Top 10 things to do in Guernsey
Set in the English Channel, just off the coast of Normandy, Guernsey is much more than just a Channel Island. Nicknamed the “Green Isle”, it attracts thousands of travellers every year to discover its unspoilt beaches, thousand-year-old history and Celtic-style landscapes. With memories of Victor Hugo, medieval fortifications and fiery sunsets over its golden sandy coves, a visit to Guernsey is a complete change of scenery, just a ferry ride from Saint-Malo. Here are the 10 must-do things to do in Guernsey to make the most of this extraordinary destination.
See also the Normandy guide:
- The most beautiful villages to discover around Saint-Malo
- The 10 most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo
- The 14 most beautiful walks around Saint-Malo
- 10 must-see places to visit in Brittany
- 12 unusual romantic weekends in Brittany
- 22 things not to miss in Cotes-d’Armor
- Pink Granite Coast: 12 must-see places in Brittany
1. Cobo Bay, a picture-postcard beach
To get your stay in Guernsey off on the right foot, head for the west coast and its nugget: Cobo Bay (Côbo Coast Rd, Guernsey – rated 4.8/5 on Google for 99 reviews). This bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and for good reason: its blonde sand stretches for several hundred metres, framed by pink rocks that the setting sun transforms into an impressionist painting. The water is crystalline blue and the transparency of the sea is an invitation to take a dip on sunny days.
Cobo Bay is regularly compared to a Caribbean beach – without the heat, of course, but with a wild, authentic charm that larger seaside destinations have often lost. It’s also the perfect place to witness one of Guernsey’s most spectacular sunsets, as the sky sets ablaze over the Atlantic. Romantic and soothing, this place alone is worth the diversions.
2. Château Cornet, the historic sentinel of Saint-Pierre-Port
It’s impossible to visit Guernsey without stopping in front of the imposing silhouette of Cornet Castle (Castle Location, Guernsey GY1 1AU – rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 1,276 reviews). Built in the 13th century on an ancient rocky islet in the harbour of St Pierre Port, it is now linked to the island by a breakwater and is one of the Channel Islands’ most iconic monuments. Eight centuries of history have been condensed here, from the Norman defence to the successive occupations by French and English troops, right up to the Second World War, when the German army took over.
Inside, the castle houses no fewer than five museums retracing Guernsey’s military, maritime and civil history. Every noon, a cannon-firing ceremony brings visitors together with the two guards in period dress – a moment of entertainment enjoyed by all. The castle’s meticulously tended gardens make for a pleasant stroll, while the ramparts offer breathtaking panoramic views of Saint-Pierre-Port and the surrounding islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney. A must-see during your stay in Guernsey.
3. Hauteville House, Victor Hugo’s house of exile
Guernsey and Victor Hugo are linked for eternity. From 1856 to 1870, the writer made Hauteville House (38 Hauteville, Guernsey GY1 1DG – rated 4.5/5 on Google for 629 reviews) his home and creative lair, after being expelled from Jersey for his criticism of Queen Victoria. In this house overlooking the heights of Saint-Pierre-Port, Hugo imposed a rigorous work schedule on himself, writing every morning in his legendary Glass Room – an open-air room from which he overlooked the port and the Channel Islands.
It was here that some of the masterpieces of French literature were born: Les Misérables, Les Travailleurs de la mer – a novel that pays vibrant tribute to the inhabitants of the Channel Islands – and also a large part of La Légende des siècles. Hugo himself decorated each room with maniacal care, combining carved wood, Chinese earthenware, wall hangings and personal symbols in a baroque, overflowing universe. The house, bequeathed to the City of Paris in 1927 by his descendants, is now a museum open to the public (guided tours only, by prior arrangement, from May to September). A must-see cultural stopover in Guernsey.
Download the audio tour to discover Saint-Pierre-Port on foot and on your own
To explore Saint-Pierre-Port and discover all the secrets of Guernsey’s capital without getting lost, the Navaway audio tour is your best companion. At your own pace and in complete freedom, the tour guides you from street to street, revealing the history and anecdotes of the most emblematic places. From Hauteville House to the bustling seafront, every step is a discovery.
4. The Little Chapel, a mosaic jewel
Nestling in the greenery of the village of Les Vauxbelets, La Petite Chapelle (Les Vauxbelets, Saint-André, Guernsey – rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 774 reviews) is one of the most endearing sights you’ll see during your stay in Guernsey. Built in 1920 by Brother Déodat-Antoine, a member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, this miniature chapel was inspired by the shrine at Lourdes. What makes it special? Its exterior walls are entirely covered with pieces of porcelain, pebbles, shells and shards of earthenware, offering a shimmering spectacle from every angle.
The Little Chapel is one of the smallest chapels in the world, yet it radiates an extraordinary presence. Over the decades, the people of Guernsey have helped to embellish it with their own porcelain fragments. This place of contemplation, both sacred and artistic, bears witness to the deep bond between the people of Guernsey and their religious heritage. Admission is free and the chapel is open every day. A gentle, luminous stop-off on your exploration of Guernsey.
5. Stroll around Saint-Pierre-Port, Guernsey’s lively capital
Saint-Pierre-Port is a capital city on a human scale, with plenty of allure and character. Perched like an amphitheatre on the east coast of the island, it reveals its cobbled streets, colourful facades and picturesque harbour, where yachts and old sailing ships crowd together. The seafront, with its lively terraces and duty-free shops, is an inviting place to stroll around, while the covered markets are full of local produce: Guernsey cheeses, seafood and island specialities.
The town is a pleasant place to visit on foot, climbing to higher ground to take in the spectacular views over the harbour and neighbouring islands. l.
6. Candie Gardens, a Victorian garden suspended over the harbour
Just a short walk from the centre of St Peter’s Harbour, Candie Gardens (Candie Gardens, Guernsey GY1 1DA – rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 70 reviews) is one of the green lungs of Guernsey’s capital. This magnificent Victorian garden, laid out on two levels on the edge of the cliff, offers breathtaking panoramic views over the harbour, the Isle of Herm and the distant silhouettes of Sark and Alderney. Tropical and subtropical plants thrive here thanks to the island’s mild, humid microclimate – a veritable showcase of greenery and colour.
At the heart of the garden sits the famous granite statue of Victor Hugo, created in 1914 by the sculptor Jean Boucher. Looking out to sea, the poet seems to be contemplating the horizon from his island of exile. Just next door, the Guernsey Museum has a permanent collection on the history and archaeology of the island, as well as a regularly updated art gallery. Entrance to the garden is free and open every day from dawn to dusk – the ideal place for a contemplative break during your stay in Guernsey.
7. The islands of Herm and Sark, island breaks from Guernsey
One of Guernsey’s greatest assets is that it is surrounded by small islands that can be reached in just a few dozen minutes by ferry from the port of Saint-Pierre-Port. Two of them stand out for their exceptional character: Herm and Sark.
Herm is the smallest of the inhabited Channel Islands, and perhaps the most heavenly. A mere 20-minute crossing lands you in a car-free, noise-free world, with only grassy paths, pristine beaches like Shell Beach and a desert island atmosphere at your fingertips. Sark, meanwhile, is also car-free – the island can only be visited on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage. Its sheer cliffs, wild vistas and preserved feudal traditions make it a unique destination in Europe. Daily ferries run between these two islands and Saint-Pierre-Port throughout the tourist season. An unmissable excursion on your Guernsey holiday.
8. Guernsey’s wild beaches, between cliffs and secret coves
Guernsey is full of superb beaches, often unspoilt and uncrowded, which reward explorers. Each of the island’s coasts has its own personality.
To the south, Petit Bôt bay nestles at the end of a wooded valley, framed by lush green cliffs. Accessible via a wooded path, this intimate cove is one of the most beautiful on the island. To the west, Vazon Bay is a long stretch of fine sand recognised as one of the cleanest beaches in the UK. Open to the wind and Atlantic rollers, it is ideal for surfing, kite-surfing and other water sports. Further north, Port Soif is renowned for its sheltered waters and tranquillity, perfect for families in summer. During your stay in Guernsey, try to explore at least two or three of these beaches to appreciate their diversity.
9. Moulin Huet Bay and the Renoir trail
In the south-east of the island, the bay of Moulin Huet is associated with one of the most fascinating episodes in the history of art. In the summer of 1883, the Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir stayed on the island for six weeks and painted some fifteen canvases from the rocks and heights overlooking the bay, captivated by the unique light of the English Channel and the colour of the water. His paintings can now be found in the world’s greatest museums, from the National Gallery in London to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The Renoir Trail invites you to follow in his footsteps from the heights of the coast. Five empty steel frames are installed in the exact locations where Renoir set up his easel, allowing you to mentally superimpose the paintings on the real landscape – a unique artistic and sensory experience. The walk lasts around an hour and is a round trip from the site’s car park. A poetic way to round off a great day out in Guernsey.
10. Les Fouaillages, the oldest megalithic site in Europe
Prehistory enthusiasts will be delighted by a visit to Les Fouaillages (FFW6+XV, Guernsey – rated 4.5/5 on Google for 4 reviews), an exceptional megalithic site located in the north of the island, at L’Ancresse. Dating back to almost 6,000 BC, this burial mound formed by two dolmens is considered to be one of the oldest man-made funerary monuments in Europe. Discovered in 1977 during development work, it has since been the subject of a number of archaeological digs that have uncovered flint tools, ceramics and traces of an ancient settlement.
The site, which is freely accessible and signposted, can be visited in just a few minutes, but is well worth taking the time to observe carefully. It is part of a larger group of megalithic monuments scattered around the island: the Déhus dolmen, La Varde, etc. Silent testimonies to a Neolithic civilisation that made Guernsey one of its ritual centres. A journey back in time to round off your tour of must-see things to do in Guernsey.
In conclusion, Guernsey is an island that has to be earned and that never disappoints. With its wild beaches, exceptional historical heritage, deep links with French literature and neighbouring islands just a short paddle away, Guernsey offers a rich and varied range of experiences. Whether you’re a lover of nature, history or culture, you’ll find plenty to keep your curiosity alive for days on end on this Channel Island.
FAQ – Visiting Guernsey
How do I get to Guernsey from France?
There are several ferry links to Guernsey from the French coast. The crossing from Saint-Malo is the most direct (around 2 hours), but ferries also leave from Granville (with a stopover in Jersey) and Diélette during the summer season. By air, there is a stopover from France, usually in London or Southampton. Remember to bring your passport with you, as Guernsey is not part of the Schengen area.
When is the best time to visit Guernsey?
The summer season, from June to September, is ideal for enjoying the beaches and water sports. Spring (April-May) offers lush greenery and fewer crowds. Autumn is still a good time for coastal walks. Out of season, certain sites such as Hauteville House close (generally from October to April).
What currency should I use in Guernsey?
Guernsey has its own currency, the Guernsey pound, which has the same value as the British pound sterling. Euros are not generally accepted in local shops. Remember to change your currency before you leave, or take advantage of the duty free facilities on the ferry.
Getting around Guernsey
The island has a good bus network (£1 per journey) serving the main attractions. Bike hire (or electric bike hire) is very popular and allows you to explore the coast at your own pace. You can hire a car from the age of 21 with a valid driving licence – but be aware that the speed limit is 56 km/h throughout the island.
How many days does it take to visit Guernsey?
A 3-day weekend will cover the island’s main sites and allow you to visit Saint-Pierre-Port in depth. To make the most of the neighbouring islands (Herm, Sark) and coastal walks, allow 5 to 7 days. Guernsey can’t be crossed quickly: it has to be savoured.
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