Historic Houses & Gardens

Among the Bermuda National Trust’s extensive portfolio of historic buildings are four key publicly accessible sites: our headquarters at Waterville, and our three Trust Museums — Verdmont Museum, Globe Museum, and Tucker House Museum (currently closed for building conservation and curatorial redevelopment).

Both Verdmont and Tucker House are designated sites on Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail, and like many of the historic properties under the Trust’s care, they were once sites of enslavement or otherwise associated with historical trauma. These spaces are preserved and interpreted to deepen public understanding of Bermuda’s complex and shared heritage.

While we welcome visitors to Waterville, our most immersive heritage experiences are offered at our historic house museums. Guided tours of Verdmont are available Monday–Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. All visitors to Verdmont and Globe can explore compelling human stories, remarkable collections, and the deeper meanings embedded in these spaces—through recreated rooms, curated exhibits, and historic gardens.

Waterville and Verdmont are also available for private hire, suitable for everything from small meetings to larger outdoor functions. Learn more about our venue hire options.

View all locations on our Map of Properties.

Click here to the museum opening hours.
Globe Museum & Trustworthy Gift Shop

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (until 30 September)

Location: 32 Duke of York Street, St. George’s

Nestled in the heart of St. George’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the corner of King’s Square, the Globe Museum offers a fascinating journey through Bermuda’s history. Housed in one of the oldest stone buildings within the World Heritage property, this 1700 landmark has witnessed over 300 years of life and transformation in St. George’s.

Originally built as Bermuda’s second Government House, the Globe has served various roles throughout its history. It has been home to generations of Bermudians, including enslaved families, and later operated as a hotel where literary icon Mark Twain dined. Today, it stands as a Bermuda National Trust Museum, preserving and sharing the island’s extraordinary heritage.

Step inside this architectural treasure and discover:

  • Bermuda’s Early Settlement: Stories of the island’s first settlers and their challenges.
  • Rogues and Runners: A captivating exhibit on Bermuda’s role in the U.S. Civil War.
  • Boer War Artifacts: Intricately crafted pieces made by South African prisoners of war.
  • Short Films: Engaging visuals about the history of St. George’s and its unique culture.
  • Heritage Activities: Family-friendly experiences and access to a library of heritage titles.

After exploring, take a moment to unwind in the Globe’s serene garden, offering stunning views of St. Peter’s Church, or browse the Trustworthy Gift Shop. The shop features Bermuda National Trust merchandise, books, and handcrafted works by local artisans.

Every visit and purchase supports the Bermuda National Trust’s mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage—for everyone, forever.

Admission: BNT and INTO members FREE; Adults $5; Youth (6 – 16) $2; Under 5 FREE.

Tucker House Museum

Currently Closed for Conservation and Curation

Location: 5 Water Street, St. George’s. 

An African Diaspora Heritage Trail Site

A tour of historic Tucker House, set in the heart of the Old Town on historic Water Street, offers an intriguing window back in time through the stories of the people who lived and worked here. Built around 1752 by a merchant mariner, the house has changed very little in structure since then. It was once the home of Henry Tucker, President of the Governor’s Council, and features an extensive collection of antiques including fine porcelain, portraits and Bermuda-cedar furniture. The old kitchen on the ground floor was once a barber shop run by Joseph Rainey, who was born into slavery and went on to become the first Black US Senator and one of the first Black US Congressmen. The basement houses a fascinating exhibition of artefacts found during an archaeological dig in the grounds of the house.

For more detailed information on Tucker House, view and download our Tucker House Visitor Guide.

Tucker House Museum is temporarily closed to the public in 2025 for essential conservation and restoration of its Grade 1 listed building. During this time, the museum is being reimagined to enhance its role as a historic house museum, ensuring an even more engaging and enriching experience for future visitors.

While Tucker House is closed, we invite you to explore the nearby Globe Museum and other cultural sites in St. George’s to continue immersing yourself in the area’s fascinating history.

Verdmont Museum

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (until 30 September)

Location: 6 Verdmont Lane, off Collectors Hill, Smith’s Parish •  Bus routes and schedules

Step back in time at historic Verdmont, a key site along the African Diaspora Heritage Trail site

dating to 1700 and a Bermuda National Trust museum.

Our live guided tours, offered at 11 am and 1 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, will take you on a captivating 45-minute journey through the museum’s exceptional collections and human stories. Led by expert interpreters, you’ll explore carefully recreated period rooms and lush gardens overlooking Bermuda’s spectacular south shore. Along the way, uncover the remarkable stories behind Verdmont’s rich collections of furniture, art, porcelain, archaeological finds and more.

As a site of enslavement and part of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, Verdmont offers a deeper, honest look into Bermuda’s complex past. The tour thoughtfully reimagines the lives of the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and laboured here, alongside the enslaving merchant families who once owned the property and the post-emancipation families who later lived there.

Prefer to explore at your own pace? Enjoy our self-guided tour and heritage experience available from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Saturday. Wander through our beautifully landscaped heritage gardens, take in spectacular views, and delight in outdoor children’s storywalk all while engaging with our historic house museum filled with unique artefacts and family-friendly activities.

Join us for an unforgettable journey into Bermuda’s heritage — one that brings both its beauty and its truths to life.

Guided Tours:

  • Monday – Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm (until September 30)
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Cost: Adults $25, Youth (6-16) $15, Children (0-5) FREE, BNT and INTO Places members $15

Self-Guided Exploration:

  • Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Cost: Adults: $10, Youth (ages 6-16): $5, Children (0-5) FREE, BNT and INTO Places members FREE

Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in Bermuda’s history and the African Diaspora Heritage Trail
  • Discover period rooms, gardens, and collections of furniture, art, porcelain, and archaeological finds
  • Experience a thoughtful narrative on Bermuda’s complex past, including stories of enslaved peoples and post-emancipation families

Admission & Shopping:

  • Entry to the museum and gardens is included in your tour or self-guided visit
  • Shop BNT merchandise and local crafts at the Trustworthy Gift Shop on the ground floor

Additional Resources:

Your support through admissions, purchases, and donations helps preserve Bermuda’s heritage.

Waterville

Location: 2 Pomander Road, Paget. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays. Entrance is free.

Waterville HQ

Headquarters of the Bermuda National Trust, Waterville is one of the best known old houses in Bermuda. Its most recognisable features are its latticed wooden veranda and curved entrance stairs. Located on the waterfront at the Foot of the Lane, off Pomander Road, the house sits within a beautiful garden and mangrove-fringed park.

Built around 1747, Waterville was at various times a Trimingham family home, a shop and a guest house. The original parlour and dining room on the upper level of the house are open to visitors and display a fine collection of artwork, silver, china  and antique Bermuda cedar furniture. You can drop in  during normal business hours and browse our shop for gifts and books on Bermuda’s heritage.

 

Waterville Park & Gardens

Bird

Location: 2 Pomander Road, Paget. Open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Waterville Park, is one of the most accessible places on the island to see mangroves and the rich variety of wildlife that enjoy this habitat.

A dense stand of native Red Mangroves lines the shore. Their intertwined prop roots are an important habitat for juvenile fish. Green Herons and Yellow-crowned Night Herons can usually be seen perched among their branches.

Duck Island, just off the shore, is also part of the property. The island consists of red and black mangroves and is a haven for ducks, herons and other shorebirds.

 

Rose Garden

This Repository Garden showcases Bermuda Mystery Roses and Old Garden Roses that flourish in Bermuda. It was created and is maintained by the Bermuda Rose Society.

The garden was originally established in 1988. It was redesigned to celebrate the Millennium and officially reopened in April 2001.

A statue of the nymph Daphne, who was changed into a laurel tree to escape the advances of the god Apollo, stands in the centre of the rose garden. It is by the American sculptor Barbara Lekberg and was the gift of Kitty Mount.

 

Mary-Jean Mitchell Green Memorial Garden

The east lawn of Waterville with its gazebo and space for a marquee has been the site of many weddings and other gatherings. Sinuous borders, full of a variety of shrubs and perennials, weave their way around the outside of the lawn.

The garden was created and dedicated in memory of Mary-Jean Mitchell Green, who died in 1990,by her husband Peter Green and sons Alexander and Andrew.