Looking to escape the hustle of daily life and unwind? Sometimes a weekend adventure is all it takes to check out, reconnect with yourself, and get that clarity of mind we all crave.
One of the best ways to disconnect from your mental ‘to do list’ is getting off your phone, back into nature and indulging in some fun activities just for you. Our Islands have everything you need for a nourishing change of scene, only an hour from the UK and France.
We’ve put together this guide and itinerary to help you get off-grid and recentred on a weekend trip to the Islands of Guernsey.
Where to stay on an off-grid holiday in Guernsey
Scenic glampsites, seaside views and rural retreats - our Islands have a great selection of places to stay off the beaten track. In Guernsey, all of these spots are accessible by car but feel miles away from the business of daily life. On our smaller Islands, Herm and Sark, you’ll need to get those walking shoes on or hop on a bike to reach your accommodation, thanks to their unique car-free status.
Beaucette Marina Shepherds Huts
These luxury, self-contained shepherds huts are found on the coastal headland of Guernsey in the northeast, overlooking Beaucette Marina and across to Herm and Sark.
Each hut contains a kitchenette, en-suite and a king-sized bed looking out to sea, as well as a wood-fired chimney. Three of the huts also have a set of bunk beds if you’re travelling with extra guests.
Start your day with a log-powered nordic hot tub outdoors overlooking the Marina before exploring the local area, picking up lunch supplies and enjoying a picnic lunch at your private outdoor seating.
Fermain Tower
One of the most unique spots on our Islands, a stay at the Fermain Tower takes you completely away from the humdrum of daily life. This renovated tower overlooks the picturesque Fermain Bay on the east coast of Guernsey, and is perfect for spending time strolling the cliff paths, swimming, stargazing or relaxing on the roof deck.
The tower is a series of round rooms connected by ladder steps and stairs to form a bedroom, kitchenette and living room. During the summer months, you can pick up a coffee and food at the nearby beach cafe for lunch, cook dinner in your tower kitchen and enjoy the luxury of being the only overnight guests on the beach.
Stroll along the cliffs, take a morning sea swim, read on the deck and feel your worries slip off your shoulders.
Camp de Reves Glampsite - Safari Tents and Shepherds Huts
A perfect balance of luxury and nature, the 5 star Camp de Reves is an award-winning eco-friendly glampsite overlooking Guernsey’s west coast. They offer both Safari Tents sleeping up to six guests, and shepherds huts for two, in beautiful gardens that earned them the Conservation and Wildlife Award at the Floral Guernsey Awards 2023.
The secluded location feels a world away, and with an onsite small shop, free laundry facilities, pizza ovens, a games room and BBQ equipment, you can put your phone on do not disturb and enjoy a peaceful weekend with everything you need.
Their shepherds huts are designed for relaxation with private decks, en-suites, log burners, BBQs and sea views. The safari tents are ideal for group or family off-grid adventures with double beds, bunk rooms, en-suites and private gardens and decks.
They are currently running an offer for Guernsey Literary Festival attendees to enjoy 20% off their bookings. Click here for more details.
Treehouses at Fermain
What is more nourishing than waking up in the forest? The Fermain Valley Hotel Treehouses are tucked in the treetops with views across the valley. These private rooms have cosy modern interiors, access to a jacuzzi and are a short stroll from Fermain Bay below.
The nearby hotel often offers wellness retreats and yoga classes, perfect for a peaceful day.
WildGuernsey Glamping
Switch off in rural Guernsey at WildGuernsey Glamping. Run by Tara and D’Arcy and their two young sons, this unique quiet spot is a true off-grid experience. During your stay in their two yurts or safari tent, Tara and D’Arcy can share their knowledge of wild food, foraging, fireside camp cooking and earth education activities.
Set in the forest of St Peter’s on the southwest of Guernsey, the sea is just a stone’s throw away from the glampsite for wild swimming. When you need to refuel after your foraging and swimming, you can cook outdoors on the fire or in your tent’s fully equipped kitchen.
Clos a Joan - Sark
Built in the 1700s, Clos a Jaon was for generations a simple pair of cottages with an adjacent barn, built of Sark granite walls and thatched roofs. The buildings were renovated in 2015 to make cosy self-catering properties on a tranquil lane.
With bike-only travel around the Island, starry skies, patchy phone signal and country paths to explore, these cottages in Sark make for excellent off-grid escapes.
What to do on an off-grid weekend break on our Islands
First things first, it’s time to mute those notifications, switch on do not disturb and let yourself have some time to disconnect from the digital world. There’s no one right way to recharge - whether you’d rather spend time reading, swimming and relaxing on the beach or head out on a hike, savour a long lunch or take part in wellness classes, we’ve got you covered.
Here are just a few ideas for your off-grid weekend.
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking | Hike the cliff trails and coastal paths around our Island to enjoy some peace and quiet. Mindful hiking has been show to relax your mind and get the endorphins flowing. You may even stumble upon some secluded and hidden bays where you can feel like the only person in the world.
- Yoga | During your stay, join a yoga class either indoors, on the beach or even on the clifftops. For the extra adventurous, try SUP yoga, where you practice your balancing and flow on a paddle board at sea.
- Try Forest Bathing | Getting out in the trees can help calm your mind and make you feel grounded. Out in the woods you can feel disconnected from the hectic-ness of life and just be.
- Stargazing | Away from the bright lights of cities, our Islands allow you the chance to see plenty of stars. Sark is the world's first Dark Sky Island, with no streetlights meaning you have an extra clear view of the night sky.
- Sea Swimming | Hugely popular in the wellness space, and something Islanders have been doing for hundreds of years, sea swimming is excellent for refreshing your mind and body. If you’re new to wild swimming, take a dip at beach or the Bathing Pools for some cold water therapy (you can read our beginners guide for more tips). if you’re more experienced try joining a Swim Adventure with a local group
- Coastal Exploring | Refresh yourself on the water with a paddle boarding or kayak tour or head out on a coastal cruise for a more relaxed adventure.
- Running | Trail running is very popular on our islands, with many runners exploring the cliff paths. You can also take a gentler approach and enjoy a mindful run along the west coast with views out to sea.
- Explore Nature | There are lots of nature trails and reserves on our Islands, including 5 RAMSAR sites. Take your binoculars to spot some unique bird and animal species.
- Beach Days | Pack a picnic, a blanket and head to the beach for some quiet time. With over 45 beaches to choose from, it's easy to find a calm spot to unwind at.
Relaxation Time
- Spa Experiences & Treatments | Soak in a pool, enjoy a massage or pamper session at one of our hotel spas or treatment rooms. Perfect for relaxation on a rainy day.
- Take it easy at your accommodation | Our off-grid accommodation lets you enjoy simple pleasures in nature and by the sea. Unwind with a book, coffee or doze in the sun. It’s all about savouring the slower pace of Island life
- Pottery |Try your hand at a pottery throwing class. Getting creative helps top up your energy, and you may even discover a brand new hobby!
- Willow Weaving | For those looking for something a bit more portable to take home, why not try a traditional Guernsey art form and take a basket weaving class?
- Island Hopping | Our smaller islands let you disconnect even more. Herm Island is a paradise with no cars or bikes. Explore the trails and beaches on foot, making sure to stop at Belvior and Shell beach, where you may even loose your phone signal all together.
- Meditation | Whether you prefer a guided class or just some quiet time to yourself, add this to your weekend plans to clear your mind. Classes pop up around the island. A quick search on Facebook usually locates one.
Explore Local Food & Drink
- Explore Orchards on a Cider Tour | In the spring and summer months, stop by Rocquettes Cider Farm to see the process of brewing from start to finish.
- Brunch | Start your day gently with a long lie before heading for brunch. From a classic fry-up to vegan wellness juices, there is a place to suit everyone's tastes.
- Tapas | Discover culinary treats with a tapas afternoon. Depending on your favourite cuisine type, try Dhaka, Tinto, Rouge, The Hook or Fukku.
- Coastal Treats & Beach Kiosks | No visit to our Islands would be complete without exploring the many beachside restaurants, cafes and kiosks serving local produce and treats. For a sit down meal try La Reunion, Puffin & Oyster or Otto, or for a casual lunch stop by at the closest beach kiosk.
- Wine Tasting & Drinks | Visit The Crown Club in St Peter Port for drinks including a delicious range of mocktails, or try a wine tasting with one of the knowledgable sommeliers on Island.
- Hidden Gems | Explore some of the hidden restaurant gems on our Islands. Gusto, Pier 17, Auberge Du Val, Fleur du Jardin and Les Douvres are all wonderful spots for a leisurely meal.
Itinerary: A Weekend of Switching Off
The best part of an off-grid weekend is taking life at a slower pace and being in the moment. For those who like a little more structure, we’ve put together a sample itinerary to help you plan your weekend.
Friday
- Arrive in Guernsey by boat or plane
- Check into your accommodation
- Head to St Peter Port by bus or taxi
- Grab a bite to eat at Mylk, Fukku, Crepe Maison or Christies
- Explore the sea on a coastal cruise with Guernsey Coastal Cruises or Out of the Blue
- Boutique shopping in town - make sure to visit the Victorian Shop on Cornet Street and the independent stores on the High Street and Market
- Head to Tinto, Dhaka or The Hook for drinks and tapas-style nibbles, or go to the Old Government House Hotel or Rouge for wine tasting
- Enjoy a meal out in town - there are lots of restaurants to pick between, see this page for some ideas
Saturday
- Have a slow morning and unwind at your accommodation
- Try some beach yoga at Cobo
- Go on a paddleboarding tour with Outdoor Guernsey or Go Guernsey Land and Sea, or for a sea swim to refresh after yoga
- Lunch Stop - visit a beach kiosk or Cobo Tearoom for sandwiches, or enjoy something more substantial at The Rockmount, Puffin & Oyster or Les Douvres
- Explore the Bluebell Woods on the east coast - you can get there via the cliff paths from St Peter Port or Fermain Bay - make a coffee stop at the Fermain Beach Cafe
- Join in a late afternoon cider tour at the Rocquettes Orchard, or stop by Iris and Dora for a pottery throwing class
- Have a sunset dinner on the coast at La Reunion, or picnic with fish and chips on the beach
Sunday
- Grab a matcha and head for a morning hike to explore hidden bays on the south coast
- Take a dip if you’re feeling brave!
- Brunch at Good Rebel, Coco or Nineteen Bar and Grill
- Join a Seaweed Foraging Tour to discover more about our coastline or a food foraging tour experience with WildGuernsey
- Freshen up with some spa pampering at St Pierre Park, The Lavender Rooms at the Fleur du Jardin hotel or the Old Government House Hotel Spa
- Pick up local meets, cheeses and hedge veg and cook dinner at your accommodation
- On a clear night make some hot chocolate and head out stargazing
Monday
- Go for a morning swim and meditation on the beach - Port Soif is beautiful at high tide or you can head to the Bathing Pools
- Breakfast and coffee at Muse, Cafe Emilia or Christies
- If you’re travelling home in the evening, head on an Island hopping trip to Herm and visit Shell Beach. Grab lunch while you’re there and walk the cliff paths back to the harbour
- Return to Guernsey for your return journey home
- Book your next trip to our Islands so you can come get more of #ThatIslandFeeling
How to get to Guernsey for an off-grid break
It’s easy to reach our Islands by air or sea from France, the UK and Ireland. With regular flights on Fridays and Mondays, a weekend getaway couldn’t be simpler.
- Gatwick in 1hr10
- City in 1hr25
- Bristol in 1hr5
- Exeter in under 45mins
- Paris in 1hr30
- Southampton in under 45mins
- Manchester & Birmingham in 1hr30
Seasonal flights are also operating from Liverpool, Edinburgh, Stansted and Newquay this summer. Stay for a little longer and let your batteries recharge.
- Poole
- Portsmouth
- St Malo
Come get away from it all and recharge the batteries. It's time to find your Island feeling.
