Bermuda 4u > Attractions > Barr’s Bay Park

Barr’s Bay Park

Barr’s Bay Park lies on the edge of Hamilton Harbour and is a great place to come to relax after shopping in Hamilton. The park is quite small but offers manicured lawns, palm trees, and some benches where you can sit and watch the boats docked at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’s marina.

The site of the park was the setting for one of the most significant events in Bermuda’s history. In February 1835 the Enterprise, an American slave ship, was driven off course by a hurricane while en route from Virginia to South Carolina. She was forced to head to Bermuda for supplies.

Slavery had been abolished in Bermuda and throughout the British Empire the previous year. On discovering that the ship had a human cargo of 78 slaves the Bermuda authorities refused the Enterprise permission to continue her journey.

Check out our guide to John Smith's Bay

Word of the slaves spread throughout the island and the Young Men’s Friendly Lodge obtained writ of Habeas Corpus from the court. It ordered that the captain bring the slaves before the Chief Justice and they answer individually whether they wished to continue to South Carolina or be freed and take up residence in Bermuda.

The slaves were brought ashore at what is now Barr’s Bay Park and were welcomed by a large crowd. At the court all but six, one woman and her children, decided to remain in Bermuda.

In 2010 We Arrive, a bronze sculpture by local artist Chesley Trott, was unveiled in Barr’s Bay Park to commemorate the event. It is one of the points of interest on the island’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail.

Barr’s Bay Park is easy to find. It’s on Hamilton’s waterfront, just a couple of hundred yards west of Hamilton Ferry Terminal and a 10 minute walk from the bus station. Like all public parks in Bermuda it’s open from sunrise to sunset.

Nearby Attractions

Tourist attractions and things to do near Barr’s Bay Park include:

Nearby Restaurants

Restaurants and places to eat and drink near Barr’s Bay Park include:

  • Bouchee (0.1 miles) - French bistro at the western end of Hamilton, close to the Hamilton Princess. Formerly Monty’s.
  • Portofino (0.1 miles) - Established Italian restaurant in Hamilton’s business district.
  • L'Oriental (0.1 miles) - Asian fusion restaurant in Hamilton’s business district. Best known for its sushi and teppanyaki. Situated above the Little Venice.
  • Little Venice (0.1 miles) - Founded in 1971, the Little Venice is Bermuda’s oldest Italian restaurant.
  • Lobster Pot (0.1 miles) - Seafood restaurant established in 1973. Close to Queen Elizabeth Park.
  • Harry's (0.1 miles) - Restaurant and bar overlooking Hamilton Harbour. Close to the Hamilton Princess.
  • Mad Hatters (0.2 miles) - Innovative restaurant offering an eclectic menu. Restaurant is loosely theme around Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Diners can don one of their wacky hats for the night. Located in Pembroke, near the Robin Hood pub, and just a short walk from Hamilton.

Nearby Transport Links

Transport links near Barr’s Bay Park include:

Map

Map showing location of Barr’s Bay Park.

Click here for a detailed map showing all points of interest.

Map showing location of Barr’s Bay Park

Details

Barr’s Bay Park

Address
Pitts Bay Road
Hamilton
Pembroke Parish
Bermuda

Reviews and Additional Information

  1. What a beautiful park. The park is adjacent to what was the “Shore Patrol” office. I was assigned there in 1969 and have fond memories working there. Love to have more information oh the history of that building and park.

    Reply

  2. FYI The 2014 Newport Bermuda Race post-race celebrations will be held here on June 27.

    Reply

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