The Islands of Guernsey’s self catering properties are ideal for getting a taste of local life at your own pace. You can enjoy all of the comforts of home while you explore country lanes, secluded bays and everything else that the Island has to offer.
Where to Stay
There are many different self catering accommodations on Guernsey, ranging from Child and Pet Friendly apartment complexes to small cottages perfect for a romantic couples getaway. Here are just five examples of what we have to offer.
Beau Vallon Holiday Apartments
Beau Vallon is situated in the parish of St Pierre du Bois, only a 2 minute walk from L'Eree Bay. All apartments have flat screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, many with dishwashers, and ensuite bathrooms. Enjoying panoramic sea views and sunsets, these apartments are ideally located for walking and cycling through the country lanes. The 9 apartments, including one apartment with its own private hot tub, can accommodate 2-8 people and all lead onto gardens. There is a heated pool, putting green, children's play area, giant chess board and free WiFi, making this a perfect facility for families.
Adair Bungalows
Adair Bungalows are run by a local family, ideally situated opposite Vazon Bay. All bungalows are fully equipped, spacious and comfortable for up to four adults, with one double and one twin bedroom. All of the bungalows are non-smoking and include free WiFi. Four of the bungalows include their own secure gardens and there is a large garden for the sole use of residents. An 18 hole golf course and a surf school that caters for all ages are less than half a mile along the coast road. There are plenty of hotels, pubs and restaurants within walking distance, catering to all tastes. Close by for all of your daily needs is a small supermarket. And with multiple regular bus routes easily accessible, this is the perfect base from which to explore the Island.
The Studio
The Studio is a 4*, self-contained, newly renovated barn conversion nestled in the heart of St Saviour, a stone's throw from Perelle Bay, providing stunning views of the coast just outside your window. Within walking distance you have The Driftwood Inn, Perelle Butchery, and Morrisons daily shopper, so you don’t need to go far for food and drink. There are bus stops nearby with routes to town, either via the coast or through the lovely countryside of Kings Mills and Castel. A short walk from The Studio is a National Trust walk, along which you will discover Le Catioroc Neolithic tomb and a Napoleonic artillery battery. There is even a WWII bunker in the garden of the property. Children are not allowed, making this the perfect couple's retreat.
Vazon Bay Apartments
A complex of 15 two-bedroom apartments with three and four star options available. There is a swimming pool, children's play area and pool room, sauna, spa and solarium all located within the grounds, perfect for the whole family. Five of the new apartments have two bathrooms and dishwashers. Vazon Bay is within walking distance, as are multiple restaurants, a golf course, shops and cafés. Satellite TV, electricity, bed linen and towels (except swimming towels) are all included.
Fermain Tower
This completely unique, not found anywhere else accommodation is situated next to Fermain Bay. You can walk the cliff paths, cook what you want in the privacy of your accommodation, access amazing restaurants, swim in one of Guernsey's most popular bays and recharge. Whatever the weather, the view over Fermain Bay is spectacular. The tower is arranged over three floors with a roof deck, and the rooms are connected by ladder-style steps, a circular staircase and an actual ladder, meaning that this accommodation is only suitable for able-bodied, safety-conscious adults. The minimum visitor age is 25+.
Waves
Waves is located at Vazon Bay, a very popular family beach, excellent for surfing and other watersports. You'll find a variety of accommodation ranging in size from single suites to 5 bedroom apartments. All apartments feature a modern interior, quality furnishings, private kitchens and bathrooms; perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
To find out more information, or to find an even larger variety of unique self catered accommodations, click here.
Self Catering Food Options
Self catering holidays are great fun, but there is the added pressure of knowing where to get food from in a new place. Unlike staying in a hotel, you don’t have the luxury of popping down to the hotel restaurant. However, you do get the opportunity to live like a local and enjoy discovering local produce, which can be found in abundance in Guernsey. Below are some of the most popular local food and produce sellers to help you find your way.
Local Butchers
Guernsey has a wide range of local butchers, scattered all over the Island, who use the best quality, locally sourced meat, perfect for a Barbecue or Sunday roast. These include Town Butchers, Country Butchers, Perelle Butchery and Cobo Butchers, just to name a few.
Forest Stores
Operating since 1959, Forest Stores is an independent food retailer selling a wide range of items, including fresh produce such as bread, fish and meat and fruit and vegetables, supporting local producers wherever they can.
Hansa
Hansa stocks whole foods, healthy treats, vegan goodies and basic dry organic foods, including dried fruit, nuts, seeds, rice, pasta and cereal. In addition to this, you will find essential oils and natural hygiene products such as fluoride free toothpaste, skin creams and shampoo. With products available to be ordered over the phone on 01481 723412 and delivered straight to your door, you don’t even have to go out to stock up on essentials.
COOK
COOK was founded in 1997, and provides frozen meals perfect for when you fancy a night off cooking. They have a huge variety of meals available, from single portions to family sized feasts, and something to suit every taste and every course in the meal. Their delivery service allows you to order online up to seven days in advance and receive your meals straight to your door. Simply phone 01481 729566 or visit their website to place an order in advance.
Manor Farm Foods
Manor Farm Foods is a Guernsey owned and operated wholesale business supplying all sectors of the hospitality, food and catering industry. Established in 2006 by the merger of two pre-established local businesses, Manor Farm Foods has grown into the island's largest quality food wholesaler. They deliver to their wide range of customers 6 days a week. Simply look online, download their app or phone 01481 727590 to place your order.
Hedge Veg Stalls
If you spend any time at all wandering the lanes of Guernsey, it won't be long until you happen upon a hedge veg stall, a unique and charming staple of Guernsey life where islanders sell their homegrown produce, such as Guernsey tomatoes and potatoes, homemade baked goods, crafts, candles and more. Read more about Hedge Veg here.
Joe's Fresh Veg
If you're looking for fresh fruit and veg to make a nourishing meal, look no further than Joe's Fresh Veg, offering home deliveries of some of the best fresh fruits and vegetables on Island.
The Crab Cabin
The Crab Cabin is a locally owned business selling fresh, locally caught crab and other shellfish. We'd recommend visiting in the morning, as the crab that is caught is sold on a first come, first served basis and they only sell what was caught that day.
A1 Crab Supplies
A1 Crab Suppliers is a wholesale business that supplies some of Guernsey's most popular restaurants and cafes with fresh local crab either whole or ready picked. With crabs and other shellfish available, and platters ready made, just call 07781 165259 to discuss your needs.
Eating Out & Takeaway Options
Sometimes even the best cooks don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. You are on holiday after all, so here are some alternatives that will allow you to find quality food that you don’t have to cook.
Restaurants
If you don’t want to cook, Guernsey is well known for its wide array of quality restaurants, bars and bistros. From coastal restaurants with amazing views like The Rockmount and La Reunion, to establishments situated right in the centre of town, like Red and The Hook, there is something for all tastes and dietary requirements.
For a full list of restaurants, click here.
Takeaways
If you fancy staying in for an evening, our local takeaway delivery website and app, food.gg, has a list of local establishments, organised by type of food, that offer delivery to your door. You can order from your phone, allowing you the night off to relax and spend time with loved ones.
As well as the app, there are many popular eateries that offer takeaways directly. Local favourite restaurants such as The Hook, Rosso, A Taste of India, Crabby Jack's, ATAN AHAN, China Red, Chefan, Fat Rascal, Sawatdi Thai Restaurant, The Pony Inn and more all offer a takeaway menu. Just select your favourite venue, phone up to place your order and collect your food when it is ready.
Chip Shops
Take a trip to the coast and visit one of our fish and chip shops. Within just a few minutes of ordering, you can be sat on the beach or on the sea wall enjoying this Island classic. You can find Forest Chip Inn, The Chip Inn, Northside Fish and Chip Bar, Cobo Chippy, Beetons Barista and Bites and L’Islet Fish and Chips scattered across the Island, meaning that no matter where you are, you can easily find this quick and tasty dinner option.
Travelling around the Island
There are many different ways to travel around Guernsey that allow you to explore all that our Island has to offer. From walking and cycling to cars and public transport, there are a wide range of options.
Bike Hire
Cycling on the Islands of Guernsey gives you easy access to key attractions and allows you to explore at your own pace. Whether you are looking for a few hours of cycling fun or to hire a bike for several days, both are possible from a range of different retailers, including Adventure Cycles and GO Guernsey Bike Hire.
EVie Bikes
EVie bikes are electric bikes with a high power motor and a 15mph top speed to get up those steep countryside hills. They can go up to 40 miles (65km) on a single charge, so you have plenty of miles available for you to explore the Island by bike. When you’re done, your bike can be returned at any marked Zone on the map, or a suitable other place for a convenience fee. Simply download the EVie app from the app store to find your closest EVie Bikes.
Buses
For those distances that are too far to walk or cycle, Guernsey has a network of accessible public transport that makes it easy to explore the Island. Whether you are travelling to historic sites, beaches or into town, all major attractions are just a short bus ride away.
Car Hire
Getting around Guernsey by car gives you the greatest flexibility for discovering the island at your own pace. There are a range of options when looking for car hire on Guernsey, whether it’s for two people or the whole family, with most hire car companies conveniently located at or near the airport. Make sure to take the roads at a relaxed island pace; the maximum speed is 35mph on bigger roads. And remember, parking is free all over the Island, just look out for how long you are permitted to park for and make sure you put your clock card up with your arrival time.
Taxis
The Islands of Guernsey have a regulated, licensed taxi service. Taxi ranks are available at the airport, as well as The Bridge (St Sampson) and St Peter Port. We highly recommend booking your taxis in advance wherever possible, especially if you are planning to travel early in the morning or in the evening when demand is highest.
