Things to see and do Guernesey

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.

Granite menhir, 1.60 m high, dated to about 4000 B.C. Like the menhir of Castel Church, it would have been retouched in the Bronze Age (700 B.C.), to take on a more feminine appearance evoking, according to archaeologists, the grandmother or the goddess of fertility. According to Christian custom, this place was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. However, in the minds of the islanders, she remained the grandmother. The newlyweds bring her bouquets and coins to attract her favor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a beautiful fortress(Stutzpunkt Rotenstein by its German name) dating from the time of the German occupation (and renovated since) which was supposed to guard the north of Vazon Bay as part of the Atlantic Wall. To the north, you will see the Martello Tower built in 1804. It is still possible to see remains of the original red granite fort. An interesting visit to imagine the living conditions of the Germans in a bunker.

In the heart of the beautiful park of Saumarez, this small ethnographic museum of the peasantry has been installed in a 19th century granite building. Several old interiors have been reconstructed, with mannequins in situation: a Victorian kitchen, a living room, a bedroom, a child's room, a dairy and a laundry room. You will see an 1896 waxing machine and a 1905 vacuum cleaner, old tools and traditional costumes. A playful visit.

Please don't confuse it with Sausmarez Manor! They are not at all located in the same parish. This is Saumarez Park. It boasts numerous trees, a Japanese garden, a bamboo alley and a rose garden. Every summer, the park hosts the Battle of the Flowers, the Viaër Marchi (old market) festival and the donkey derby. Children can play on large lawns and watch the ducks in the middle of a pond. There's also a playground and a café. It's a wonderful place to relax.

There does not remain about it today more large-thing, but this fortress has a long history. Only the thick walls today are recognized. Its initial interest was to sit enthroned in the center of an island placed strategically well. This island is not today any more, water were driven out. The hill of the island was seems it occupied since the iron age with a fort going back to 600 av. J. - C. the medieval fort goes back him to 1400. Hutments were added to the 18th century (for the wars vis-a-vis the French) before being destroyed by the Germans in 1945.

Both a fortress and a three-story watchtower (which offers a superb view of the coastline from its top), the imposing Rousse Tower was built in the 19th century to defend the island of Guernsey from a possible French invasion and has since been fully restored and is equipped with replicas of five cannons. Even if today it is closed to the public for rehabilitation, one can take advantage of a walk in this beautiful corner of the island to have a look at it from the outside. Before you can enjoy it again.

Located at the place called L'Ancresse, this dolmen is a place of worship of 12 meters in length which also dates from the Middle Neolithic period (around 4500 years B.C.). Discovered in 1977, the tumulus, delimited by granite blocks and dry stone walls, has been partly reconstructed. During the excavations, more than 35,000 remains were found on the site, such as flints, ornaments, tools and numerous pieces of pottery. Some of these remains are on display at the Guernsey Museum in St. Peter Port.

North of the Fouaillages, at the top of a small hill overlooking Pembroke Bay, the dolmen of La Varde is a remarkable megalithic structure. It is a covered walkway dating from the Neolithic era, 11 meters long and one of the most impressive on the island. It was discovered in 1811 and dates back to 2500 BC. During the excavations, human bones, flints, stone tools and numerous pieces of pottery were also discovered. A site that we strongly advise to discover during a walk.

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 only way to reach the peninsula of Little Sark, it is to pass by the Coupée, a rocky ridge which dominates the sea on both sides and can give the vertigo. The crossing is impressive. It links the two Sark islands by a cement road. This 90 m long road, lined with railings, was built by German prisoners of war. The road replaces an old narrow and particularly dangerous path where even horses refused to venture! Small pleasant beaches border the cliff, at low tide. Caves, covered with anemones, offer their marine treasures.

Coming from the Grand Sark, by descending a series of steps (not easy), one can reach just below the small beach of the Grande Grève creek, on the west side. South of the Coupée, one reaches Adonis Pool, a pond located in front of the islet called Moie de la Bretagne, and visible 2 hours before and after low tide. The sea rises very quickly here: do not underestimate the duration of the journey.

You have to cross a kind of deep ravine to reach the hole whose clear waters are 2 m deep. You can also pass by the shafts of the old silver mine, at Port Gorey, and, quite to the south, go to Venus Pool, an extraordinary rocky pool almost as deep (6 m) as it is wide (10 m diameter). You can swim there at low tide (2 hours before and after too). The flat rocks surrounding it allow to dry off and to sunbathe. Offshore, at 500 m, the Etac rock stands up to the waves.

A visit to the charming feudal island of Sark is all about bays, beaches and coves. There are plenty of them here, and some are quite easy to get to. They're ideal for fishing enthusiasts (don't forget to pack your fishing gear before you leave!) and for wilderness lovers in all seasons.

Banquette Landing

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This cove is a little difficult to access. At the end of Banquette Landing is a flat rock from which you can fish from mid-tide to high tide.

Derrible Bay

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Numerous steps lead up to the sandy beach of Derrible Bay. A beach we recommend when the tide is high.

Dixcart Bay. A short, easy, shady walk through the valley serves as a warm-up before joining the steps down to the pleasant beach of Dixcart Bay, where a swim break is well deserved.

L'Eperquerie and Fontaine Bay. The access path to this cove offers a splendid view. At the bottom of the path, you'll find rocks where you can try your hand at fishing.

Gouliot Passage. Gouliot Passage offers two easy-to-access platforms at high tide.

La Grande Grève. The Grande Grève steps lead down to a sandy beach. On the left, in the seaweed, you'll find perch at low tide. Greens can also be caught here.

Grève de la Ville

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Access to this beautiful beach is a little steep. At the bottom is a pebble beach where you can fish for wrasse in abundance and conger eels after dark.

Les Laches. It's a tough walk (and slippery if it rains) to get here. A good place to find worms (for fishermen, that is).

Little Sark. Access to the sea is quite difficult and steep at Little Sark. The easiest access is Port Gorey beach, near the old gold mines.

Le Manoir. Just beyond the prison, this was the first residence of the lords of Sark. An ordinary, utilitarian (for its time) granite building.

Maseline Bay. Maseline Bay is home to many species. After the rocks, a stretch of sand runs parallel to the harbour wall. A great place to sunbathe on sunny summer days!

The splendid trip lasts about 2h30 (two departures per day, usually around 11am and 2pm depending on the weather) and this locally built fishing boat (with a capacity of 12 people) is really the ideal way to explore the bays, coves and secret caves of the island of Sark. You can also take the opportunity to admire the seabirds that roam the area such as puffins, guillemots, razorbacks, cormorants, etc. The lucky ones will also be able to see dolphins or seals.

This is an original activity not to be missed during a visit to Sark! Sark Carriage Tours offers you to go back in time in a carriage and visit the island, rocked by the soft sounds of the carriage. But not only that! The stories told by the coachman will add a magical touch to this unique experience. The horses have a good temperament and everything should go smoothly for a really nice family outing. At sunset or in the moonlight, the experience is even more magical.

A small building that is a must see! The Sark prison, built in 1856 at the end of The Avenue, has two small cells of about 5^m2, which are usually empty. But in a serious case, anyone who has broken the law can be locked up for 48 hours. The constable and his assistant, the "vingtenier", have the power of incarceration. After 48 hours, the prisoner is either released or transferred to Guernsey. It is notably known as the smallest prison in the world still in operation.

The Seigneurie, whose main building was constructed in 1675 by Jean Le Gros, father of Suzanne, wife of Nicholas Pelley, is located about 500 meters from the main street of the island of Sark. It was built on the site of the priory of Saint Magloire, a monastery dating from the 6th century. The oldest parts of the building are believed to be over 450 years old. Now the residence of the Lords of Sark, the Seigniory was mainly embellished by John Allaire, the lord of the island, who enlarged it by adding the watchtower, a square tower intended to serve as a semaphore to send messages to Guernsey. The public is not allowed to visit the Seigniory itself, but anyone can walk around the property and observe in the large garden, surrounded by granite walls protecting it from storms and frosts, the many plantations of exotic shrubs that the Lady and her grandson introduced to the island and the many rare plants that adorn it throughout. The Channel Islands do not experience frost, so the plants grow in the ground. We will also see the dovecote built to shelter the lords' pigeons. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful green spaces of the Anglo-Norman archipelago. A magnificent walk in perspective! Not to be missed during a trip to the island. Guided tours are often offered on Wednesdays in high season. Ask for more information!

The island's parish church was built in 1820. Tapestries on the walls depict the island's history. The cushions on the pews, representing the coats of arms of the island's families, were embroidered by the local women. The stained glass windows depict various saints. Among them is Saint Magloire, who came from Dol-de-Bretagne in 565 to establish a monastery on Sark. The monastery housed up to sixty monks, who ran a school for the children of the Breton nobility. The Vikings destroyed the monastery and killed the monks in the 9th^century .

It's hard not to find answers to your questions here. Everything is here! Brochures, posters and other leaflets will inform you about hotels, restaurants, walks; but also about the heritage, the fauna, the flora, the events and many others... Coming here is an imperative step for any visit of Alderney. The reception is charming and smiling. The website is very complete. Please note that the tourist office proposes during the high season activities such as tours of the island by bus or boat.

During the warmer months Alderney Tours organises this lovely tour once a day in a minibus (with a maximum capacity of twelve people) to discover the essentials of the island. With commentary along the way, this organized tour will tell you all you need to know about the history of Alderney and the island's flora and fauna. Departure from the bottom of Victoria Street, in front of the Braye Hotel. Packages with lunch in a restaurant on the island can be arranged on request. An excellent agency.

On the Braye Harbour breakwater, Fort Doyle and Fort Grosnez were both built by General Doyle during the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century and had many cannons at the time. But they were also used by the German occupiers during World War II as part of the defense system called the Atlantic Wall. Today they are part of the landscape of the island and can be the object of a nice walk.

On the edge and off the coast of the bay of the same name, this military building is set on a rocky spur and is connected to the coast by a causeway covered at high tide. Its architect, William Jervois, wanted to respect the environment and tried to blend its fortifications into the landscape from the 19th century. It has since been transformed into apartments, which you can rent if you wish. Also worth seeing is Fort Tourgis, another hillside barracks, much more showy and also built in the mid-nineteenth century.

It is difficult to miss Fort Essex, this huge Victorian fort with Tudor ramparts that majestically dominates Longis Bay. It was the first fortification in Alderney: the fort was built by King Henry VIII between 1549 and 1554 but was never actually completed. The fort can be seen from most points on the Alderney footpath and was used by the Germans as an important observation post during the Second World War.

Today, the fort is unfortunately no longer open to the public as it has been renovated and converted into private apartments. Closer to the edge of the cliff, you can see Hanging Rock, a 15-meter high rock overlooking the sea. Off Longis Bay, Fort Raz is only accessible at low tide. Notice to walkers!

The beach of Longis Bay is in fact one of the best sheltered on the island, thanks to the anti-tank wall built by the German army to counter any attempt of landing by the Allies. On the shores of Longis Bay, high walls (which do not admit their origin) form an enclosure named by legend, or by the English soldiers in the 18th century, the Nunnery (the "convent of women"). It looks like a big fortified farm, but it would be in fact an old fortification of the end of the Roman Empire. It is one of the oldest on the island of Alderney. It was rebuilt in 1793 to house an English garrison.

Built of Caen stone in 1850, St. Anne's Anglican Church was built by the last hereditary governor of the island, John Le Mesurier, in memory of his parents. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful Victorian buildings in the Channel Islands. During the Occupation of the Second World War, some of its bells were sent to France to be melted down and transformed into munitions. The inhabitants having almost all deserted the island, the church was then used as a warehouse. After the war, the islanders were surprised to discover that not all the bells had been melted down. Four of them were found near Cherbourg. Unfortunately, they were in such a state of deterioration that they had to be melted down in England. Inside the church, you will also notice some modern stained glass windows. While visiting St. Ann's Church, you should not miss the cemetery adjacent to the church. Delightfully shaded, it is very quiet and always full of flowers. It must be said that the islanders pay a very touching attention to their dead, to whom they lavish a thousand cares. At the location of some graves, a tree has grown; others are surrounded by flowers and small bluish pebbles. Small wooden benches are installed all along the paths. It is pleasant to sit on them, to meditate and to enjoy the quietness of this place, which is definitely out of time.

The rationale for the Alderney Railway (1847) was the need to bring stone from the Mannez quarry near Fort Grosnez to build and maintain the breakwater - the long dike that serves as a breakwater in Braye Harbor. The railroad track even extended along the breakwater. The first stone of the breakwater was laid on February 12, 1847, and then fourteen wagons, each carrying three and a half tons, made the trip as needed. The stone quarried at Mannez is hard sandstone, which has metamorphosed over geological time into quartz aggregates known as quartzite. The Alderney Railway Company was only established in February 1978, as much for tourism purposes as to maintain the tradition. Today, its traction equipment is regularly renewed by the purchase of decommissioned material. On special occasions (especially during the festive season), a small diesel locomotive pulls two large red cars recovered from the London Underground. While usually, you'll get on a nice little train more discreet ... On certain days, a miniature train - not one you can sit on, but one you can ride - is also in operation. The youngest should love it! In any case, it's a great activity to do with the family during a trip to Alderney. And above all, it's a great way to explore the island's beautiful scenery and coastline.

This ruin was the most important fort of the island in the last century (Albert was the husband of Queen Victoria). It dominates the Braye creek and the harbor. Then the castle at Etoc, between Saye Bay and Corblets Bay, where a tunnel allowed the "vraic tchérieux" (the seaweed collectors) to leave the beach with their ox carts. Going back south,Fort Hommeaux Florains, located on an islet, Fort Quesnard which occupies the point, and Fort Houmet Herbé, which overlooks the Raz Blanchard, protected the eastern coast. They are now all in ruins.

Located at the western end of the island, this 32-meter lighthouse, built in 1912, was intended to help ships dock in Alderney. Automated in 1997, it no longer houses a keeper since 1972, when it was electrified. Even today, the lighthouse is lined with a gigantic foghorn that guides sailors when visibility is poor. From the top, there is a superb view of the French coast in good weather. Note that it is easy to get there by train.

Since its creation, the association has been fighting for the protection of nature in Alderney. The volunteers have built many birdwatching posts around the island, built bunkers and fortifications and cleaned the island to enhance its nature. In addition to the 270 species of birds, Alderney is home to rare species such as the black rabbit and the blonde hedgehog, also known as the "Alderney spice-girl"! If you find yourself here, you will be able to take part in many guided tours.

Built by a family from Alderney to commemorate the deported workers from all over Europe, this very flowery monument commemorates in 6 different languages the tragic death of the prisoners subjected to forced labor during the Second World War. These thousands of prisoners had to build an impressive number of bunkers, bastions and anti-tank walls. Only 40% of what was planned was completed. Longis Bay, the only beach in the northeast that is easily accessible, is bordered by a 500-meter defensive wall that the Germans had built.

Awarded a prize in 1999, the museum displays records of Alderney's history, from prehistory to the period following the Second World War. It occupies the buildings of the Old School, founded in 1790, and transformed into a museum in 1972 by the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, Sir Charles Hill. Managed by volunteers, it is really well done, complete and rather pleasant to visit.

In the main hall, some old-fashioned showcases display the remains of the island, from the Neolithic period to the Liberation. You will see a number of objects gathered by theme: archaeology, numismatics, geology, ethnology, military history, life on the island during the German occupation (furniture, clothing, everyday objects, documents, etc.). The infamous blue and white uniform of the Todt prisoners is on display, as well as medals offered to some islanders by the Germans for their good and loyal services. A beautiful tribute is also paid to the Alderney cow, now extinct. A small natural history room is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the island. On the second floor, a room recounts the horror of the storms which, in their fury, threw the boats against the sharp cliffs. For example, the Stella, the " Titanic of the Channel Islands", smashed into the rocks in 1899 in strong winds. The passengers all lost their lives despite their rescue equipment. The last body was found almost nine months after the disaster, washed up on Telegraph Bay.

If the weather permits, and you want to go on a trip to see the marine life of Alderney, this is a great option. The crew of the Sula of Braye will take you on a half day sailing tour of the exceptional natural heritage of the Alderney coastline. On board the boat, you will meet the famous puffins and more than 1% of the world's population of gannets along the beautiful coastal landscapes of the island. An outing by reservation only.