Southampton Parish

Southampton Parish is one of the nine parishes of Bermuda. At the southwest of the island chain, it occupies all of the western part of the main island, except for the westernmost tip. It includes the chain's southernmost point, and its north coast comprises much of the coast of the Little Sound (an arm of the Great Sound, the large expanse of water which dominates the geography of western Bermuda). It had a population of 6,400 in 2016.

Understand

It is named for Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton (1573-1624).

Natural features in Southampton include Whale Bay, Church Bay, Horseshoe Bay, and Riddell's Bay.

Other notable features of Southampton include the Whale Bay Fort, and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, which stands on the chain's highest point.

Get in

• Sea Express, ☏ +1 441 295-4506. ferry service 
  • Green route - to Southampton Parish (Rockaway) from Hamilton and Sandys Parish (Watford Bridge, Cavello Bay)

See

• 1 Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, St Anne's Road. One of the oldest cast iron structures in the world. First lit on May 1, 1846. You can climb its 180 steps to the observation deck surrounding the lamp, which offers spectacular views of the island and the waters around. There is a Tea Room at its base offering drinks and light fare. (updated Sep 2018)
• 2 Whale Bay Battery. Defensive remains 

Do

• 1 Bermuda Golf Academy and Driving Range, 12 Industrial Park Road (Middle Road), ☏ +1 441-238-8800. 
• 2 Horseshoe Bay Beach. Beautiful pink sand beach bordered by rocky areas suitable for snorkeling. Probably the most photographed (and most popular) Bermudian beach. It may be crowded with cruise ship tourists, whose number one stop is often this beach. The surf can get rough at times here. There are bathroom facilities, beach rentals, and food concessions. Lifeguards in summer. Be sure to look for the impressive sea caves and tunnels. (updated Oct 2018)
• 3 Port Royal Golf Course, ☏ +1 441 234 0974. (updated Sep 2018)
• 4 Turtle Hill Golf Course (Fairmount Southampton Princess), ☏ +1 441-238-8000. 

Eat

• 1 Gulfstream, 117 South Road (opposite Horseshoe Beach), ☏ +1 441-238-1897, maresma@northrock.bm. Italian restaurant. 

Drink

• 1 Rum Bum Beach Bar and Grill, Horseshoe Bay Beach, ☏ +1 441-238-0088. (updated Oct 2018)

Sleep

• 1 Fairmont Southampton Hotel, 101 South Shore Rd, ☏ +1 441 238-8000. 
• 2 The Reefs Resort and Club, 56 South Shore, ☏ +1 441 238-0222, toll-free: +1-800-742-2008. (updated Sep 2018)

Go next

• Sandys Parish is to the northwest.
• Warwick Parish is to the northeast.