Devonshire Parish: An Insider’s Guide to a Central Community
Devonshire is one of only two parishes without a hotel property, which may be one of the reasons it is sometimes overlooked by visitors. Centrally located and largely residential, this parish is much more than meets the eye of the passer-by. It's shaped by everyday Bermudian life, neighbourhood parks, sports fields, golf and racetracks.
- Outdoor spaces in Devonshire parish, Bermuda
- Sports and events in Devonshire parish
- Why you must play golf at Ocean View Golf Club
- How to get involved in the local community in Devonshire
- Best places to eat in Devonshire parish
If you’re looking for things to do in Devonshire Parish, this is your guide to experiencing it like a local, beyond the main roads and into the green spaces, sporting traditions, and local favourites that give the parish its character.
Find the Green Spaces
Devonshire is a great parish to get outside, whether you want to walk, run, picnic, or simply find a little space that feels like your own.
The Arboretum is one of the parish’s green treasures, with open lawns, towering trees, community workout equipment, and walking paths that make it ideal for stretching your legs. It’s a local hotspot for exercise, dog walks, family time, and a little bit of serenity.
Mary Prince Park adds another important layer to the parish. Named in honour of Bermudian abolitionist Mary Prince, the park offers a place for recreation while recognising one of the most significant figures in Bermuda’s history. This park is more like a nature reserve offering views of the South Shore and Devonshire Bay. Since it is hidden within a quiet neighborhood, this is where to go for some real peace and quiet.
The Bermuda Railway Trail also passes through Devonshire, giving walkers, runners, and cyclists another way to experience the parish away from the main roads. Follow the trail and you’ll pass through residential neighbourhoods and pockets of greenery that offer a glimpse into everyday island life.
Local tip: The parks are open year-round, but in the summer months it is advised to head out early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat.
Experience Bermuda’s Biggest Events
If you want to experience Bermuda like a local, check what's happening at the National Sports Centre. Home to the island's national stadium, it's where Bermudians come together to cheer on football matches, athletics competitions, swimming championships, rugby tournaments, and community sporting events throughout the year.
But it's not just about sport. The National Sports Centre also hosts some of Bermuda's biggest concerts, festivals, cultural celebrations, and family events, making it a gathering place for the whole island. Whether you're joining thousands of fans for an international match or enjoying a live music performance under the stars, there's an unmistakable sense of community that's hard to find anywhere else.
Experiencing an event here offers a glimpse into everyday Bermudian life, where sport, music, and culture bring people together.
Local tip: Before your trip, check the National Sports Centre's event calendar. Whether it's a football match, athletics meet, concert, or cultural festival, joining the local crowd is one of the best ways to experience Bermuda beyond the beaches.
Play a Round at Ocean View
Golf has been part of Devonshire's story for over a century, and Ocean View Golf Course is where that legacy continues. Dating back to the 1890s, it is one of Bermuda's oldest continuously operating golf courses. Originally established by the British Military Garrison, the course became Ocean View Golf Course in 1950 and has been managed by the Bermuda Government since 1998.
As the sister course to Bermuda's championship Port Royal Golf Course, Ocean View offers a more relaxed golfing experience while still delivering spectacular views across Bermuda's North Shore. Conveniently located just minutes from the City of Hamilton, it's an accessible course for visitors looking to enjoy a round without travelling far.
Local tip: While there, take time to learn about the fascinating history of this course.
Catch the Excitement at the Racetrack
Bermuda’s sporting traditions are not limited to cricket, football, and golf. At the National Equestrian Centre, visitors may have the chance to see another side of island life through equestrian events and harness pony racing.
Pony racing has a dedicated local following, and race days bring together competitors, families, and spectators for an experience that feels distinctly Bermudian. If an event is taking place during your visit, it is worth adding to the itinerary.
Local tip: Pony racing and equestrian events are seasonal, check the events calendar before heading over.
Stay for the Flavour
Devonshire's food scene is all about authentic local flavours, with neighbourhood favourites that keep Bermudians coming back.
No visit is complete without stopping at Seaside Grill, home to one of the island's favourite fish sandwiches. Freshly fried fish piled high with classic toppings makes it a must-try for visitors.
For more Caribbean flavours, Reggae Soca Spice serves up generous portions of Jamaican-inspired dishes, with a patio that offers unbeatable views of the North Shore. It's the perfect place to experience another layer of Bermuda's rich cultural influences.
Local tip: Always ask what the fresh catch is for your fish sandwich, and don’t be afraid to ask Bermudians what their favorite fish is.
Devonshire is a parish where people live, train, play sport, walk the trails, meet in the parks, and stop for a fish sandwich on the way home.
Its central location makes it easy to explore, but the real reason to spend time here is to experience a side of Bermuda that feels less like an itinerary and more like everyday island life.