Cherished memories are made when grandparents and grandchildren spend time together, so it’s not surprising that there is a new travel trend in skip-generation holidays. As the name suggests, this type of holiday gives parents the chance to wave off their children as they spend quality time with their beloved grandparents, with lots of treats for them along the way no doubt!
Guernsey is a fantastic place to try out ‘gramping’ for yourselves, with plenty to see and do across the Islands of Guernsey without needing to worry about changing currency or any language barriers. From striking coastlines to fascinating historical hot spots, you’ll have endless options to entertain the little ones along with a healthy dose of holiday relaxation.
Here are our recommendations for the ultimate ‘gramping’ holiday in Guernsey, from day trips and activities to the best places to stay on the islands.
Activities
Day Trip to Herm
Being only a 20-minute boat ride away from St Peter Port, Guernsey’s main town, visiting the quaint Island of Herm is a perfectly accessible trip that is sure to be a holiday highlight. Beckoning back to a time forgotten, Herm’s no car policy gives the island a unique sense of untouched beauty and tranquillity, as well as making it extremely safe for anyone visiting with children. One of the best things to do in Herm is to visit Shell Beach, which is a beautiful white sand beach dotted with – you guessed it – hundreds of colourful seashells. Children love collecting the shells and playing in the shallow waters, and you can also treat them to an ice cream from the beach café nearby.
Castle Cornet
If you’re interested in learning about Guernsey’s history, you and your grandchildren will have a brilliant day out at Castle Cornet in St. Peter Port. With lots of activities for children such as castle trials and dressing up areas, you’ll be able to teach the little ones a thing or two along the way! As well as fascinating indoor exhibits and museums within the castle walls, Castle Cornet has beautiful outer areas to explore and admire. Listen out for the noonday gun which is fired by scarlet-dressed keepers, who are always happy to be a part of your photo album after the shot is fired!
Cycling
During your holiday, we recommend seeing some of Guernsey’s beautiful landscape that’s a bit off the beaten track, discovering hidden spots along the way. The best way to do this is by hiring bikes and setting off on your own adventure, perhaps bringing along your own picnic or planning to pass an inviting pub or restaurant on your route. The beauty of cycling in Guernsey is that there are lots of flat routes making it an easy and enjoyable option for all ages, and no matter where you are staying on the Island you’re going to see beautiful coastlines and tourist spots. To learn more about which cycling route you and your grandchildren could do, read our cycling blog about the different routes you can take!
Surf school
There may come a point on the holiday when you feel ready for some time to yourself, so why not let your grandchildren unleash their energy and learn a nifty new skill at Guernsey’s Surf School while you relax? Located at Vazon Bay, the dedicated surf school offer lessons for all ages and abilities, and as your grandchildren are making new friends and having plenty of fun in the water, you can unwind on the beach with a book or a coffee and watch the world go by. This is a brilliant way to treat your grandchildren to a unique Guernsey experience that they will remember.
Hotels in Guernsey
3* Les Roquettes Hotel
Just on the outskirts of the bustling town of St Peter Port, 3* Les Roquettes Hotel boasts a brilliant location with family-friendly facilities and has family rooms available. From the hotel, you have an excellent choice of Guernsey’s enticing restaurants, boutique shops and cultural sites on your doorstep, and when you’re tired from an activity-packed day you can relax in their spa and wellness centre. Unlike many other spa areas, children are more than welcome to visit and there’s even a dedicated children’s pool for them to play in!
4* Fermain Valley Hotel
If you want a hotel with fantastic facilities, the 4* Fermain Valley Hotel is a wonderful option for all ages. The hotel has three distinctive restaurants, including the trendy Mexican restaurant Buho and Ocean Eats which serves Greek food, as well as having a café and wellness centre for you to make full use of. Your grandchildren are sure to want to try their escape style room called Adventurerooms, which would be a brilliant activity for you to put all your brainpower together!
If the facilities haven’t swayed you already, Fermain Valley’s location definitely will. It’s in a beautiful rural setting with the small Fermain Bay accessible from the hotel and has plenty of open space which can be admired from their large outdoor terrace. The hotel has several different room types available including their unique Tree House rooms which have their own outdoor space, blending into the magical setting.