Whether you are looking for cosy crafts, spooky heritage activities or outdoor adventures, there is plenty to explore this half-term on the Islands of Guernsey.
Whilst the weather may be getting cooler, October is still an excellent time to visit our Islands. Wrap up for family walks, get involved in local Halloween celebrations and enjoy our family-friendly food festival, the Tennerfest.
Events, 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 - 30th November: Tennerfest
Hotels, restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafes all take part in providing fixed price, low-cost menus showcasing the best of their cuisine and the local produce available in Guernsey.
Even though Guernsey’s traditional cuisine has a distinctly Anglo-French approach, restaurants and eateries based on Chinese, Indian, Italian and other traditional flavours will be taking part in Tennerfest, offering their own particular specialities.
Menus are fixed from 3 courses for £10 per head to £12.50, £15, £17.50 and £20. The festival was created around the principle of great food at a great price, and that continues to this day.
10th - 31st October: Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins
Le Hechet Farm is open to visitors!
Pop along to choose your pumpkin, meet the farm animals, take photos on the farm's tractors and browse Le Hechet Farm's produce. You can even enjoy a Le Hechet Farm ice cream, available in a variety of flavours.
Open from 10am - 5pm.
18th October: Souper Spooky Saturday
Souper Spooky Saturday returns to Saumarez Park this autumn.
Visit the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden for a ‘Souper Spooky’ time with plenty of spooky activities for the young and young at heart.
18th October: Halloween Market
A festive market at Grow Vinery, packed with homemade crafts, Halloween goodies and fun for the whole family.
There will be face painting, toffee apples, candles, and lanterns crafted in the Grow workshop.
There will also be delicious homemade cakes and refreshing drinks throughout the day.
18th October: Celebrate 10 Years of Stargazing at Dachinger Observatory
Join the Sark community to celebrate a decade of stargazing under Sark's world-famous dark skies.
Following a warm start to the evening over food, drinks, and friendly faces at the Old Hall, enjoy a planetarium show and guided stargazing at the observatory (weather permitting).
Wrap up warm, bring your curiosity and celebrate 10 years of stargazing from the Sark observatory.
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, and delve into some of the most popular scientific theories behind hauntings.
25th October - 2nd November: Half-term at the Mermaid Tavern
Join Mermaid Tavern this October half-term for a week of island fun and seaside adventures.
You will find a packed programme of family-friendly events, including:
- Spooky games and crafts
- Pumpkin decorating
- A Halloween disco with fancy dress
- Autumn-inspired menus and warming drinks
- Trick-or-treat surprises for the little ones
30th October: Global Collection Festival 2025
The Global Collectio Festival 2025, a new 3-day festival for Guernsey, is here to inspire and excite, offering the audience a journey of discovering new and amazing music.
With 16 international artists resident on island for the duration of the festival and collaborating with local talent, expect an unprecedented listening experience in the heart of St Peter Port featuring everything from classic jazz to afrobeats, soul, house and more.
31st October: Freaky Friday
Stop by the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery and discover more about Guernsey’s ghoulish past with Halloween-themed children’s activities.
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 31st October.
The event includes a 3-course meal, priced at £39.95 per person.
Fancy dress is encouraged, and the best dressed on the night will eat for FREE.
While the main ball is adults only, a kids' party will also be taking place from 12pm to 5pm.
Outdoor Adventures
The weather is cooling down, but the milder climate on our Islands means you can still get outside and experience new adventures. 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 with the 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
Outdoor Guernsey offers land and sea activities on Guernsey and Herm. You can hire stand-up paddle boards or kayaks or go coasteering. On land, they offer climbing, high ropes, bike hire, archery, clay pigeon shooting and more. Group sizes will depend on your chosen activity.
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
If you want to have an ocean adventure but don’t want to get in, Island Rib Voyages has a range of tours to suit all interests. You will be able to see some of our wildlife up close, delve deep into our Island’s past or explore them from a new perspective.
Karting Guernsey
Experience the thrill of go-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
Pirate Bay is, you guessed it, a unique pirate themed 12 hole mini golf course at Nineteen Bar and Grill. You can play a round and then head inside for some food; be sure to have a go at the driving range inside the restaurant while you’re waiting for your meal.
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, and a relaxed 9-hole Pitch & Putt with free equipment hire.
During half term, 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. 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.
Explore Nature
There are many outdoor activities to take part in, but Guernsey also has a range of unique nature to be explored. From cliff paths to woods, and parks to beaches, our nature is 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, Saint Saviours Reservoir and the Fairy Ring.
Try a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Autumn is a great time to get outside and explore our Islands coastal paths, cliff routes and country lanes. 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. There are loads of routes to choose from, with varying intensity to suit your family's pace.
Indoor Activities
There are many things to do in Guernsey on a rainy day, and we have plenty of things to do inside this half term. Whether you're after something creative, something educational or something adventurous to let off steam, there truly is something for all families to enjoy.
Library Activities at Guille-Allès Library
Every half term the Library organises free events for children of all ages. Whether you need something to entertain the kids, want to spend some quality time together, or just explore the magical children's library, take a visit to the Library in St Peter Port.
You can find out more details about the events and times on their website.
Pottery Painting at Iris and Dora
Iris and Dora is a leading craft and art venue in 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 adults and older children to enjoy; and for kids, they have special mini-figures, wooden items and quick-dry paint, so they don’t have to wait for their creations to go in the kiln.
Explore Oaty and Joey’s Playbarn
Oaty & Joey’s Playbarn at Oatland's Village the perfect day out for families with children of all ages. Inside, you will find one of the largest play frames in Britain, with a number of slides, including a giant 6.3m astra slide, climbing ropes ball pits and more. The Playbarn also includes Highway 66 Bowling Alley, party rooms, 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 features 4 screens, 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,
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 our 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.
- 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. Open until 3rd November.
- 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. Open until 3rd November.
- 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.
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.
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 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.
