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'Insanely beautiful' British islands 3,000 miles from London with no rivers or lakes
Reach Daily Express | January 5, 2026 5:39 PM CST

Britain still has a number of overseas territories around the world, and some of them look nothing like home. One of the most interesting ones sits far out in the Atlantic and is famous for its warm weather, colourful houses and clear blue water. Many visitors say it is "insanely beautiful" and unlike anywhere else on the planet.

It is also unusual for one reason. The islands have no rivers, no streams and no natural freshwater lakes. Everything people use comes from the sky. These islands are Bermuda. Bermuda is around 3,000 miles from London and is made up of 181 islands and islets.

It covers just over 20 square miles and has a population of around 60,000 people.

Despite its small size, it attracts huge numbers of tourists each year who come for the beaches, the pastel-coloured houses and the sunshine.

Because there is no fresh water underground and no running water from lakes or rivers, every home in Bermuda collects rainwater.

The islands are famous for their white stepped roofs, which slow the rain as it falls and direct it into gutters.

The water is stored in tanks under each house. This system has been used for more than 400 years and is still required by law today.

Residents depend on these tanks completely. There is no mains water supply and no water company.

Homes must have enough storage space for the amount of roof they have, and the design of the roof helps keep the water clean.

The white paint reflects heat and sunlight, which also helps protect the supply.

Visitors often notice the roof design before anything else. The stepped pattern looks unusual, but it is the reason people can live on the islands at all.

It also encourages households to conserve water because they rely on what they collect.

Alongside its unique water system, Bermuda is known for its beautiful scenery.

Horseshoe Bay is one of the most famous beaches, with pink sand and blue water.

Tobacco Bay, near the historic town of St George, is popular for snorkelling and limestone rock formations.

The Crystal Caves also offer underground pools and walkways, and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse has fantastic views across the islands.

The capital, Hamilton, is a small city with shops, cafés and many colourful streets.

Many visitors from the UK say it feels familiar because of British-style buildings and red post boxes, even though the climate is much warmer.

As far as Bermuda's history is concerned, it was discovered in 1505 and settled by the English in 1609. It remains a British Overseas Territory and still has strong ties to the UK.


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