 120 miles by a plane flying at 10,000 feet.
Most of Bermuda, including South Shore Park, Hamilton, the Fairmont Southampton hotel and the Great Sound, can be seen from the top of the lighthouse. Between late February and May you may also spot whales migrating to their summer feeding grounds. So don’t forget that camera!!! For a closer look try Blue Water Divers & Watersports or Fantasea Bermuda’s whale watching trips.
While you’re there, check out the panorama from Queen’s View. It’s named after Queen Elizabeth II who paused here in 1953 to wonder at the scenery. A commemorative plaque nearby marks the spot.
After (or before) climbing all those steps you may need to visit the Dining Room restaurant for some refreshments.
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A must destination as this is the oldest lighthouse in North America having been erected in 1846. 185 steps to the top offers a breathtaking view of the Dockyard, Hamilton and points in between. A walk around the outside deck is breathtaking and not for the queasy. What a bargain at 2.50.
My wife and I flew visited Gibbs Lighthouse. If you get dropped off at the bus stop it’s quite a hike just to get there (not for the elderly consider a taxi). Once inside the lighthouse it is again quite a hike to the top but well worth the view. There is a nice little cafe and a gift shop as well. As for the residents? You couldn’t ask for better people.
I love Bermuda and when we reached the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse we felt on top of the world. Also we spotted an upside down piece, out of all the reconstructed pieces from England, which amused my sister greatly. The only problem was I am not so great with heights and felt rather vulnerable on top. I think that people should have a bit more cover. Very enjoyable.
During our stay on Bermuda, my wife and I visited Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. The view from the top is worth the climb of 185 steps.The small gift shop is well stocked and welcoming. An asset to the island!.
I just came back from a cruise with my parents and my husband. There were A LOT of steps and I’m still sore from the hike but it was definitely worth it. You can see forever from the top!
If you don’t want to get around Bermuda via motorbike or taxi, buy a pass at the stand located near the bus stop at King’s Wharf. For $29 each we bought a 3-day pass good for unlimited travel on the bus or ferry. When we got off the bus to visit Gibbs Hill Lighthouse it was a ten minute walk (too tough for the elderly). The cost to get into the lighthouse is $2.50 as of 6/2008. NOT $10 as the lady at the King’s Wharf information booth told us. I am in pretty good shape, but was huffing and puffing up the 185 steps. You can take things slower as there are areas inside the lighthouse to stop and read info/look at pictures. I was just anxious to get to the top. The view is spectacular! The gift shop is really small and disappointing. There were only a handful of souvenir lighthouse t-shirts. There is a very cute/quaint 1-person restroom located separate from the building outside.
I just came back from Bermuda on June 15, 2008. I went on a cruise from New York City. The ship was docked for 3 days. I was amazed and was not expecting Bermuda to be so beautiful, clean, and safe. This is an island that everyone should visit at least once. It is a paradise. I hope they keep it like that. There are few places in the world like Bermuda. The people are so friendly. I have so much to say that it will not be enough. Just go there and you will know what I am talking about. I felt like I was in garden. Everywhere you look is green with flowers. I want to go back soon!
My boyfriend and I drove our mopeds to this lighthouse all the way from the Hamilton port. We took a cruise to Bermuda in mid September 07. It was dark at the time we went to the lighthouse, which was best because you could see how far out the light from the lighthouse can go. We also made a stop at the Queens View, and soaked in how beautiful Bermuda truly was. It was a little spooky though because there was almost no street lighting where this lighthouse is, and it was exciting not knowing who/what could be lurking around each turn. I can’t wait to go back, it truly was a lifetime experience.
I went up in the lighthouse back in 1976 when I was 18 years old and on spring break, and thought it was one of the most beautiful views I’d ever seen in my life at the time. Now nearing age 50, I still think it (and all of Bermuda) is the most beautiful scenery in the world. I went back to Bermuda a few times after that initial visit, and will forever love that island. I only wish I could qualify to live there permanently. The residents are blessed to have such a lovely paradise to call home.
Ben, you probably would go blind. But it’s not open at night.
I think Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of the best places to get a good view of the island. The only bad thing is that if it is at night and you turn around, you have a good chance of going blind, if you know what I mean!