Gibbs Hill Lighthouse — Landmark Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Tell us a bit about this place. What makes it historically significant? Originally constructed by Royal Engineers in 1846, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world. Once you ascend the 185-step spiral staircase, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama from atop an outdoor platform. Indeed, this 117-foot-tall, whitewashed Southampton landmark offers Bermuda’s best bird's-eye view, so get your camera ready and start climbing. Any standout features or must-sees? If you’re skittish about heights, there's still plenty to take in; after all, the lighthouse sits atop an eponymous hill about 245 feet above sea level, where you’ll be treated to views of the south shore, the City of Hamilton, the Great Sound, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. But those who do make the trek will be rewarded with something truly special. Spot landmarks like the bright pink Fairmont Southampton , white-roofed cottages galore, and, if you’re lucky, migrating whales. If we want a bit more guidance, are there any staff members on hand to help out? There are no guides here, but there are several exhibits about the lighthouse's construction placed intermittently as you climb. There's an especially interesting display about the light itself: a two-and-three-quarter-ton lens and 1,000-watt electric bulb that can be seen from ships up to 40 miles away and by airplanes cruising at 10,000 feet. What's the crowd like? Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, located about five minutes from Horseshoe Bay, gets lots of folks who’ve spent part of their day lounging on the beach. Don’t be surprised to see tourists with sandy toes. Does it meet expectations? There’s simply no better view in Bermuda. So why would you recommend fitting this into our Bermuda touristing schedule? This is a must-see spot for anyone fit enough to climb 185 stairs, and you won’t need much more than an hour to explore the exhibits and take in that view. If you’d like to stay a little longer, grab a meal at Tamarind, a casual Indian restaurant inside the base of the light, which is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and lunch on the weekends." - David LaHuta
