From learning about the islands’ dotted and fascinating past to appreciating its beauty from the rugged coastline, there are plenty of ways to fall in love over and over again with the Islands of Guernsey. We have been dreaming about our favourite things to do and see in this small but mighty place, with the hope that you also feel inspired to join us soon and discover Guernsey for yourselves.
A day trip to Herm Island
Lara, Customer Services Manager
My favourite thing to do in the Bailiwick is to take the short ferry ride to Herm from St Peter Port. I have visited at all different times of the year, from the height of summer to being caught up in a three-day snow blizzard! No matter what the weather throws at you, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. It’s the smallest Bailiwick island of Guernsey being a miniature 1 ½ miles in length and just half a mile wide, its accessibility coupled with the lack of cars or bikes on the island makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can explore the unspoilt landscape at a leisurely pace feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, navigating your way through the scenic cliff paths where you can spot the other Bailiwick islands in the distance.
During your visit, you’ll want to spend some time at the famous Shell Beach, which as its name suggests, is full of beautiful shells to collect. It’s a great place to bring your family with a nearby beach café as well as plenty of water activities to get involved in such as stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, the adventures are endless!
Lobster and Grill at Le Friquet Hotel
Karen, Customer Services Supervisor
Guernsey is known as a foodie destination, and my favourite restaurant is the Lobster and Grill at Le Friquet Hotel. They do the most amazing seafood, or as they call it “Fruit de Mer”, and I often get a lobster that you can choose yourself from their tank in the restaurant! The dining style is a great blend of smart and casual, meaning that you can stop in after a long day of walking for a delicious bite to eat or use it as an excuse to go all out and dress up.
If the weather allows, you might want to take your meal al fresco in their lovely patio area and garden, where you can also try some of Guernsey Dairy’s famous cream and have a delicious afternoon tea during the day.
Walking from St. Peter Port to Petit Bot Bay
Sonia, Reservations Agent
I love exploring the island’s diverse countryside and coastlines. The beauty of walking in Guernsey is that you can cover a lot of the island in a short space of time, discovering hidden gems as you go!
My favourite route is challenging but rewarding, taking around five and a half hours in total. It starts at St. Peter Port and follows the coastline up and down the cliffs to the gorgeous sandy beach at Petit Bot Bay in the south of the island. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the island as the paths will take you through both hidden and popular areas, such as Havelet and Fermain Bay, and you’ll pass plenty of opportunities to eat at amazing off the beaten track cafes along the way. To end the walk on a high, the finishing line is a glorious sandy beach where you can relax on the shore, and, if you dare, get your feet wet in the pristine water! There are lots of variations of this walk to suit any ability or itinerary, and wherever you choose to start, you’re guaranteed to discover Guernsey’s unique charm.
Exploring St. Peter Port
Liz, Reservations Agent
My favourite place in Guernsey is St. Peter Port – the island’s bustling centre makes up for its small size with plenty of character and charm! I could easily spend all day exploring the cobbled streets, picking up a couple of locally made crafts from one of the enticing boutique shops or chatting to the locals and treating myself to some local produce at the weekend food market.
St. Peter Port is also a fantastic place to discover more about Guernsey’s fascinating and colourful history and culture. From the town, you can visit Hauteville House, which belonged to famous French writer Victor Hugo, where you can discover more about the place where “Les Miserables” was first imagined and written through a walking tour. You may also fancy visiting the magnificent Castle Cornet, which is a short walk from the harbour. The 800-year-old castle and the surrounding museums and gardens make for a fascinating day out, where you can learn about the island’s history and take in the panoramic sea views from the castle walls.