Winter is an excellent time to escape to the Islands of Guernsey. With a mild climate and quieter crowds, you can enjoy uninterrupted sea views, relax and unwind from the demands of city living.
Here are a few ways to spend your time in Guernsey if you're visiting us during the colder months.
Winter Hikes
Wrap up and head out to the cliffs to stroll Guernsey's coast and take in the views across to Herm and Sark.
You can start your day in town and enjoy breakfast at one of the local restaurants, before setting off from Havelet Bay and climbing your way up the cliffs and along the south east coast of Guernsey. Pass through Clarence Battery and Fort George, and continue through the Bluebell Woods down to Fermain Bay. There are plenty of benches en route, offering a chance to rest and take in the ocean views. You will find various cafes and kiosks along the cliff paths, so you're never too far from a hot drink and cake.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of our Islands during your hike, there are plenty of guided walks available, hosted by our accredited tour guides who will share their knowledge with you on unique routes.
If you prefer to explore solo, the VisitGuernsey Walking App has trails across the Islands to enjoy. With audio accompaniment and an interactive map that tracks your steps as you walk your chosen route, the app highlights points of interest along the way. You can filter the routes by difficulty and duration to find your ideal hike.
Wild Swimming
The Islands of Guernsey are one of the best places to get involved in year-round wild swimming as they are scattered with coves, secluded beaches and natural pools.
Offering numerous health benefits, wild swimming is linked to lowered stress levels, clarity of mind and a boosted immune system. Cold water swimming has also been shown to boost dopamine levels and release endorphins. Even just a five-minute dip can make a difference.
On your trip, there are plenty of community groups you can join for a swim, or you can opt for a solo venture and soak in the sound of the waves. For a quick dip, we recommend heading to the bathing pools at La Vallette in St Peter Port. The pools have changing rooms, accessible ramps, and are nearby to plenty of restaurants in St Peter Port for you to replenish afterwards.
Remember to pack layers, and you can warm up with a hot drink at any of the nearby kiosks.
Cosy Pubs and Restaurants
Our Islands are home to a variety of traditional pubs, wine bars and eateries, with live music venues and beachfront beer gardens.
For a cosy Sunday roast, you can explore Les Douvres, nestled in the country lanes of St Martins, Fleur du Jardin, based in a converted farmhouse building, The Rockmount, a family gastro pub, and La Barbarie Hotel.
In St Peter Port, Spanish tapas bar, Tinto, spotlights 20-25 classic dishes at any given time, changing seasonally. Designed for sharing, order a selection of dishes and make sure to leave room for churros afterwards! If you enjoy a laid-back ambience, try Rosso, a harbour-front Italian restaurant that features hand-made stone-baked pizzas, and a handpicked selection of Californian and Italian wines to pair with your meal.
For wine connoisseurs, Rouge is a chic wine and cheese bar, with an ever-changing list of over 120 red, white, rosé, sweet, sparkling and fortified wines, as well as a selection of spirits. Enjoy a glass of something different, or your favourite beer or gin, and order some cheese and charcuterie. Each month, Rouge also offer a mixed case of 6 bottles, themed by country, style or grape, for a set price, or you can order a custom-made platter to take away. Perfect if you’re enjoying a self-catered stay on the Island.
Relax at the Spa
With hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy and Swedish massages, as well as facials, pedicures and more, the spas on our Islands are the perfect place to unwind and refresh.
Many also feature jacuzzis, steam rooms and relaxation rooms, as well as swimming pools and gyms.
Discover some of the offerings on Island at the Old Government House Hotel, St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, and the Fermain Valley Hotel,
You can book for a whole weekend of relaxation, a day trip to a spa, or just a one-off treatment.
Pet-Friendly
Dogs are a huge part of Island life, and certain hotels and restaurants, like the Old Government House Hotel, welcome pets, meaning that your four-legged friend can also enjoy an Island escape.
In the summer months, certain beaches are restricted to dogs, but in the winter, dogs can venture to all beaches on our Islands, making this the perfect time to plan a getaway with the whole family.
You can travel to the Islands of Guernsey on the ferry with your dog, and then either stay in a pet-friendly hotel, or opt for pet-friendly self-catered accommodation, such as The Lodge at Bonne Vie.
Indoor Activities
Guernsey also has a wide range of indoor activities to get involved in.
- Our local art studio, Iris and Dora, offers a variety of creative activities, including pottery painting and throwing, and children's craft sessions.
- Head to Guernsey Candles to witness the candle-making process and have a go at making your own unique candle. Their on-site gift shop is filled with artistic pieces, homeware and gifts - perfect for finding a souvenir to take home.
- UP Climbing Guernsey offers a range of sessions for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced climbers looking to advance their skills. Whether you're looking for a lesson with one of their qualified instructors or want to enjoy some time climbing unsupervised, all you need to do is book via their online form.
- Guernsey’s leading Driving Range at Nineteen Bar and Grill is run on a walk-in basis, although you can choose to book online. There are 16 floodlit and heated range bays on two tiers, all under shelter, with disabled access to both tiers and table service from Nineteen Bar and Grill.
- St Peter Port also has a wide range of independent shops. Wander down the high street and find the perfect gift for a loved one back home, or yourself. You can then pop into one of the many cafes for lunch, or simply enjoy a coffee and cake break.
- Oatlands Village is home to many indoor activities. You will find Rebecca’s Chocolates, a variety of shops including a craft store, a mini golf course, go-karts, trampolines and The Kiln Cafe and Restaurant. For younger visitors we recommend Oaty and Joey’s Playbarn for running off some steam.
