Guernsey: Your Guide to the Best Places to Visit in 2024

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Guernsey’s best places to visit in 2024, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the island’s charming coastal landscapes, historic sites, and unique local culture.

Guernsey is a pocket of peace in the English Channel. Just off the coast of France, this British Crown dependency delivers a delicious taste of island life. Golden beaches stretch along the coastline, backed by rugged cliffs. Quaint towns with cobbled lanes brim with history. And the pace is slower, giving you time to savour every moment.

Ready to explore? Here are the best places to visit in Guernsey in 2024, according to locals in the know.

1. St. Peter Port: Guernsey’s Picturesque Capital

Start your Guernsey adventures in charming St. Peter Port. This harbour town is the island’s capital and main hub. Colourful houses line the seafront, and cobbled streets wind up the hillside. You could spend hours just wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.

Top Things to Do in St. Peter Port

• Explore Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old fortress with museums and gardens

• Visit Hauteville House, where French writer Victor Hugo lived in exile

• Browse the fresh produce at the Indoor Market on Fountain Street

• Enjoy local seafood at restaurants with harbour views

2. Vazon Bay: Guernsey’s Longest Beach

When it comes to places to visit in Guernsey for sun and sand, Vazon Bay tops the list. This wide, sandy beach stretches for over a mile along the island’s west coast. It’s a hub for watersports, especially surfing. Rent a board and wetsuit from one of the beachside shops and hit the waves.

3. Petit Bot Bay: A Hidden Gem

For a quieter slice of the coast, head to Petit Bot Bay. Tucked between high cliffs on Guernsey’s south side, this small pebble beach feels like a secret hideaway. A stream trickles down to the sea and there’s a tea room serving homemade cakes. Access is via a steep path, so wear sturdy shoes.

4. Sausmarez Manor: A Historic Country Estate

One of the top Guernsey tourist places, Sausmarez Manor, offers a glimpse into the island’s heritage. This grand house dates back to the 13th century and is still home to the same family. Take a guided tour to see the period furnishings and artworks. Then, stroll through the subtropical gardens filled with exotic plants.

Practical Information

• Location: St. Martin, Guernsey

• Opening times: March to October, 10 am to 5 pm daily

• Tour prices: £10 for adults, £2.50 for children

5. The Little Chapel: A Miniature Masterpiece

No bigger than a garden shed, the Little Chapel is possibly the smallest church in the world. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in creativity. The interior is entirely decorated with seashells, pebbles, and colourful pieces of broken china. It’s a unique example of Guernsey’s quirky character.

6. Fort Grey: Guernsey’s “Cup and Saucer”

Perched on a rock off Guernsey’s west coast, Fort Grey looks like a giant teacup on a saucer. This round fortress was built in the 19th century to defend the island. Today it houses a Shipwreck Museum, telling tales of local maritime history. Climb to the top for 360-degree views over the sea and Guernsey’s rocky shores.

7. German Military Underground Hospital: Wartime Relics

Delve into Guernsey’s more recent past at the German Military Underground Hospital. Built during WWII when the island was occupied by German forces, this vast subterranean complex could treat up to 500 patients. A self-guided tour leads you through the chilling tunnels and wards. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Guernsey.

Know Before You Go

• Location: La Vassalerie, St. Andrew, Guernsey

• Opening times: April to October, 10 am to 4: daily

• Admission: £4.50 for adults, £1.00 for children

8. Lihou Island: Wilderness and Wildlife

For a real escape, take a trip to Lihou Island. This small, tidal island off Guernsey’s west coast is only accessible on foot at low tide. Follow the causeway across the seaweed-strewn rocks to explore the rugged shores. Look out for seabirds like oystercatchers and curlews. And peek into the ruins of the 12th-century priory for a hint of Lihou’s long history.

Tips for Visiting Lihou Island

• Check the tide times before setting out, and allow enough time to return before high tide cuts off the causeway

• Wear waterproof hiking boots with good grip for navigating slippery rocks

• Pack water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the island

9. Candie Gardens: A Victorian Park with a View

Stroll back in time at Candie Gardens, one of the most beautiful places in Guernsey. These Victorian public gardens sit high above St. Peter Port, with views down to the harbour and neighbouring islands. Wander through the manicured flower beds and pause in the glass pavilion. Then, visit the Guernsey Museum, housed in a 19th-century bandstand, to learn about the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

10. Cobo Bay: Sunset Spot and Foodie Haven

End your day at Cobo Bay on Guernsey’s northwest tip. This wide, sandy beach is known as one of the island’s best sunset spots. Find a perch on the sea wall and watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange as the sun sinks into the sea. Then, head to one of the restaurants across the road for fresh seafood with an ocean view. Crab and lobster are local specialities.

Where to Stay in Guernsey

Guernsey offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some top picks:

Getting to Guernsey

Guernsey is well-connected by air and sea. Flights operate from several UK airports, including London Gatwick, with a flight time of around 1 hour. Ferries also run from Portsmouth and Poole, taking 2-3 hours.

Getting Around Guernsey

At just 25 square miles, Guernsey is easy to get around. Options include:

• Car rental: The most flexible way to explore the island. Drive on the left.

• Public buses: Regular services link the main towns and villages. Buy an unlimited pass for £4.50 per day.

• Cycling: Rent a bike and follow the island’s network of cycling routes. The 11-mile West Coast route is particularly scenic.

• Walking: Many of Guernsey’s top tourist places are accessible on foot, especially in St. Peter Port. For longer hikes, follow the coastal paths.

Essential Guernsey Travel Tips

Here are some final tips to help you make the most of your trip to Guernsey:

• The currency is the Guernsey pound, which is on par with the British pound. Some shops also accept Euros.

• English is the main language, but you may hear locals speaking Guernésiais, the island’s French-Norman dialect.

• Guernsey uses UK-style three-pin plugs, so bring an adapter if needed.

• Tipping in restaurants is optional but appreciated. 10% is customary for good service.

• Public toilets are free and located in most towns and at popular beaches and attractions.

Stay Connected in Guernsey with Airtel’s International Roaming Plans

To stay connected on the go, consider an international roaming plan like those offered by Airtel. With Airtel’s Prepaid international roaming plans, you’ll enjoy affordable calling and data, ensuring that you can navigate, Google, and share those Guernsey snaps without worrying about connectivity.

From coastal hikes to historic sites, Guernsey packs a lot into a small package. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, this Channel Island offers a chance to relax, explore, and experience a unique slice of British culture with a European twist. Use this guide to discover some of the best places to visit in Guernsey and see why this little island leaves a big impression.