Guernsey: Your Autumn Getaway

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Islands of Guernsey. The sun is out, the air is crisp, and a whole variety of events await!

Whether you want to get outside on a hike, take a dip in our clear waters, experience local food or dance the evening away with a live performance, there's something for everyone this season.

Here are just a few reasons why Guernsey should be your autumn getaway this year.

Food Festivals & Tennerfest

If you enjoy sampling local cuisine, then you won't want to miss our annual Tennerfest Food Festival, which runs this year from 1st October to 2nd November.

Tennerfest is the Island's annual food celebration, with hotels, restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafes providing fixed price low-cost menus, showcasing the best of their cuisine and the local produce available in Guernsey. 

Even though Guernsey’s traditional dishes have a distinctly Anglo-French approach, restaurants and eateries based on Chinese, Indian, Italian and other traditional flavours also take part in Tennerfest, offering their own particular specialities.

Menus are fixed from 3 courses for £10 per head to £15, £20, £25 and over £30. The festival was created around the principle of great food at a great price, and that continues to this day.

You will also find Street Food Festivals and French Markets during October and November, making this the best time of year for a culinary exploration of the Bailiwick!

Autumn Walking Festival

The Autumn Walking Festival is one of the best ways to explore Guernsey on foot.

An annual event, the festival is a series of organised daily walks, led by experienced members of the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides.

Whether you’re looking for an easy amble, a challenging hike, a walk along the cobbled streets of St Peter Port or an exploration of the cliff paths in Herm, there are walks to suit everyone.

Over 35 walks take place across 16 days, diving into the history, folklore and geology of the Bailiwick.

Wild Swimming

Our milder climate in Guernsey means that you can still enjoy getting outdoors in the autumn months.

Wild swimming is a year-round activity on Island, with the sea reaching its highest temperatures in October. Recent studies have shown the positive impact being near the sea has on wellbeing and mental health. With the rhythm and sound of waves lowering stress levels, the low air pollution and presence of negative ions allowing for improved lung function, elevated serotonin and higher quality sleep, it is undeniable that spending time on the coast is holistically beneficial.

Make sure to bring plenty of layers and a hot drink to warm up after your swim.

Our VisitGuernsey App swimming guides can help you filter over 45 swimming spots by difficulty and ease of access, so you can find the ideal place for a dip. If you are a solo traveller looking to join a group adventure with experienced locals, here are some great groups to contact:

• The Mental Tentacles - a group of wild swimmers, including our local ambassador, Jayne, who meet to swim, socialise and make fun videos to post on social media.
• Guernsey Swim Adventures - a group offering a variety of wild swimming breaks and adventures as well as more relaxed social swims at various locations around the Island.
• Guernsey Open Water Swimming - a Facebook group where locals arrange swimming meet-ups that are free for anyone to join.
• Guernsey Swim All Seasons - another Facebook group where members can organise casual swims and meet-ups. This group is geared towards people wanting to start swimming all year round or to find a swimming buddy.

Cycling

Why not explore our Islands on two wheels?

Ride country lanes, cliff paths and coastal roads as you explore fortifications and hidden bays on your journey.

A network of cycle-friendly lanes known as the Ruettes Tranquilles operates across Guernsey, giving priority to bikes, walkers and horses. The lanes allow easy access to the coast and into town. Many of the routes are circular and take in key sites, as well as places to stop and refresh. 

Bike hire for the whole family can be found at:

• Go Guernsey and Adventure Cycles on Guernsey
• A to B Cycles, Avenue Cycles and Bam’s Bikes on Sark.
• Cycle and Surf on Alderney.

Celebrate Harvest with Hedge Veg

Hedge Veg is a beloved tradition on the Islands of Guernsey.

Wander the lanes on Island, and it won't be long until you happen upon a Hedge Veg stall, where residents sell homegrown goods. Typically, you will find homegrown fruits and vegetables, eggs from free-range chickens and baked goods at these stalls. 

Instead of a salesperson, you will find a simple honesty box system. The price per item is detailed on a nearby chalkboard or piece of card, and a money box is left to collect cash. It's a great example of how trusting and friendly locals are.

History & Culture

Explore the many different art galleries and museums in Guernsey.

For those who wish to immerse themselves in the history of the Island, there are castles, fortifications and bunkers from across the centuries that have been turned into museums, each with their own focus.

• Castle Cornet is an 800-year-old castle in St Peter Port Harbour offering insight into hundreds of years of Island history in the four museums housed within the grounds.
• The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery at Candie Gardens have a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and art displays, as well as a cafe housed in a Victorian bandstand.
• Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey's west coast after a series of wrecks that occurred in the rocky waters, known locally as the "Cup and Saucer", that now houses the Shipwreck Museum.
• The German Occupation Museum is within walking distance of the island's airport, providing insight into life in Guernsey during the occupation.
• The Underground Hospital is the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands that is almost invisible from the surface.

Indoor Activities

If you want to stay cosy during your stay, there are plenty of indoor activities to take part in.

• Local art studio, Iris and Dora, offers a variety of creative activities, including their popular pottery painting.
• Stop by Rebecca’s Chocolates at Oatlands Village. You can choose from a range of homemade chocolates or have a go at creating your own in a chocolate-making session.
• The Mallard Cinema is our local independent cinema. Here you can watch the newest releases in a cosy, comfortable environment, the perfect way to pass a rainy autumn afternoon.
• If you love golf and want an activity with a bit more excitement, have a go at the Driving Range at Nineteen Bar and Grill. Play on one of their sheltered driving range bays and enjoy some delicious food.
• For those looking to try their hand at a new sport, why not hire a court at one of the local centres and out your skills to the test. Discover climbing, squash, badminton, tennis, padel and football. 

Seasonal Activities

From live music events to Halloween parties, there are many seasonal festivities on the horizon this month!

Here are just a few of the exciting events coming up:

• 1st-31st October: Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins - Pick your locally grown Pumpkin for Halloween at Le Hechet Farm. Meet the farm animals, take photos on tractors and enjoy a Le Hechet Farm ice cream while you’re there.

• 19th October: Souper Spooky Saturday - Make your way to the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park for a "Souper Spooky" Halloween-themed afternoon, perfect for families.

• 24th October: Spooktacular Tour of St Peter Port - Join Gold Accredited Tour Guide Soo Wellfair on a spooktacular evening walking tour of St Peter Port. Hear real-life stories of hauntings, learn about the famous witch trials and some of Guernsey's most gruesome tales of punishment, torture, death and horror.

• 31st October: Tantalising Tales of St Peter Port - Halloween Special - Join Gold Accredited Tour Guide Soo Wellfair for a special seasonal version of her morning town walk. The tour starts outside the Visitor Information Centre at 10:30am and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

• 31st October: Halloween Party at The Farmhouse - A Halloween Ball with food and live music from a UK Cher Tribute will be taking place at The Farmhouse on Friday 31 October. Fancy dress is encouraged, and the best dressed on the night will eat for free!

You can find the full list of things to do each month here.

Global Collection Festival 2025

The Global Collection Festival 2025, a new event for Guernsey, is here to inspire and excite!

Taking place between 30th October and 2nd November, 16 international artists will be resident on Island and collaborating with local talent, expect everything from classic jazz to afrobeats, soul, house and more.

Performances, talks and daytime events will happen across 5 venues at the top of town. For more details, schedules and line-up info, visit the Global Collection Festival website here.

If you enjoy live music, you will find plenty of other events taking place during the autumnal months, such as Doghouse Tribute Nights, Royal Opera screenings, Open Mic Nights and more!