Things to do and See in Guernsey
Visit Herm, Sark and Alderney
It would seem strange to most people for us to advise them to leave the island of Guernsey as soon as they arrive, but the attractions of the outlying islands are too good to miss. Herm, to begin with has some of the best beaches anyone has seen. Shell beach, in particular is worth making a b-line for. There are plenty of others too, along with hidden bays, sand dunes, wild flowers, birds and striking cliffs.
Getting to Herm will cost you nearly £9.50 (£4.50 child) return but it’s worth every penny. There’s an early bird service at 08:30 that will save you few quid. Tickets are sold from a wooden kiosk in St Peter Port Harbour, you can’t miss it. It takes 20 minutes to get across the sometimes choppy waters to Herm. If you are a sea kayaker be aware of the strong tidal races in between the two islands.
You can stay on Herm, either at the White House Hotel, or at a rather lovely campsite they have there.
For more info: www.herm-island.com
A little further away is the island of Sark where Democracy has recently broken out after centuries of feudal rule. At three miles long and half a mile wide is just above what you would describe a rock in the ocean, with no cars, no noise, no concrete or tarmac, just a horse and cart to take you to your choice of hotel, guest house or self-catering accommodation.
As with the other islands there are coves, bays and beaches to explore, La Grande Greve and La Coupee in particular. See the historic Manor House, La Signeurie with its beautiful gardens.
To get to Sark involves a 45-minute ferry ride which costs £22 return.
Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islands and is even big enough to have an airport. Aurigny Airlines fly there from Guernsey, Jersey and the mainland. A high speed catamaran the “Victor Hugo” runs a passenger service from Guernsey from April to September.
The island has a population of about 2400, with a president and ten States Members.
Alderney has an enormous breakwater, which stretches out ¾ of a mile out to sea to protect the Braye Bay railway. See also the church, the lighthouse, and pottery, but most of all take in the relaxed way of life, unspoilt countryside, bays, and beaches. You can play golf on Alderney at its own nine-hole course. If you really feel like it, you can even get married within 6 days of arriving there.
Hauteville House
Hauteville House is a house where Victor Hugo lived during his exile from France, located at 38 Rue Hauteville in St. Peter Port. The house was donated to the City of Paris by Hugo's descendants in March, 1927. It currently houses an honorary consul to the French embassy at London and a Victor Hugo museum; house and garden are both open to the public.
Built around 1800 by an English privateer, the house belonged to William Ozanne. It gained the reputation of being haunted by the spirit of a woman who had committed suicide, and remained unoccupied for several years. Victor Hugo bought the house on May 16 1856 with the profit from the initial success of the publication of Les Contemplations. By owning it Hugo could not to be expelled from the island, in accordance with the Guernsey law that prohibits the deporting of people with properties on the island. The house was transformed, furnished and decorated by the writer during his exile from 1856 to 1870, and during a return visit in the summer of 1878.
The house consists of four levels, with the top floor featuring a glazed lookout over the surrounding islands. The garden is filled with trees and flowers growing in abundance due to the mild climate.
)){kind=link}
)){kind=link}
)){kind=link}
)){kind=link}
)){kind=link}
)){kind=link}
)){kind=link}
Guernsey's Museums
Castle Cornet and its Museums.
Castle Cornet is Guernsey’s ancient fortress standing guard over the town and harbour over St. Peter Port. Open 10am – 5pm.
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery
Designed around the old Victorian bandstand in the recently restored Candie Gardens, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions. Open 10am-5pm.
German Occupation Museum
A unique experience of life in Guernsey 1940-45. Open 10am -5pm.
La Vallette Military Museum
A military museum covering all aspects of Guernsey’s history in a well-lit, air-conditioned German tunnel complex. Open 10am-5pm.
German Military Underground Hospital.
The largest construction on the Channel Islands, hewn out of solid rock by slave workers of many nationalities for the German forces during the war. Open 2pm-4pm.
Sausmarez Manor
Incorporating the Art Park set within subtropical gardens, a working Smithy, a pitch and putt course and lakeside cafe. Open 10am – 5pm.
National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum
Set within the stables of an old country house in Guernsey’s largest park, the museum depicts life as it was 100 years ago. Open 10am – 5pm.
Eurodestination is not responsible for content on external websites.