Take your time to explore the manor’s grounds, the gardens, the Sculpture Park and if you are lucky try to catch Peter de Sausmarez, the current owner whose sense of humour will no doubt keep you entertained…

The Tours

Located in the east of Guernsey, Sausmarez Manor has grown and shrunk over the years. Its current appearance owes its front to the early 18^th century. The house is still inhabited today but you are very welcome to book a House Tour to discover the manor’s many treasures, from the furniture and artwork to the little secrets that each guide will share with you.

The place is apparently populated by ghosts, so for those of you with an interest in the supernatural, a Ghost Tour will be essential. The Tour is normally delivered by Peter de Sausmarez himself who adds his personal twist to the family’s experience and beliefs.

The Gardens

Sausmarez Manor is renowned for its stunning Subtropical Gardens and for its unusual Sculpture Park. Amongst the vast variety of plants that one can admire, you will be  surprised to find pieces of modern art. Each season will bring its beauty and as it’s spring, Guernsey’s floral glory is blooming with Blue, pink and white bells, daffodils, camellias, and more exotically bamboos.

And More…

Saumaurez Manor is very much linked to the island’s life. Besides being a remarkable house and garden, the place can be hired for weddings and business functions. On Saturday mornings throughout the spring and summer months it also hosts the Farmers Market where locals and visitors alike can find the many delicacies of which Guernsey is rightly proud.

The month starts with Easter weekend, so a few festivities are on offer – there will be egg hunts for little ones and history re-enactments for everyone to enjoy. The rest of the month is promising to be just as exciting with something new to do everyday. Come and discover Guernsey, its beautiful landscapes, fantastic food, charming town and stunning coasts will ensure a memorable and enjoyable break!

Egg Hunt

Only three miles away from Guernsey lies the delightful Island of Herm, where an Easter Sunday Egg Hunt will be held. All children are of course welcome but a visit to Herm really is a special treat for everyone… Picture golden beaches, wild flowers, no cars, and you have the backdrop for a perfect relaxing day.

Actually, why stop at Herm?

Sark and Alderney also belong to the Bailiwick of Guernsey, often referred to as Guernsey’s Sister Islands. Hopping from one island to the next is fun with ferry trips, quaint historical discoveries and a sense of going back in time.

We organise twin-island breaks to Guernsey and Alderney, Guernsey and Herm, and Guernsey and Sark, with all inter-island travel included.

Markets

Back in Guernsey after your inter-island escapade, let us tempt you to the rich variety of local produce that the island is rightly proud of.

From locally grown potatoes and tomatoes to daily catches of fish, crabs and lobsters, the Farmers and Fishermans Market will be a visual feast as much as a way of understanding the island’s strong connection with its natural environments, the sea and the land. The market is held every Saturday throughout April at Saumarez Manor. The Manor itself is a must-see while visiting Guernsey with award winning gardens, a sculpture park and its own Tin and Silversmiths.

Tasty Walks

To get yourself truly immersed in Guernsey’s history and discover the island’s stunning coastline, three walks have been devised for you – with a tasty twist. Now in its second month, the Tasty Walks programme combines a walk, a talk and a meal.

On Mondays,  go back through centuries of tales and heritage with “A Stitch in Time” while wandering amongst St Peter Port lanes, before going for dinner in one of the town’s many charming restaurants.

On Saturdays, “A West Coast Wander” will take you to Guernsey sea shores with a tour of some of the National Trust’s land. Folklore, forts, beaches and rocks followed by lunch by the sea will give you a good idea of what Guernsey is all about; beauty and delicious food…

Tuesdays and Thursdays, the”Unexpected Guests” Tasty Walk goes back to St. Peter Port for an insight in the Occupation years, Victor Hugo’s time on the island and an impromptu royal visit before enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.

And finally… Thirsty?

Guernsey isn’t only about walking and food. Since 1868 beer has been brewed (and drunk!) on the island by the Randall family. With modernisation came relocation and the brewery moved  from its original site in 2008. From April, it will be possible to tour the brewery and of course taste the delicious local beer.

Book early to avoid disappointment at Randalls of Guernsey.

Guernsey is also the perfect launchpad to explore the sister-island of Sark – the ‘Island Parish’ – where some interesting events are being held.

Yoga on Sark

Daily ferries and boat trips from Guernsey to Sark are available.

Get yourself totally immersed in relaxing, calm and blissfully quiet surroundings. Sark’s beauty lies in its petiteness and the majestic scenery contained within its two square miles. During Easter the island is taking a step further and offering a Yoga Retreat weekend, with classes available for all abilities. Guests can stay at the luxurious Stocks Hotel during their relaxing getaway.

Lunch, Relax, Market

Easter Sunday lunch conjures images of abundance and indulgence, and in Guernsey we have added luxury to the list of pleasures.

At La Grande Mare Hotel all three elements are combined. Easter lunch will be served overlooking the stunning west coast and, after your meal, you can stay on in the restaurant and hotel grounds to enjoy a walk or maybe play a quick nine holes on the golf course.

Guernsey is rightly proud of its local produce, including potatoes, tomatoes and incredibly fresh catches from the seas surrounding the island.  Various seasons are now in full swing, giving foodies a great chance to treat themselves. A Fresh Produce Market will be held on the 31st March – the locals love it, don’t miss it!

History

Throughout the Easter Weekend, the Guernsey History Action Company will be based at Castle Cornet in St Peter Port, Guernsey’s enchanting capital.

The company will delight everyone with historical re-enactments, bringing the island’s past back to life in a unique location. To visit the castle and experience history coming to life for yourself, you simply need a weekend ticket. These can be organised through Guernsey Museum.

It started in 1855 when Victor Hugo found himself in the Channel Islands having been exiled from France. Guernsey’s beauty soothed his broken spirit and inspired him to write some of his most important work.

Energetic

Victor Hugo’s romantic and dramatic approach to life was very well suited to the island’s scenery. He spent a lot of his time on the cliff paths around the island, stretching his legs as much as his ideas. A three day trail has been thought of if you wish to follow in the footsteps of the man himself. It will allow you to explore the island at a fast and energetic pace. A trip to Sark is planned as part of the experience.

A few days’ stay will be perfect for a pleasant visit. We do recommand the luxury of Fermain Valley Hotel situated at the top of one of Victor Hugo’s favourite swimming bays.

Enigmatic

Many words have been written about Victor Hugo, but nothing will give you a better insight in the author’s enigmatic character than a visit to Hauteville House where he lived. The collection of curios and the grandiose design are just fascinating.

The house is next to the centre of town which offers a great choice of hotels and restaurants. Located right in the heart of St Peter Port, Best Western Moores Hotel will be a convenient place to base yourself.

Emblematic

Victor Hugo wrote “Les Miserables” in Guernsey.

We all love a bit of the fame and as if the book and the musical weren’t enough, the recently released film has won  three Golden Globes, four BAFTAs and eight Oscar Nominations. Where better to come and share the glory of this legendary author and groundbreaking work of literature than here in Guernsey?

Once you have found out what the Romans did for the island, why the local folklore is still going strong and the people that Guernsey hosted over the last century, you will relax with a well deserved meal at one of the island’s participating restaurants.

A Stitch in Time – Dinner in St Peter Port

The Romans roamed its streets and the privateers traded in its taverns…St Peter Port remains a delightful and charming little town well worth exploring. The Stitch in Time Tasty Walk will reveal most of its secrets. As it is an evening event why not stay in town overnight after your meal? The Pandora Hotel is ideally located and has some great accommodation options throughout the spring.

A West Coast Wander – Lunch

As an essential part of island life, coastal walking will reveal Guernsey’s rugged yet stunning charms. You will be guided through beaches, 19th century fortifications and the intriguing “Fairy Ring”, an ancient circle of stones. The walk will end for lunch at The Imperial Hotel on the south-west corner of the island, a perfect place to stay for a few more days.

Unexpected Guests – Afternoon Tea

The Queen, Victor Hugo and the German occupation have all fuelled the local story telling over the years. This walk is about people and their fascinating influence on Guernsey’s recent past. It starts at the Liberation Monument, erected in 1995, and made of 50 layers of granite to represent the 50 years of freedom since 1945. The walk ends with a traditional Guernsey Afternoon Tea. Yum!

A Local Recipe to Take Home

Having been treated to the talent of Guernsey chefs, you might want to add a few recipes to your own collection … Seafood is of course very central to the local cuisine, but as you might not be as lucky as us with our incredibly fresh supply, we thought we would share the secret of the Gâche, the pride of the islander’s baking. You will find the full recipe on at www.nationaltrust-gsy.org.gg. Enjoy!

Whether you’re visiting for a short break or a longer holiday, there’s something for everyone to explore and experience in Guernsey during March. From weekly markets and food festivals to bracing walks, historical days out and the beginning of the island’s annual photography festival, you can be as active or as relaxed as you please!

Fresh Guernsey Produce – Only the Best Will do!

When it comes to food, visitors to Guernsey are truly spoiled for choice. Venture to Market Square in St. Peter Port every Friday during March and explore the Fresh Produce Market, with local traders, growers and producers showcasing the very best fresh fish, meat, vegetables, chutney, pate, deli, cakes…and much more! Some Guernsey scallops washed down with a glass of local Rocquettes cider will be high on our menu!

‘Fresh Friday’ takes place between 8.30am and 2.30pm; you can find out more at www.marketplaceguernsey.co.uk.

Tasty Walks

Continuing the foodie theme, Guernsey’s first Tasty Walks festival will begin on 1st March.

A ‘a series of guided walks with a culinary finale’, Tasty Walks will give visitors the chance to experience some of the island’s finest sights whilst wandering the coasts, lanes and streets, followed by some of the finest tastes in the island’s renowned restaurants, hotels and cafés. A series of organised themed walks will be followed by a selection of meals, from traditional afternoon teas and seaside lunches to evening meals in some of St. Peter Port’s finest restaurants.

We will feature Tasty Walks in this blog during the next few weeks – keep your eyes peeled!

Photographing Liberation

Internationally renowned photographer Martin Parr kicks off the Guernsey Photography Festival with his exhibition ”Liberation”. The exhibition has been commissioned by the Guernsey Photography Festival and will have its world premiere at the Guernsey Museum from 22nd March – 12th May.

Martin Parr first visited Guernsey during the 2011 festival, returning in May 2012 and experiencing the annual Liberation celebrations on the island, as well as travelling across the water to Sark.

Martin Parr’s work focuses on people and our everyday habits and interactions, very much on display throughout his Guernsey Liberation series. As the photographer himself notes:

“I often think of what I photograph as a soap opera where I am waiting for the right cast to fall into place. In more recent years I have photographed much closer where bits of people and food become part of the big picture, and one advantage of this is that it means people are less recognisable.”

Watch History Unfold

Easter weekend holds a treat for history buffs, as The Guernsey History In Action Company reenact a series of stories from Guernsey’s past.

Castle Cornet will play host to Easter Festival of Living History between 29th March – 1st April, with weekend tickets available. Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can pop in as many times as you like over the course of the Festival. For further information about the weekend, including details about tickets, contact Guernsey Museum on +44 (0) 1481 726518.

And Finally… Fly from Scotland!

This year we have introduced direct flights from Glasgow Airport to Guernsey, giving travellers in Scotland the perfect opportunity to visit our island without the added hassle of airport transfers and day-long travel times! You can book your Guernsey holiday from Glasgow online, or alternatively you can call our friendly reservations team.

One big new development for our company next year is the launch of direct flights from Glasgow to Guernsey. We are very excited that we are operating our first charter flights into Guernsey and the first direct flight from Scotland to the island for many years. I hope our Scottish clients will consider a holiday in Guernsey in 2013 and take advantage of this direct route.

Yesterday, we heard more gloomy news from the Chancellor that the UK economic recovery is going to take a lot longer than we had all hoped. Despite intense lobbying, the travel industry failed in its attempt to get a freeze in air passenger duty resulting in significant increases in the cost of air travel from April next year – although happily not so significant for the Channel Islands. 2008 seems a long time ago now, but it looks as if it could be a decade from when the original global economic collapse began, before the country is fully back on its feet.

Despite the huge pressures that are being placed on everyone by the Government’s austerity measures, it seems that the opportunity to take a holiday remains a key requirement for many of us. This is supported by the performance of the UK’s biggest tour operator, TUI (owners of Thomson Holidays) who reported strong profit improvements for the past year.

There is no doubt that with current economic difficulties, customers are looking for even more value, and often a packaged holiday provides this over buying the individual elements separately. The other key benefit is that holidays purchased from tour operators are financially protected and recent new rules introduced by the Government will ensure that clients are absolutely clear about what elements of their holiday are protected and by whom.

So we go forward into the New Year, full of optimism. It just remains for me to wish you, on behalf of everyone at Channel Islands Travel Group, a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2013.

The Guernsey Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary on 17th November, with their Twenty Years Young concert.

The orchestra will be directed by guest conductor Richard Dickins and joined by guest soloist Laura van der Heijden, who won the 2012 BBC Young Musician of The Year competition playing the Walton cello concerto. Laura will be performing the same concerto during this 20th anniversary evening.

Guest conductor Richard Dickins is a regular visitor to Guernsey and has worked with many orchestras throughout his career, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Mozart Players and the Ulster Orchestra.

The Twenty Years Young programme will feature performances of Welcome Ode Op. 95 by Benjamin Britten and Schubert’s C Major Symphony. The latter was the first piece that the symphony orchestra performed after being formed 20 years ago. The audience will also be treated to a performance by the Guernsey Schools Music Service Youth Choir.

Tickets for the concert are available from £10.00 per person, with £6.00 for restricted view seats and half price for students. Tickets are available from guernseytickets.gg.

In the latest live broadcast via satellite from the National Theatre in London, Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens will be brought to life at Guernsey’s Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts.

Timon of Athens is one of Shakespeare’s most challenging plays, originally included in his tragedies but also seen as one of his ‘problem plays’. The play has widely been considered as a collaboration with the playwright Thomas Middleton.

In this production, Simon Russell Beale takes the title role in this strange tale of consumption, debt and ruin.

Timon of Athens is a wealthy and generous Athenian, surrounded by free-loaders and sycophants. Timon gives away his money irresponsibly, becoming a patron of the arts and a host to the elite of Athenian society. The plot of the play follows Timon as he wastes his resources and assets, becoming bankrupt in the process. When Timon calls in his debts and asks his friends and associates for help, he is left out in the cold. After a vengeful banquet, Timon retreats to a wilderness beyond the city walls, cursing those who took from him and then refused to help in his hour of need.

“A fable about the toxic nature of a ruthlessly commercialised world.”

- The Guardian

“Bold, incisive revival … an urgent play for today.”

- Daily Telegraph

Tickets are available for £15.00 (£13.00 for students). The screening will last three hours, including a host introduction and a 20 minute interval.

The Cobo Bay is one of Guernsey’s most popular hotels, sitting right on the seafront with stunning views across Guernsey’s west coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel and restaurant pride themselves on attention to detail and a friendly, professional service, ensuring that guests have a memorable experience enjoying some of the island’s exceptional locally-sourced food.

The Cobo Bay’s a la carte menu takes inspiration from the sea on the doorstep, offering a mouth-watering selection of Channel Island seafood.

After starting with, snacking, or sharing small plates such as an aubergine & ratatouille stack, a caramelised pear & walnut salad or tempura courgettes, diners can jump straight into the fresh fish dishes. Whether you’re a shellfish, flat fish or round fish lover, it’s all there – highlights include tempura monkfish with a tangy sweet & sour sauce, a fragrant plate of saffron-scented bass, and ‘La Grosse Rocque’, a grand meal of local chancre crab, lobster, prawns and shellfish.

If you enjoy a plate of freshly-cooked meat, then don’t despair – the Cobo Bay’s menu features an entire selection titled ‘Grilling on the Bay’.

Main course dishes are simple but extremely tasty, with a choice of prime Irish cuts including 8oz fillet, 9oz sirloin and 10oz ribeye. If the idea of surf n’ turf whets your appetite, you can easily add some garlic king prawns to your perfectly-cooked slice of beef.

And it there’s still space for more, the desserts are all tantilisingly tempting. Keep it simple and fresh with strawberries served with Guernsey cream or a raspberry Eton Mess, or have a decadent finish to your meal with a warm chocolate fondant or my personal favourite – mango bavarois with deep fried coconut beignets.

The Cobo Bay Hotel’s restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The hotel is offering an excellent Tennerfest menu during October and November, with one course for £10, 2 courses for £15, and 3 courses for £20.

With the best local food served all year, beautiful views of the coast and sea, and a prime spot for exploring the island, the Cobo Bay is perfect for a short Guernsey Holiday.