The ’air bridge’ between the Isle of Man and Guernsey means we can travel there and enjoy a holiday without having to go into quarantine either there or on our return home.
So what can you expect if you go there?
The islands of Guernsey are an idyllic archipelago of five stunning islands.
The starting point at which to begin your islands adventure and the hub for visiting the other islands is Guernsey.
Measuring just 25 square miles, Guernsey offers a mix of British with a taste of French and the continent. In comparison, the Isle of Man measures 221 square miles.
Look out for French street names, al fresco dining and cafes and eateries with stunning views.
Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port
St Peter Port, known as ’Town’ to the locals, is arguably the prettiest harbour town in Europe.
The cobbled streets of Guernsey’s waterfront capital give the centre of the town a Mediterranean feel - a glorious mish mash of colour, bunting threaded from side to side, across the meandering streets.
A past RHS ’Britain in Bloom’ award winner, the harbour area boasts stunning floral displays, with the seafront area riddled with handing baskets overflowing with colour. Further into town and adjacent to the harbour is the High Street.
Look out for artisan jewellers, VAT free electrical goods and independent boutiques, along with some charming gift shops.
Indulge in a seafood platter at one of the glorious seafront restaurants or simply sit and watch the world go by at one of our Parisienne-style cafés.
With both historic gardens and a sandy beach just a stone’s throw from the High Street, our beautiful, diverse town has something for everyone.
Things to see and do in St Peter Port
Castle Cornet - An 800-year-old castle with five museums and an amazing view of St Peter Port and the other Islands of Guernsey.
Candie Gardens - Historic Victorian gardens in St Peter Port, a stone’s throw from the High Street.
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery - Find out more about Guernsey’s past, set in Candie Gardens.
La Vallette Bathing Pools - Recently renovated, the Pools look out across our sister islands and Castle Cornet.
La Valette Underground Military Museum - Offering a unique insight into Guernsey’s military history.
Guernsey Tapestry - 1,000 years of Guernsey history is captured in 10 embroidered panels, created by the local community.
A ride on Le Petit Train - Take a trip around St Peter Port and see the sights on this novelty train.
A tour on a Tuk Tuk - Enjoy a fun-filled scenic tour via Tuk Tuk.
Hauteville House - Victor Hugo’s eclectic Guernsey home gives a fascinating insight into this literary giant.
Pirate Bay Adventure Golf - located in the golf green adjacent to St Pierre Park Hotel, this mini golf course is fun for all the family!
Explore wider Guernsey
Guernsey is effortlessly beautiful, whatever time of the year.
It’s that natural beauty that lends itself to some of the most invigorating and exciting activities on the island.
Tackle the 270 steps to Petit Port Bay and you’ll be rewarded with the most perfect stretch of untouched sand, washed clean twice a day by the tide.
Cycle down a Ruette Tranquille, where the only traffic you’ll come across is a walker.
Jump in a kayak and drift around the coastline in and out of our clear water caves. Or look out for one of Guernsey’s iconic Guernsey Cows or Golden Guernsey Goats.
With almost 30 miles of spectacular cliff paths that weave around the south coast and around our 27 stunning beaches and bays, walking is one of the best ways to explore the island.
’Tasty Walks’ offers 20 self-guided walks, each with an audio guide.
Look out for a copy at Guernsey Airport or download the walks from visitguernsey.com.
Learn about the German occupation of Guernsey during the Second World War.
Many original German fortifications dot Guernsey’s coastline and the German Occupation Museum offers the Channel Islands’ most comprehensive collection of Second World War artifacts. Or visit Guernsey’s most visited attraction, The Little Chapel, which is decorated in pieces of broken crockery and china and is believed to be the smallest chapel in the world.
Finally, indulge in one of Guernsey’s speciality dishes - from savoury Guernsey crab and lobster or Guernsey Bean jar, to luscious Guernsey Gache and Guernsey’s unforgettably creamy Ice-cream.
Day Hopping to the other Islands
Daily passenger ferries operate to both Herm and Sark, from St Peter Port, travelling at regular intervals throughout the day, with a seasonal ferry running twice a day to Alderney.
Taking just 20, 50 and 60 minutes respectively, look out for pods of dolphins, wild birds and even seals and puffins during your adventure on the seas and when you get into land you will be greeted by our friendly neighbours on these neighbouring slands:
HERM
The smallest island is, quite simply, paradise found. The south coast cliff paths rise and fall, offering spectacular views, with welcome pit stops dotted en route.
Herm’s crystal clear waters don’t just tempt in swimmers, snorkelers, kayakers and paddle boarders - the island and ’the Humps’, a collection of sand banks off Shell Beach, are home to a colony of cheeky seals.
No trip would be complete without a bite to eat in The Mermaid Tavern and a mooch in the gift shops. Don’t forget to pack the sun cream or risk ’Herm burn’!
ALDERNEY
Alderney is the Bailiwick’s most northerly isle and home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the islands.
Puffins, gannets, rare butterflies and even blonde hedgehogs have all migrated here and made this small Island their home.
The capital, St Anne, is full of characterful gift shops and cafés, offering a warm welcome. Home to the only train in the Channel Islands, there is more history crammed into these three square miles than you can imagine.
LIHOU
Lihou Island is Guernsey’s unapologetically wild, untamed sibling.
At 38 acres it is tiny compared with the Calf of Man, which is 600 acres.
Accessed by a curved cobbled path from Guernsey, uncovered at low tide, the island is home to a ruined priory, perfect for exploring and the Venus Pool, a natural pool deep enough to dive right into.
Lihou and nearby L’Eree headland are RAMSAR wetland sites, and its windswept rocky coastline and grassy headlands are a natural haven for wildlife, so grab your binoculars and a fishing net and get exploring!
Just remember, all good things come to an end, so don’t forget to check the tides and be sure to cross back before the cobbles are submerged and Lihou becomes an Island once more.
SARK
Whether you decide to visit Sark for the day or stay longer, Sark’s pace of life is a real attraction.
With no cars, people explore the island by foot, bike or horse and carriage, meandering along the charming lanes.
The island’s natural beauty is one of its best assets, from its secluded bays in which to swim or picnic to its unparalleled views across the sea to her sister islands in the Channel and to France. Follow the self-guided walking routes to discover the magnificent coastal footpaths and learn of the island’s history along the way. With green fields, blue sea and wildflowers all around, it’s an amazing place to relax and unwind. This small little island community is a real safe haven, just as well too given that the island has one of the smallest working prisons in the world.
Sark is the world’s first Dark Sky Island and has its own observatory. It’s a great place to view the milky way, star constellations and galaxies with an expert volunteer.
If you’re looking for an experience that is truly out of this world, Sark is the place for you.
Things to See and Do in Sark Island
Hire a horse and carriage - Explore Sark Island and unlock the mysteries of its past by horse and carriage.
Local seafood - enjoy locally caught crab, lobster and fish as well as locally reared meat and homegrown vegetables.
La Seigneurie - The official home of the Seigneurs of Sark, past and present. The surrounding RHS recommended gardens are a must visit for keen gardeners.
Star-gazing - Enjoy an evening of star-gazing. Visit Sark’s observatory or explore the skies with the naked eye. With no street lamps, there is no light pollution to detract from the spectacle above. Just remember to take a torch with you or risk getting lost!
Cycle the island - Hire a bike and explore Sark and Little Sark on two wheels. With no vehicles, there is no need to worry about cars.
Caragh Chocolates - pop into Caragh Chocolates, on the way to Little Sark, and see and taste these handmade chocolates. On Tuesdays and Saturdays you can pre-book to try your hand at making chocolates yourself.
La Coupee - Sark’s most famous landmark. Cross La Coupee causeway on foot (or by pushing a bicycle) and venture from Sark into Little Sark. Take a dip in the Venus Pool on low tide and bathe on the flat rocks to dry off.
Take a boat trip around the island - easing your way into caves and around rocky outcrops, looking out for wildlife, from sea birds like the gannet to dolphins and seals and discover Sark from a different perspective.
Kayak or coasteer - if you’re staying on Sark, join Adventure Sark for an outdoor activity to remember.
Explore Silver mines - walk around the remains of Sark’s 19th century silver mines.
Visit the Exhibition - learn of the tenacity of the Dame of Sark and how the islanders coped with being occupied by German forces during the Second World War.
QR trail - follow the QR codes to uncover the history of some of the landmark buildings of Sark