Channel Islands Guernsey 1 Day Shore Excursion
- Laura
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
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Guernsey Island combines the charm of a genteel farming community with a salty maritime essence. Travelers to Guernsey, UK can enjoy cliffside walks, cobblestone streets, and learning about the island’s WWII German occupation. Follow our Channel Islands Guernsey one day shore excursion for an overview of the best things to do in Guernsey.
Most visitors will arrive on the small island of Guernsey by ferry or cruise ship. If you are organized, you can see a lot in one day. To see the sites listed in this article, rent a car or e-bike. Or, choose a guided tour that hits the locations you most want to visit.
Our Channel Islands Guernsey one day shore excursion includes visits to St Peter Port, Jerbourg Point, Little Chapel, Fort Grey, Castle Cornet, German bunkers, and more. For more information on the Guernsey UK weather, history, and the best time to visit, read our Channel Islands Guernsey Guide.
GUERNSEY UK SHORE EXCURSION DETAILS
Distance: Driving tour 22 miles (36 km). The tour is mapped out in a loop designed to help you see the island's interior, coastline, and main town all in one day.
Duration: The Guernsey Island driving tour as outlined would take about 1 hour and 7 minutes by car if driven straight through. However, plan for a 6-7 hour outing with time to explore each stop.
GPS: Follow our Google map of the route. If you get lost, GPS the name of your next stop and follow the suggested route.
Points of Interest: Jerbourg Point, the Little Chapel, Rocquaine Beach, Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum, Vazon Beach, Fort Hommet, Outlands Village, St Peter Port, and Castle Cornet
WHERE IS GUERNSEY ISLAND
Guernsey is one of 19 islands located in the English Channel between England and France. The second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is made up of 10 parishes (towns). St Peter Port is the largest of these.
Guernsey has an airport, bus system, and a number of ferry operators, car rental, and transport companies on-island.
Click here for information on getting to Guernsey: Air services to Guernsey and Ferry services to Guernsey
Click here for information on getting around Guernsey: Car rentals in Guernsey and Transport Services in Guernsey
TRAVELING TO GUERNSEY? CONSIDER THESE TOURS
A BIT ABOUT CHANNEL ISLANDS GUERNSEY
Although Guernsey Island is closer to France than England, the region has been a part of the British Empire since 1066. Along with the other Channel Islands, the Bailiwick (territory) of Guernsey is considered a self-governing ‘British Crown Dependency.’ It has its own money and legal system; but relies on Britain for its defense and foreign policy.
Guernsey is a popular UK vacation destination and cruise port. It is well-known for its cream tea, cows, and dynamic food scene. Guernsey Island also has the distinction, along with three other Channel Islands, of being the only British territory to be occupied by the Germans during World War II. The period was immortalized in the 2018 film, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
GUERNSEY HOTELS
If you have the chance to spend a night in Guernsey Island, grab it! Here are a few well-reviewed hotels to consider for your stay:
CHANNEL ISLANDS GUERNSEY DRIVING MAP
GUERNSEY ITINERARY: 1 DAY SHORE EXCURSION
Since most Guernsey visitors will arrive on the island via St Peter Port, that is where our one day shore excursion begins. The first part of the day involves a driving tour that takes in Guernsey Island’s pastoral countryside, seaside bluffs, and military fortifications. The second part of the trip includes a walking tour of St Peter Port’s shopping district, waterfront, and castle.
Take a Hike at Jerbourg Point
Address: Jerbourg Point, St. Martins, Guernsey GY4 6BJ, Guernsey
From St Peter Point drive 3.8 miles (5.8km) to the Jerbourg Hotel. Park in the free car park by the edge of the hotel lot. Jerbourg Point is a jagged peninsula that protrudes into the sea. The parkland has several hiking trails that straddle the cliffs of Guernsey's southern shore. There are breathtaking viewpoints, and several German battlements to explore.
When you are finished hiking, the Hotel Jerbourg has a public restaurant where you can enjoy a cup of Guernsey cream tea. From Jerbourg Point drive 3.75 miles (6 km) to the Little Chapel.
Visit the Little Chapel
Address: CCV6+2WM, Guernsey
After a drive through some of Guernsey Island’s prettiest farmland, arrive at the Little Chapel. The tiny 16 foot x 9 foot church is said to be the tiniest consecrated chapel on earth.
The chapel is a local recreation of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Lourdes, France. It is constructed of small stones, crushed seashells, and colorful pieces of broken glass. The setting is well-landscaped and entry is free.
Channel Island Tours & Excursions
Leaving the Little Chapel, drive on 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum.
Tour the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum
Address: Rocquaine, GY7 9BY, Guernsey
Fort Grey was built in the 1800s as part of an island-wide defense system designed to ward off attacks from Napoleon’s armies. Nicknamed the “cup and saucer,” the fort is located at the edge of Rocquaine Bay.
At the shipwreck museum, see exhibits of Roman ship timbers and artifacts from other vessels that were smashed along the rocky coast of the Channel Islands.
Walk Rocquaine Beach
Located next to Fort Grey, sandy Rocquaine Beach is arguably one of the nicest beaches to walk on Guernsey Island. The long sandy beach is framed by a seawall and rows of Channel Island cottages. If the tide is low, explore the striking outcroppings of rock and giant tide pools.
When you are finished beach combing, drive 3.75 miles (6 km) to Vazon Beach.
Take a Stroll on Vazon Beach
Address: Vazon Rd, Guernsey GY5 7BF, Guernsey
Expansive Vazon Bay attracts beach-lovers from all over the island. Walk the beach and tide pool. Then, watch the surfers and kite boarders navigate the waves. At the beach visitors can find quick bites and sit-down restaurants with fresh seafood and chowders. There are public bathrooms.
Trek the Trails at Fort Hommet
Address: Fort Hommet Headland, Castel, Guernsey
At Vazon Bay, you will be walking the beach in the shadow of Fort Hommet. There is a parking lot behind the beach (next to Vistas Café) with a path that leads to the fort. When you are done at the beach, walk to Fort Hommet.
Fort Hommet is a fortification dating back to the 1600s. The last addition to the fort was constructed during World War II by Germans forces. At the fort, tour the Martello Tower, bunkers, gun casemates, and barracks. A series of walking paths and stairways connect the crumbling elements of the fort – all with stunning views of Vazon Bay. Wander about with care; there are few railings and uneven ground. Admission is free.
When you are finished exploring Fort Hommet, drive 4 miles (6.6 km) to Oatlands Village.
Shop and Eat at Oatlands Village
Address: Les Gigands, Guernsey GY2 4YT, Guernsey
Outlands Village is a fun shopping and amusement center. The village’s thatch-roofed barns and cottages make for an idyllic setting. Onsite there are craft, card, clothing, and jewelry stores to peruse. Youngsters and the young at heart can enjoy mini-golf, arcades, bowling, and e-car racing. For a bite to eat try The Kilns Restaurant or Oaty’s Diner.
Next, drive 2.8 miles (4.5 km) to St Peter Port.
Explore St Peter Port Guernsey
The capital of Guernsey Island, St Peter Port, is a lively seaport. Its cobblestone streets are packed with restaurants, taverns, and specialty shops. St Peter Port attractions include Castle Cornet, the Castle Breakwater Lighthouse, and the Victor Hugo House.
Begin your exploration of St Peter Port at the Guernsey Visitor Center. From here, take North Esplanade past the Victoria Marina to the Town Church. Next, stroll Market Square, High Street, and the surrounding lanes. For more detail on a St Peter Port free walking route read our travel blog post, St Peter Port Guernsey Walking Tour.
Trek the Ramparts at Castle Cornet
Address: Guernsey GY1 6JN, Guernsey
After exploring town, walk to the waterfront. At the end of Castle Pier, spy Castle Cornet and the Castle Breakwater Lighthouse. Trek out to the castle and tour the 13th century medieval fortification.
Once integral to the island’s defenses, today Castle Cornet is preserved in a series of military museums and formal gardens. Visitors can enjoy costumed re-enactments, period dancers, and a noon-day gun. A highlight of any trip is the spectacular views of St Peter Port and the neighboring Channel Islands from the castle’s ramparts.
We hope you enjoy the Guernsey cows and cream tea, Laura and Randy
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