Whether you are looking for cozy crafts, spooky heritage activities or outdoor adventures, there is plenty to explore this October Half Term on the Islands of Guernsey.
Whilst the weather may be getting chillier, October is an excellent time to visit our Islands. Wrap up for scenic family walks, get involved in local Halloween celebrations and enjoy our family-friendly food festival - Tennerfest.
Autumn Celebrations and Spooky Days out
Here on the Islands of Guernsey, we have lots of seasonal celebrations for everyone to get involved in. Below are some of the events going on this October.
1st October - 31st October: Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins
A celebration of all things Autumnal, Le Hechet Farm offers homegrown pumpkins, opportunities to meet their farm animals and enjoy one of their classic ice creams produced on site - it's an excellent family day out.
22nd October: Souper Spooky Saturday at the Victorian Walled Garden
Visit the team at the Victorian Walled Garden at Saumarez Park to celebrate the produce of Autumn and enjoy some spooky family activities. Saumarez Park is also home to a tea room very popular with locals, as well as an adventure play park and plenty of open space to burn off some energy.
22nd - 23rd October: Autumn on the Farm
Explore Heritage Farm and connect with Guernsey's agricultural history. Meet friendly farm animals, discover their tractors and pick up some treats from the stalls. There will also be games and activities for all ages.
22nd October - 21st December: ‘Once Upon an Island’ Folklore trail and exhibitions
This illustrated and retold collection of ancient Guernsey folklore tales, created by local artist Penny Dawes for her new Children’s Illustration book, transports you to the enchanted and magical side of The Islands of Guernsey, uncovering the historical and cultural traditions behind the origins of each tale. The project features 20 original tales, chosen by Penny, from Sir Edgar MacCulloch’s ‘Guernsey Folklore’, published in 1903. There will be exhibitions of the artwork at both Castle Cornet and The National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum through to the 21st December.
Each of the illustrations by Dawes has been researched and matched with a location on Guernsey to create a signposted, family friendly walking route with 20 locations to discover, allowing you to visit the important sites in the stories. The eight routes on the walking tour, covering a range of difficulties and distances, consist of; The Vale Route, The St Peters and St Saviours Route, The Castel Route, The Forest Route, The St Peter Port Route, The St Martins Route, The Torteval and St Peters Route and The Three Parishes Route.
22nd October: Castel Farmer's Market
From 9.00 - 12.30 head to the Friquet Garden Centre and support local produce from the parish of Castel. Stalls will have fresh vegetables meat, fish, baked goods and cheeses to enjoy.
29th October: The Little Bunker of Horrors and Mystery
This year from 11.30am-1.30pm explore 'The Bunker of Little Horrors and Mystery Mage'. Trick or treat your way around the bunker and see who you meet. With magicians, refreshments and entertainment all designed for under 12's, it is a great way to get in the Halloween mood.
29th - 30th October: The Haunted Castle
Explore Castle Cornet at Halloween with a weekend of ghostly activities, crafts and storytelling. With a family fancy dress costume and free entry to the best dressed if you can impress the 'gatekeeper', these fun activities are perfect to get you into the spooky spirit.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trick-or-treat-train-tickets-430328001637 - Trick or Treat Train
30th October: Trick or Treat Train
The trick or treat train will take your little ones on a tour of St Peter Port, accompanied by spooky music, prizes and treats! Fancy dress is of course encouraged. This will be a great way to end half term week, with spooky songs to sing along to all topped off with prizes for the best dressed (adults can enter too!) and a sweet treat on departure. The price is £7.50 and under 2s go free.
31st October: Town trick or treat
For one hour only, 5-6pm, on Halloween, children are invited to walk the streets of Town for a 'trick or treat' spooktacular! Town traders have kindly agreed to remain 'open' from 5pm until 6pm and will wait (with lots of treats) for children to knock on their doors.
All treats have been supplied by the Smile for Georgie Foundation, please bring your children along and enjoy this fun and FREE evening.
Outdoor Adventures
The weather may be getting colder, but it is still important to get outside and experience the crisp fresh air. Wrap up warm and explore one of the many outdoor activities on offer this half term.
Guernsey Surf School
Head to Vazon Beach and learn to surf under the tutelage of their experts. Whether you are joining a group ABC's course, refining your skills with a one-to-one lesson, or getting involved with a Surf Camp, children and families can enjoy building skills and spending time together in the sea.
Outdoor Guernsey Adventure Days 24th - 29th October:
Join the Outdoor Guernsey team for a day, or the whole week, and try your hand at every activity from coasteering, paddleboarding and high ropes to boogie boarding, beach games and archery. Suitable for children ages 8-14, build confidence and make friends with a great day of adventures.
Oatlands Village
Oatlands Village is one of the island’s leading visitor attractions. It brings together many local crafts, gift shops, eateries and attractions for all the family. In the village you will find Oaty and Joey’s, Rebecca’s Chocolate for homemade chocolate, a variety of shops, a mini golf course, go-karts, trampolines and The Kiln Cafe and Restaurant. There is something for everyone of any age to enjoy, and adults can sit back and relax knowing that their children are safe.
Island Rib Voyages
Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you blast across the sea just inches above the water on an exciting boat trip! Visit rocks, bays, caves and islands and see the local wildlife on the way - seabirds, seals, puffins and even the occasional dolphin. We have a choice of exhilarating boat trips, with our friendly, experienced and informative guides. Feel the wind in your hair and the spray on your face as you see our islands from a whole different perspective.
Karting Guernsey
Experience the thrill of karting. The only circuit of its kind on Guernsey caters for all visitors, regardless of age and experience. There are junior karts for ages 8 to 14 years, and adult karts for ages 14 and up, as well as a brand new Kid Racer track for children aged 3 - 7 years. All gear and safety equipment is provided, and there is a racing shop on the premises. Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Pirate Bay Adventure Golf
The Golf Club at St Pierre Park boasts one of the top family attractions on the island. Perfect for a family day out, tackle this challenging course and find the treasure. Designed by City Golf, one of the UK’s most prominent adventure golf designers, experience adventure golf never seen before on Guernsey.
Sausmarez Manor
Sausmarez Manor, the Islands only Stately Home, contains architecture, artefacts and art relating to members of the family, who are still there after over 800 years. Also on site are an unusual RHS Partner Garden, a Coppersmith, a celebrated Sculpture Park, a Tearoom and a relaxed 9 hole Pitch & Putt with free equipment hire. There are spooky evening ghost tours conducted by the Seigneur, or for those not wanting to hear stories about the most haunted house on the Island, there are Historic House Tours and Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Tours, named after the book. For children, there is a miniature train that takes you through part of the Wooded Garden populated by Toy Animals for just under a 1/4 mile.
Tours of Guernsey
Discover more about St Peter Port and Castle Cornet, explore the German Underground Hospital or Batterie Mirus with Tours of Guernsey. Amanda Johns – Silver Accredited Tour Guide – offers a variety of guided tours around the island of Guernsey. Check out their website for up to date details on tours, availability and pricing. Bespoke tours can be arranged, tailored to guests’ requirements.
Explore Nature
There are many outdoor activities to take part in, but Guernsey also has an expanse of nature to be explored. From cliff paths to woods, and parks to beaches, Guernsey’s nature is unique to the Island, and unlike anything you will find elsewhere.
Some great places to experience nature, and get some fresh air as a family, include Saumarez Park, Delancey Park, Le Guet, Bluebell Woods, Saint Saviours Reservoir and Table des Pions, or, The Fairy ring
Try a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Autumn is an excellent time to explore the coastal and country paths of the Islands. Using the Visit Guernsey App you can try self-guided tours. Each walk shows a route, time and expected difficulty, and shares interesting details about the history and landscape as you explore. Many routes are available to choose from, with varying intensity to suit your family's pace, both around the cliffs and more gentle strolls by the beach.
Indoor Activities
Now that the weather is getting colder, there is a need to take shelter inside. The Islands of Guernsey have an array of indoor activities for you to take part in this half term. Whether you're after something creative, something educational or something adventurous to let off steam, there truly is something for everyone, at any age, to enjoy.
Candle Making with Guernsey candles
Explore the workshop of this local family business, witness the candle-making process and have a go at making your own unique candle to take home with you. Their on-site shop is filled with great artistic pieces, homeware and gifts - perfect for some early festive shopping.
Library Activities at Guille-Allès Library
Every half-term the Guille-Alles Public Library in Guernsey organises free events for children of all ages, and this half term is no exception. For the little ones, they have their Little Puffin Singing sessions and Baby Social, and for the older kids and teens they have their Chatterbooks book club, where they can discuss their favourite books and play games. There are also plenty of activities for the entire family to take part in together. They have Spooky Family Stories, a Lego building session, Tovertafel Tuesday, with lots of interactive games, and a whole day dedicated to family board games. Whether you need something to entertain the kids, or want to spend some quality time together, there is something for any requirement, and all events are completely free to attend (although some events have limited space may require you to book a free ticket). Find out more details about the events and times on their website.
Pottery Painting at Iris and Dora
Iris and Dora is one of the leading craft and art venues on Guernsey, offering pottery throwing lessons, craft sessions and pottery painting. All ages and abilities are welcome in the studio. They have intricate pottery or plain mugs for you to create your own design for adults and older children, and for kids, they have special mini figures and quick-dry paint, so they don’t have to wait for their creation to go in the kiln.
Explore Oaty and Joey’s Playbarn
Oaty & Joey’s Playbarn, located at Oatland's Village, is every child’s favourite day out. Inside, you will find one of the largest play frames in Britain, with a number of slides, including our giant 6.3m astra slide, climbing ropes, pipes, ball pits and a whole host of obstacles. The Playbarn also includes Highway 66 Bowling Alley, party rooms, large trampolines, e-cars, pool and air hockey tables and against the clock basketball. If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own bear or paint some pottery.
Being indoors, Oaty & Joey’s Playbarn is a great retreat on rainy or cold days. They also provide refreshments and snacks in their cafe, so you can sit back and relax knowing the kids are safe and entertained.
Adventures at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre
Beau Sejour Leisure Centre is Guernsey’s only community leisure centre, with plenty of facilities to cater to all of your needs. Outside, there is Cambridge Park, a recreational park that offers wide open spaces for members of the public to enjoy. From the park you can access Beau Sejour’s outdoor playgrounds, suitable for all ages, and a state-of-the-art skate park. There are also tennis and netball courts available for booking.
Inside, there is a great selection of sports facilities, such as 5-a-side football, badminton, volleyball, basketball and squash courts. There is a 25m, 6-lane indoor pool and a separate 10m children's pool. For young children, there is an indoor soft play area, so you can enjoy any of these amenities, or simply sit in the cafe, knowing that they are safe and having fun.
Films at the Mallard cinema
The Mallard Cinema is situated at the Mallard Complex, and features 4 screens. There is a large pick 'n' Mix sweet selection, freshly popped American style popcorn, slush puppies and candy bars for everyone to enjoy as they sit back and watch a film. There is always a selection of films to choose from, with at least two or three being suitable for the entire family. Ideal for a rainy afternoon, this year look out for the new family animated film Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, which will be showing over half-term.
Escape with Adventurerooms Guernsey
Adventurerooms Guernsey provide a fun, unique and engaging live escape challenge for teams of 4 to 7 people. The object of the game is to work together as a team to solve puzzles and escape within 60 minutes. Please note that this is only suitable for those aged 11 and over. After you've escaped, enjoy a meal at Buho, Guernsey's authentic Mexican restaurant.
Climbing Adventures
Guernsey's indoor climbing centre Up Climbing Guernsey offers a range of sessions for beginners and those looking to advance their skills. During the holidays they offer Climbing and Activity sessions, pairing time on the walls with crafts, lego and painting.
Explore Forts, Castles and Museums around the Islands
Around the Islands of Guernsey, you can take a walk through history, with castles, fortifications and bunkers from across the centuries. There are many museums to explore, allowing you and your children to learn about the rich history of the Island. Many spots can be explored for free, with others such as Fort Grey and Castle Cornet charging a small fee for those over age 7 to support their on-site museums and ongoing research.
Some of our most popular museums include: Castel Cornet, The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery at Candie Gardens, Fort Grey, The National Trust of Guernsey’s Folk and Costume Museum, The Little Chapel, The German Occupation Museum, The Underground Hospital, La Vallette Underground Military Museum and The Guernsey Tapestry Gallery.
Restaurants
Finding somewhere to eat that caters to all tastes, for both adults and children, can be difficult. The Islands of Guernsey have an array of restaurants that not only cater to children and adults alike, but also have safe indoor and outdoor playgrounds that can keep your children entertained for hours.
Dine Out at the Tennerfest
The Tennerfest is the Island's annual food celebration, with restaurants offering set-menus at low costs. The festival has prices from 3 courses for £10 up to £20, depending on the restaurant, letting you explore more of Guernsey's gastronomy for less.
Nineteen Bar & Grill
Nineteen Bar and Grill is located at The Golf Club, St Pierre Park, just outside of town, and boasts some of the most beautiful parkland views on the island. Their menu is expansive and caters for all, and with plenty of room inside, and a driving range and mini golf as entertainment, it's a great place for the whole family to have fun.
Crabby Jacks
Crabby Jack’s is the go-to venue for families in Guernsey who are looking for a place where the kids can let off some steam and the adults can sit back and relax. Situated on Guernsey’s west coast, alongside Vazon Bay, this is the perfect place for families to come together. Their menu is expansive, and with a large fenced-off playground just outside, you know the kids will have hours of entertainment.
The Longfrie Inn
The Longfrie Inn is located in St Pierre du Bois, with a restaurant and bar well known locally for its expansive menu of home cooked food and real ales. Relax in the gardens or the indoor dining space and let your children have fun in the soft play area.
Afternoon Tea at the Old Government House Hotel
Guernsey's five star hotel is a great place to cosy up when it gets breezy out, and with its location in town, it is very convenient for taking a break from exploring St Peter Port. The team at the OGH are welcoming to children and have a selection of afternoon teas for the whole family to enjoy including Oggie's Afternoon Tea which is ideal for under 12s.
Cafe des Amis or Terrazzo Del Giardino at Le Friquet Garden Centre
With both an indoor and outdoor play area in viewing distance, this is the perfect spot to take the entire family. Situated inside Le Friquet Garden Centre, one of the island’s largest garden centres, stocking the widest array of indoor and outdoor products, you can enjoy a meal in stunning surroundings. Take a walk around the Garden Centre before settling down for a relaxed bite to eat in Cafe des Amis, or a stone baked pizza in Terrazzo Del Giardino, sitting comfortably while the kids are happily entertained.
Earlswood Garden Centre
Earlswood is one of the biggest, best & most well-stocked Garden Centres in Guernsey. Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Earlswood Garden Cafe, part of a family owned Garden Centre established over 30 years ago. Enjoy a coffee and cake, a snack, or lunch whilst the kids enjoy their wooden climbing frame and playground.
The Pony Inn
The Pony Inn serves family favourite meals in a relaxed, informal setting, and has a small and safe indoor play area perfect for children.
The Kiln
Found in Oatlands Village, with beautiful gardens, good food and a playground, mini golf course and Oaty and Joey’s just around the corner, The Kiln offers the perfect family day out. With a wide selection of options on the menu, and freshly made cakes and pastries, this hidden gem gives you the opportunity to see a different side of the Island with plenty of family activities.
Find out more about what's on each month on the Islands of Guernsey here.
