Guernsey Family Holidays: Things to Do

Some of the best things to do with your family in Guernsey

Sandy Beaches

Guernsey is blessed with beaches, they are the perfect natural outdoor playground for children and many of Guernsey’s beaches offers shallow waters, like Petit Port, for splashing off on a hot summer’s day. For those who like to ride the waves rather than swim in them, Vazon Bay houses Guernsey Surf School where you can try your hand at a new skill.

Rockpools

When the tide falls a new landscape is revealed and this delight happens twice a day! Get your nets and buckets and see what you can find swimming in the seawater pools and or hiding in the seaweed. If you’re lucky you’ll find crabs, sea slugs, shrimps and sea anemones.

The tidal range in Guernsey is dramatic so be sure to check the tide times before venturing out.

Castle Cornet

Castle Cornet has guarded St. Peter Port for 800 years and now welcomes visitors from across the globe. Once inside the walls, the castle offers dressing-up to get into character for the rest of the trip where there are castle trails and activity sheets for all – this makes for both an educational and entraining trip. For the younger children, there are ‘spot-it’ picture board in the galleries to bring the story to life for them as well. It’s also a great spot for a summer picnic, so bring your blankets!

For more ideas check out our dedicated page to all things to do at Castle Cornet.

Outdoor Guernsey

This is for the thrill seeking families! All under safe supervision and with qualified instructors where required, there is an action packed programme including everything from full adventure days to coasteering trips and kayak explorations. For those who seek their thrills on the ground, there are Nerf team games and beach games in the outdoor playground that the island provides.

Oatlands Village

Named as the ‘Island’s Family Retreat’, Oatlands is a great family day out rain or shine. Their newest addition, Oaty and Joey’s Playbarn, is for mini-explorers who climb ropes, dive through ball pools and crawl through pipes. For the older ones there is a Bowling Alley, play frames, e-cars and trampolines. Mini-golf, a toy shop, craft activities and ‘oat’ cuisine combine to seal the deal!

La Vallette Bathing Pools

These man-made pools have been entertaining families in Guernsey for more than 150 years. Located on the East Coast within easy reach of the town centre, the sheltered waters are refreshed on every high tide and then provide a safe area for sea swimming and splashing around. There is also a kiosk serving drinks and snacks to refuel.

Pirate Bay Golf

Welcoming pirates of all ages, the 12 hole course sees you battle against erupting volcanoes, skirting round pesky pirates and across troubled waters to reach your loot. The course is fully interactive and great fun for all ages, it is also floodlit at night.

For more ideas check out our dedicated page to all things to do at Pirate Bay Golf.

Sausmarez Manor

This traditional Guernsey manor house welcomes families throughout the year and makes for a fun filled day amongst beautiful and safe surroundings with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. One of the highlights is the mini-train which trundles the quarter of the mile through the sculpture park and for the more active, there is a 9 hole putting green on the old grass tennis court.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Crabby Jacks – A well-known family favourite where fun is their speciality! Kids can let off steam in the children’s play area while parents can relax and enjoy their meal. Open for lunch and dinner with a special kids’ menu. It is also a completely smoke-free venue.

The Beach House – Great food right on the beach at Pembroke Bay it is perfect for a family day out serving snacks, drinks and meals for lunch and dinner. They also offer takeaways so you can make the most of your beach time in this beautiful sandy bay.

All that is left is for you to get back home and tell your friends about the wonderful time you spent with your family in the beautiful Bailiwick of Guernsey!