On the northeast side of the island the districts of Savannah, Bodden Town, and East End and North side offer the odd sight that reveals a fuller picture of life on Grand Cayman.

The first stop of note, fifteen miles on from George Town in Savannah, is the Pedro St James Castle , just a mile or so back from the main road; the signs are self-evident (daily 9am-5pm; US$8, US$4 children; tel 345/947-3329). The island's oldest stone building (built in 1870) and the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands, it has been restored to traditional splendor, along with the sprawling grounds - full of tropical fruits and native flora. The visitor centre has a state-of-the-art multimedia theatre, with screens on which the story of the castle unfolds.

After leaving the castle, drive east to Bodden Town, Grand Cayman's original capital. The area has become a bit run-down and there's nothing really to see here, other than the kitschy Pirates Cave, in which the property's owners have placed fake treasure and pirate-bedecked mannequins. A curio shop in front charges a small admission fee.

As you work you way northeast, the road turns into Queen's Highway and enters North Side. Signs will direct you to Rum Point, a popular beach bar/resort where you are welcome to use the facilities on the sandy beach and snorkel about in the shallow waters.

On your way back to George Town, take the bypass at Old Man Bay and stop at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (daily 9am-6.30pm; US$7; tel 345/947-7873). You can easily walk the gardens within an hour, noting the signs that identify the varied plant life; the colour garden is a clever and pretty collection of similarly hued plants and flowers.

Cayman Islands
     travel guide

Cayman Islands
Overview
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Costs & currency
Communications
Food and drink
Brief history
Best of Cayman Islands
Info and sites
Diving, hiking
Festivals and holidays
Scuba diving