The beautiful little island ‘owned by UK’ but closer to New York than London

The stunning island of Bermuda is a self-governing British overseas territory nestled in the western North Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago consists of seven main islands with about 170 additional islets and rocks. 

Bermuda is one of the world’s most prosperous economies, largely accredited to its offshore finance industry, despite having a total population of just 63,900 residents. 

Visitors have a plethora of reasons to visit the island all year-round.

Painted with unique pink-sand coastlines, world-class golf courses, historic buildings and a subtropical climate, the territory is an attractive destination for tourists. 

Even though Bermuda spans just 21 miles in length and just one mile at its widest point, the archipelago spoils visitors for choice with its beaches. The South Shore has some of the best, with Horseshoe Bay being the most popular. 

The busiest time on the island is from June to September, with August being the warmest month – temperatures reach upwards of 30C in the summer season.

For those who wish to visit but aren’t perhaps going to sunbathe, February is the coldest month at just 14C.

There are many activities on offer throughout the winter too, with multiple cultural heritage sites, geological history, diving excursions and beautiful walking trails to explore. 

Although a British territory, the closest major city to Bermuda is New York, just a 90-minute direct flight away from JFK which is offered daily. For Brits wanting to visit, London offers direct flights as well, yet the journey will take just under eight hours.  

The island is said to have been discovered by the 16th century Spanish explorer, Juan de Bermudez, before England settled in the late 17th century.

Due to the number of slaves brought over from Africa, outnumbering the colonists, three-fifths of the population today are of African descent – the remainder are mostly of European heritage. 

An independence referendum was held in Bermuda on 16 August 1995 for voters to decide whether Bermuda should become an independent sovereign state or remain a British Dependent Territory. 

The islanders overwhelmingly rejected independence. Out of a voter turnout of 59%, 73% voted against. Following the decisive result, Premier John Swan, who had been in favour of independence, resigned from his post after losing the national vote.