Plan your ideal day on the Island of Guernsey, whether you are seeking a day of outdoor adventure, some historical intrigue or delicious food with a view, you can find it all on the largest of our Islands.
Here are some of our tips for how to spend a day on Guernsey.
Daytime Adventures - Walking, Shopping and Culture
A perfect way to start the day on Guernsey is a walk along the scenic cliff paths of the East Coast. Wander along St Peter Port’s seafront towards the Bathing Pools and join the footpath towards Fermain Bay, where you can enjoy a coffee with a view at the Fermain Beach Cafe. The cafe opens at 10am so if you are an early bird, you may miss it. However, if you’ve had a casual mid-morning stroll to the bay, then you can treat yourself to a relaxed lunch before wandering back along the pretty cliff paths. Take in the stunning views on your way back, and take a dip in the tidal pools if you need to cool off. You can read more about walking routes here.
St Peter Port has a lot of local boutiques of carefully curated collections ready for you to enjoy an afternoon of dipping in and browsing. You are sure to find a unique souvenir of your time on the Islands in one of the independent stores. You can also enjoy VAT free-shopping in the high street stores, perfect for getting a bargain on a new piece for your wardrobe.
For an afternoon coffee break, Taylor’s of Market Square is a great place to get an excellent cup and a fresh custard tart. Guernsey is also known for its dairy, so afternoon tea is also a must when on the islands. Most hotels offer delicious tea experiences as well as Christies Brasserie in town. Take a look here for some ideas.
If you are visiting in the summer you can enjoy a classic Guernsey ice cream at many of the shops around town. For a spot with a view pop to Waffle and Co by the Liberation Monument and take in the views of the marina.
If you are looking for a touch of culture during your time on the Islands, you will not be disappointed, there is so much history to discover on the Islands.
Just a short walk from the town centre, Castle Cornet not only offers a fascinating insight into hundreds of years of island history - but spectacular panoramic views back towards St Peter Port and out across our sister islands. This 800-year-old castle stands at the mouth of the harbour and is much bigger than it first appears. Explore five museums and four period gardens and feel free to enjoy the daily attractions which include a guided tour at 10.30am, the firing of the noon-day gun by scarlet clad gunners, and living history performances.
The Guernsey Museum at Candie is another great spot to visit to learn more about the Islands. Walk through the picturesque gardens in St Peter Port to reach the museum, which houses permanent exhibitions showing the Archaeology of Guernsey, Treasures from around the world held in the collection, the Folklore of Guernsey and the Rona Cole Gallery showing 200 works of art displayed ingeniously using pull-out drawers to make the best use of a small space. In addition, the museum has a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions each year, for more details about the exhibitions running during your visit, please visit their website.
For some literary history, you can also visit Hauteville House with its stunning views out over the harbour and neighbouring islands. For fourteen years, Hauteville House was home to French author Victor Hugo, during his time in exile from France. Hugo spent his time at the house writing his masterpieces, including Les Miserables, as well as decorating the house with meticulous detail. Every room is filled with touches of his personality and provides a really fascinating insight into his creative mind.
Find out more about museums on The Islands of Guernsey here.
Beach Life
You can’t come to the Islands without spending a lot of time exploring the many beaches and coves dotted along the coastline. Whether you are looking to explore the coastline whilst kayaking or coasteering, or just want a sunny spot to read a book and relax, the beaches of Guernsey offer both. For a quiet cove, try Petit Bot or Port Soif, both perfect for a peaceful swim. If you want a bigger beach, Cobo and Pembroke are great options, particularly for families and both have nearby restaurants and convenient parking to make a day of it. Take a look at these hidden bays and coves for more inspiration.
To get involved in watersports, you can hire equipment from Outdoor Guernsey and Go Guernsey, who both offer short hire and fun group activities. Get involved in a tour around the coves or even brave some coasteering. Learn more here.
How to Spend Your Evenings
If you are staying in town, then you are just a hop, skip and a jump away from all of the action. Start your evening with a tipple in the sun. The Crown Club terrace is a lovely place to enjoy a drink and nibbles looking out over the neighbouring islands. If you are looking for a pub patio atmosphere, then the nearby Prince of Wales beer garden is an excellent little suntrap and has a nice buzz as it fills up with locals enjoying the evening sun.
Then it’s time to head for dinner. There are many different options for cuisine in St Peter Port from sushi at The Hook to quality Italian pastas from Gusto or authentic pizzas from Rosso, overlooking the harbour. For a list of the newest restaurants in St Peter Port click here.
For a nightcap, there are various bars along the seafront on your walk home. Try upstairs at The Hook, or Mojito for a party feel. For a quieter tipple, Rouge and Tinto are both good options with quick nibbles available. Learn more about spending an evening out on Guernsey here.
For a relaxed evening outdoors head over to Cobo Bay to enjoy traditional fish and chips on the beach as you watch the sunset. Locals and visitors alike all agree that you have to experience one Cobo sunset in your life. Don’t miss it.
Island Hopping
The wonder of The Islands of Guernsey is the fact that you can enjoy day trips and island hop to your heart's content during your time here. Just a 15min ferry ride from St Peter Port, you can pop over to Herm for a day trip; or take an hour-long boat and head to Alderney or Sark. Learn more about Island Hopping here.
