Channel Islands Guernsey Guide

Laura
3 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 22 hours ago

High Street, St Peter Port | Channel Islands Guernsey Guide — High Street, St Peter Port

Guernsey Island is known for its stunning beaches, soaring cliffs, and quaint rural lanes. Located between England and France, Guernsey has been influenced by both countries as well as by the German forces that occupied the island during World War II. Read our Channel Islands Guernsey guide to learn about the region, when to visit, and where to stay, eat, and play.

Guernsey South End Cliffs | Things to do in Guernsey UK — Guernsey South End Cliffs

With its mild weather, rolling hills, and stunning coasts, Guernsey is a sought after vacation destination. Bike riding, beach-going, and hiking are popular activities. History buffs will enjoy exploring the island’s military forts and German battlements. St Peter Port, Guernsey’s charming capital, will delight shoppers and foodies.

Fort Grey Military Museum | Channel Islands Guernsey, UK Travel — Fort Grey Military Museum

Channel Islands Guernsey Guide At A Glance

Little Chapel | Things to do in Guernsey, Channel Islands UK — Little Chapel

WHERE IS GUERNSEY & THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

The Channel Islands are an archipelago located in the English Channel. Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands. In the Bay of Malo, it lies about 30 miles from the coast of Normandy, France and 70 miles from the southern coast of England.

Waterfront St Peter Port | Channel Islands Guernsey Guide — Waterfront St Peter Port

The 24 square mile island is separated into ten parishes (towns). St Peter Port is its largest these. Guernsey Island has an airport and well developed ferry system. Around the island buses, cars, and bikes are used for transport.

Angel Statue at Little Chapel | Things to do in Guernsey — Angel Statue

WHAT IS GUERNSEY FAMOUS FOR

Guernsey is famous for its cows, cream tea, relaxed lifestyle, and food scene. The island is also well-known for falling under German occupation in World War II. Guernsey, along with three other Channel Islands (Jersey, Alderney, and Sark), were the only British territory to do so.

Guernsey Cows on a Guernsey Tour in the Channel Islands, UK — Guernsey Cows

In the summer of 1940, about one-third of Guernsey’s inhabitants fled for England when it became apparent that Hitler’s forces were about to invade. During the occupation, the Nazis imported slave labor to build a series of bunkers and watch towers (part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall). The occupation lasted five years until 1945.

Guernsey Butter at Afternoon Tea | Channel Islands Guernsey Guide — Guernsey Butter at Afternoon Tea

Many of these German structures are museums today. The era was also immortalized in Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow’s historical novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (and 2018 film of the same name). This tour takes in locations mentioned in the novel: Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society Shore Excursion

Mill Stones by Rocquaine Bay | Channel Islands Guernsey Guide — Mill Stones by Rocquaine Bay

A BIT ABOUT GUERNSEY HISTORY

The Channel Islands are closer to France than England, but have been attached to the British empire since the Norman Conquest of 1066. The islands are divided into two bailiwicks (districts). Guernsey is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and is considered a self-governing ‘British Crown Dependency.’

Cottages by Seawall in Rocquaine Bay | Guernsey Guide — Cottages by Seawall

Guernsey recognizes HM King Charles to be its head of State and delegates its defense and foreign policy to the UK Parliament. However, Guernsey has its own legal system, currency, and post office. Today, Guernsey’s economy is driven by the finance industry, agriculture, and tourism.

Trails by Jerbourg Point | Things to do in Guernsey, Channel Islands UK — Trails by Jerbourg Point

GUERNSEY HOTELS

When visiting Guernsey, St Peter Port is a great choice for accommodations. The towns cobblestoned lanes are full of shops, restaurants, and heritage sites such as Castle Cornet and the Victor Hugo House. If you prefer a country setting, look for lodging on the beaches of the island’s north and west coasts, or the soaring cliff of the south.

Low Tide St Peter Port | Channel Islands Guernsey Guide — Low Tide St Peter Port

Here are a few well-reviewed Guernsey hotels:

The Old Government House Hotel

Best Western Moores Hotel

Fermain Valley Hotel

Duke of Normandie Hotel

Shopping in St Peter Port | Things to do in Guernsey, UK — Shopping in St Peter Port

GUERNSEY TOURS

Most travelers will arrive in Guernsey by flight, ferry, or cruise. Whether you have a week, weekend, or a shore excursion, an organized tour is a convenient and informative way to see the island. A local guide versed in the island’s history and geography can guide you toward Guernsey’s hidden gems.

Entrance to the Roman Ship | Things to do in Guernsey UK — Entrance to the Roman Ship

Here are few well-reviewed Guernsey tours:

Guernsey Coastal Small Group Tour

Coastal Tour to Saint's Bay Harbour

Guernsey Coastal Small Group Tour

Guernsey City Private Walking Shore Tour

Guernsey Tour Bus | Things to do in Guernsey on a Guernsey Tour — Guernsey Tour Bus

WEATHER AND BEST TIME TO VISIT

Guernsey has a windy maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers (although not always a lot of sun). Temperatures range from around 68’F in the summers to around 42’F in the winter. The hottest months are July and August (also the most crowded). The best months to visit Guernsey are May, June, and September.