Things to see and do Guernesey

Lihou is a 20-hectare island connected to Guernsey by a paved causeway that is covered by high tide. It is part of Guernsey's nature conservation program. The rock is a favorite stopover for migratory birds and home to an abundance of marine life. You will also find many species of seaweed, anemones, starfish, crabs and fish. The causeway can only be crossed at low tide. Ask the tourist office for opening hours and a tide table.

The museum's collections evoke the various aspects of daily life and multiple difficulty with which the civilians were confronted during the Second World War and the island was occupied by the German army. Here, it is a question of showing the history, thanks to a large collection of objects including weapons, equipment of communication, letters of denunciation or even a diary… It is very well done and very informative.

Located at the place called Catioroc, the dolmen of Trépied is a corridor tomb, with a V shape. Even today, it is well preserved although almost buried, situated in a very beautiful setting on a hillock perched above the Perelle Bay. A legend tells that in the 17th century, the witches and magicians of the island of Guernsey used to meet there regularly to celebrate their black masses, which usually took place on Fridays at night. The dolmen dates back to the beginning of the Neolithic period.

This late 14th century chapel is dedicated to Saint Apolline. According to the Book of Saints, the deaconess of Alexandria (who died in 249) threw herself into the pyre that had been prepared for her, rather than deny Christ. Legend has it that they even pulled out all her teeth. No wonder she is the patron saint of dentists! The chapel was abandoned and became a stable. The frescoes that it seems to have sheltered were destroyed. The State bought it in 1973 and undertook its restoration. It was returned to its original purpose in 1978.

Rebuilt after being destroyed by a storm, the site of Perelle Battery, a short distance from Fort Richmond, is interesting because it shows how, at the beginning of the 18th century, the oldest military batteries (it was built in 1816) were reinforced for a better protection of the island of Guernsey. Perelle Battery has two twenty-pound cannons. It can in any case be the object of a nice walk on a nice day. And the panorama offered by this historical site is superb.

It's the largest church in the countryside, and the one that most closely resembles the Town Church of Saint-Peter-Port. Its location is quite impressive, overlooking a deep valley dotted with megaliths, including a Christianized menhir. The shape of a cross has been deeply incised into it. Also on display are leather mugs dating from 1830, which were used for collecting money. The poor box dates from the ^17th century.

Torteval's first church was demolished in 1816. It is possible that a sacred fountain once stood on this site. As the parish's resources were limited, its inhabitants were unable to contribute as much as they had hoped to keep the building in good repair. The States of Guernsey subsidized part of the renovation. Originally designed in the "Calvinist" style, the church was later given an "Anglican" appearance, recognizable by its conical spire. Torteval is the only parish to have a medieval bell.

Here are the remains of a small fort at the southern end of Rocquaine Bay. It was built as early as 1680 on a rocky promontory protected by large stone walls and enlarged as time went on. The fort was extensively restored in 1842 and retained its three cannons overlooking Rocquaine Bay at the southwestern end of the island. It was therefore part of the last major works undertaken on the coast in the 19th century, as the southeast coast is naturally protected by high cliffs. A very pleasant stop during a walk in the area.

Also called Ivy Castle by the islanders, this 13th century castle was one of the first defenses of Guernsey. It stands a little behind Belle Grève Bay. Fallen into ruin in the 14th century, it was restored during the 18th century and used by the Germans as a bunker during the Occupation. They installed an anti-aircraft battery there. After the liberation of the islands, it was largely restored again in the 1970s. It is now classified as a historical monument by the States of Guernsey, the island's parliament.

Located just outside the center of St. Sampson parish, this horticultural center is built on almost one hectare and features a large crop of freesias (sweet, fresh-smelling flowers) that grow in a warm greenhouse. During your visit to the nursery, you can also buy bulbs and flowers in the gift store. A very original souvenir to bring back! For horticulture lovers only.

The church of Saint Sampson is the oldest parish church on the island of Guernsey. It was built on the same site where Saint Sampson, one of the first missionaries, came from Dol, in Brittany, in the 550s. It is thus him who gave his name to the parish. The building that we can see today dates from the 12th century. Notice to the walkers, the adjoining cemetery is very beautiful, especially in autumn.

The famous "201 Squadron" is the oldest squadron of the Royal Air Force, the air force of the British Army. Until its disbandment in 2011, it was nicknamed "the Guernsey Squadron" and it is indeed its history, as well as that of British aviation as a whole, that is largely presented here. A must-see during a visit to the famous Castle Cornet. This is sure to delight military history lovers.

26 Cornet Street is the headquarters of the National Trust of Guernsey (Foundation for the Conservation of Guernsey Sites and Monuments). This building, dating from the 18th century, is preserved in its original state. Its first floor houses a confectionery and a replica of a 1900's salon. Here, you can treat yourself to some local jams and homemade caramels, to slip into your suitcase before the return boat. Or simply stop for tea in the late afternoon. A golden opportunity to go back in time!

This fort was conceived at the end of the 18th century, in 1780 to replace Castle Cornet which had become very vulnerable to the technical progress of artillery at that time. Fort George ensured the defense of the harbor of Saint-Peter-Port and Guernsey from the beginning of the 19th century. Located on the heights of the main town of the island, it also had a choice location. And today it offers a superb view of the Guernsey coastline.

Property of the De Sausmarez family for eight centuries, this 18th century manor house has been remodeled many times. The visit of the hall and 3 rooms allows to admire family portraits, furniture, tapestries and various objects of the period. In the garden, where subtropical plants grow, sculptures by international artists are exhibited. Other activities include a garden tour, a children's train, exhibitions, a local market, miniature golf, stores, a children's playground and the Tea Garden. Two apartments are also available for rent.

The bay, very easy to approach, and its small harbor were protected by this large tower located on the heights of the coastline, and which was supposed to prevent the enemy from entering the lands of Guernsey. The tower is still standing today and in a fairly good state of preservation. The tower is open to tourists from time to time and tours are organized by volunteers. Find out more on the Guernsey Museums website or on the Facebook profile of Saints Bay Loop Tower 14. Notice to all old stones lovers!

This church is part of the domain of the six churches offered to the abbots of Mont-Saint-Michel at the beginning of the first millennium. Its first reference dates back to 1048. This one dates from the 13th century, even if the nave and the porch were built in the 15th century and are therefore of Gothic architecture. The north wing that doubles the nave is a "baroque" addition from the 18th century. Inside the church, you can see the two stone benches on which the parish council used to stand, and a baptistery. A must-see when passing through Saint-Martin.

Saint Peter Port owes its name to its parish church, commonly called Town Church. It was built around 1042. It was often reworked and completed in 1475. This church with its thick walls served as a refuge for the population during pirate incursions. The walls bear plaques commemorating the courage of the country's sailors and soldiers. You will see funerary monuments where famous Guernseymen are buried, such as the famous privateer Nicholas Le Mesurier, who died in 1759.

On the first floor of the Dorey Center, the Guernsey Tapestry Gallery features ten panels of embroidered cloth that tell the story of over 1,000 years of local history. Each tapestry panel covers a century. It was a project that, at the time, involved the entire bailiwick community, with each resident sewing a small part of a panel. The Guernsey Tapestry Gallery also houses a small gift store with beautiful tapestry books.

The states meet on the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month, except in August. To attend a session, contact the tourist office. The Royal Court House was built in Chausey granite in 1799, then enlarged in 1822 and 1904. It is the seat of the Guernsey Parliament and the Court House. It also serves as the Bailiff's office and the RegistryOffice. The Registry Office (visit upon request) holds a valuable collection of documents.

The old neighborhood of St. Peter Port is rich in antique stores and curiosities. It stretches from Mill Street near Market Place to Trinity Square. Along its streets, you can see a small church dating from 1789 or an old pump dating from 1876. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is still shining through the leaves of the plane trees before it slowly declines. You will find granite benches to rest on.

While the island of Guernsey has often been on the front line of British battles, the former hospital built in the 18th century has now become the Guernsey Militia Museum, on the second floor more precisely. The second floor has been renovated to showcase objects and documents relating to the history of the island's soldiers and governors, as well as uniforms, weapons, medals, trophies and well-preserved banners.

Very well located, this small Maritime Museum exhibits, among other things, Roman amphorae, an ancient diving apparatus, documents dating from the Napoleonic era and colorful figureheads. A documentary also recounts the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a wrecked Gallo-Roman ship at the entrance to the port in 286 BC. On the second floor, a small gallery is set up and exhibits paintings that present landscapes of Guernsey in the 19th century.

The Guernsey Postal Museum is a small museum dedicated to the stamps and postal history of the island. Formerly linked to Great Britain (stamps sold on the island were valid throughout the kingdom), the postal administration of Guernsey became independent on October¹, 1969. The Bailiwick then issued its own stamps. In the Guernsey Postal Museum, there is of course a sales counter for Guernsey stamps. You can bring back a small souvenir or stamp a postcard to put in a blue mailbox...

This museum offers an overview of the history of the island and its architecture, geology, flora and fauna. The museum exhibits the collection of the archaeologist William Lukis. We owe to him the inventory of all the prehistoric sites of the Channel Islands. In addition, the William Carey collection is composed of a large quantity of prints and oriental ceramics. The collections also include paintings, porcelain, pottery, uniforms...

On the site of an ancient menhir, and on the very site of the mill of L'Hyvreuse, here is a tower with beautiful lines was built to commemorate the visit to Guernsey of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1846. The Victoria Tower was designed by a certain William Colling and built by Matthieu and Jacques Tostevin. You can climb to the top of the tower by its stairs and from there you will have a very nice panoramic view of the lower town of St. Peter Port, but also of the small islands of Herm and Sark.

To discover the flora, fauna and exceptional landscapes of Guernsey and the other islands of the Bailiwick, there is nothing like the excursions offered by Island RIB Voyages on board its two large Zodiacs. Each trip is an unforgettable experience, discovering the beautiful coasts of the archipelago or meeting dolphins and seals for example, accompanied by comments from very professional guides on the sites explored. The service is impeccable. And everything is done in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Dug during the Second World War by the Germans, this tunnel now houses an interesting museum dedicated to the military history of the island of Guernsey. A large part of the exhibition is dedicated to the First World War, and then to the German occupation of the island between 1940 and 1945. You can see many explanatory panels, as well as many objects of the period such as military uniforms, maps, weapons, etc.

This headquarter was the German headquarters for naval signals during the Second World War; it functioned until the armistice on May 9, 1945. You can see a very powerful transmission antenna which ensured during the war the communication with Berlin, as well as with the submarines and the ships anchored in the vicinity. A visit mainly indicated for history lovers and World War II enthusiasts in particular.