Experiences | Food & Drink 7 January 2022

Things To Do In Guernsey In Winter

A short flight or ferry ride from the UK and France, The Islands of Guernsey let you escape to a beautiful coastal destination with world class restaurants, peaceful hikes and fun activities for all, adding up to the perfect winter break.

DAYTIME ADVENTURES

Winter weather on an island can be very changeable, so be sure to pack layers (including waterproofs) to make the most out of Guernsey’s stunning landscape. Start your day with a coffee from one of the independent cafes in St Peter Port or a beach kiosk on the West Coast before your morning walk. If you want to follow a route, there is a huge selection of walks to suit all timeframes and abilities. You can read more here or download our new self-guided Walking App.

If you are feeling brave, you could join the locals undertaking year round sea swimming. It may be chilly, but it is well worth the thrill that will keep you going all day!

Indoor Activities

To warm up after your outdoor adventures, visit one of the beautiful hotels we have on Island for an afternoon tea by the fire to unwind. The OGH, The Copenhagen Restaurant at The Hotel De Havelet and The Farmhouse are just a few of the options available for a delicious afternoon tea.

Let off some creative energy at Iris and Dora, the local art studio, where you can try pottery painting and throwing, and make your own unique creation to take home. Alternatively, head to Guernsey Candles to make your own candle to take home. Be sure to browse their unique gift shop on the way out. 

There are frequent art workshops and exhibitions around the island organised by Guernsey Arts for all to enjoy, as well as The George Crossan Gallery in the Market Place, where you can find showcases of work by local artists.

Take a walk through history, with castles, fortifications and bunkers from across the centuries. The Islands of Guernsey have a fascinating history and great selection of museums to explore, including the German Occupation Museum, The Guernsey Museum at Candie Gardens. Many can be explored for free, with others charging a small fee for those over age 7 to support their on-site museums and ongoing research. 

Venture into St Peter Port, with it's huge variety of independent shops to discover on an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets. You can pick up handmade Guernsey items and beautiful homeware in shops such as Indica, Eleven, Cadeaux, Maison Demain, Gwyneth & Grey and many more. Food and coffee, often alongside freshly made cakes, is available from a range of independent, family run establishments.

Island Hopping

If you are visiting for a few more days, consider taking the ferry and island hopping to our sister islands: Herm, Sark and Alderney to explore more of their beautiful and unique landscapes. From the beaches and shops, to the restaurants and cafes, there is so much to discover on these Islands. If a boat trip isn’t for you, you can follow the cobbled causeway and walk over to Lihou Island at certain tides and explore this small island.

Evenings in Guernsey

Evenings in Guernsey are all about food. For a small group of islands, we are lucky to have many incredible restaurants, so whether you are looking for local seafood or Spanish tapas, sushi or French cuisine, Guernsey has it all.

If you are on the West Coast of the island, take in the stunning sunset at Cobo Bay form La Reunion or The Rockmount, or head further south to The Imperial. They all have breathtaking views out to sea for you to enjoy alongside your food as the winter sun sets.

In town, you will find something to suit every taste.

  • For delicious Italian food, book a meal at Gusto on Smith Street or Rosso, overlooking the harbour.
  • If you are a meat lover, we suggest visiting Red, The Rock Garden or The Slaughterhouse for the perfect steak dinner.
  • For an excellent menu of classic dishes done well, with a fantastic atmosphere to boot, pop to Christie's.
  • The best sushi on the island can be found at The Hook overlooking the marina.
  • For great tapas, head to the atmospheric Tinto on the Pollet.
  • For island views, climb the hill to Copenhagen to delight in a wide-ranging menu with views over Sark and Castle Cornet.
  • Amazing Chinese food can be found along the front esplanade at China Red.

After dinner, enjoy one of the many seafront bars, like Balthazar, Mojitos or Rouge, to name just a few. For a relaxed evening, head to the Mallard Cinema for late night film screenings.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Islands of Guernsey. View Special Offers from our partners. 

For even more ideas for things to do this winter on The Islands of Guernsey, click here.

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