This picturesque drawbridge dates back to 1620 and links Bermuda Island to Somerset Island (see our guide to Bermuda’s geography). Although it was rebuilt in the 20th century, much of the original stonework remains.
Somerset Bridge is reputedly the smallest ‘drawbridge’ in the world. The central plank can be raised, creating a gap just wide enough for the mast of a sailboat to pass through. If the captain is sailing alone, he’ll need to wait for an obliging pedestrian to assist.
There’s a small waterside park to the east of the bridge with picnic tables and a lawn. It’s a great place to relax and watch the boats pass by. The Somerset Bridge Post Office here closed in 2014.
Somerset Bridge is situated in Sandys, just over 4 miles from Dockyard. Bus services 7 and 8 stop nearby. There’s free parking next to the post office.
Robinson’s Marina is on the other side of the bridge. It is home to a number of businesses such as a marine service station, fishing charter boats, and Blue Water Divers.
Somerset Bridge is also on the Railway Trail. The section to the north goes up to Somerset village and clings to the coast for much of the way. The 2-mile stretch features sights such as Fort Scaur, the Heydon Trust Chapel, and the Gilbert Nature Reserve.
Beautiful little bridge with a pleasant park area adjacent to it. Didn’t see any boats passing under it, despite waiting for an hour or so.