If you love supporting your rugby team both at home and across the UK, why not make the short trip to Guernsey and make a weekend of it? With more than 27 scenic beaches, a fantastic range of restaurants, unique wellness retreats, historic museums and more, there's plenty to keep you entertained.
Whether you want to plan your own trip, or enjoy some of our exclusive package deals, here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your weekend away.
This Season's Fixtures - 2024/25
- 7 September: Guernsey Raiders v Worthing
- 14 September: Guernsey Raiders v Westcombe Park
- 28 September: Guernsey Raiders v Canterbury
- 12 October: Guernsey Raiders v Barnes
- 26 October: Guernsey Raiders v Bury St Edmunds
- 16 November: Guernsey Raiders v Oxford
- 7 December: Guernsey Raiders v Colchester
- 11 January: Guernsey Raiders v Havant
- 25 January: Guernsey Raiders v Tonbridge Juddians
- 15 February: Guernsey Raiders v Old Albanians
- 8 March: Guernsey Raiders v Henley
- 22 March: Guernsey Raiders v Dorking
- 12 April: Guernsey Raiders v Sevenoaks
Footes Lane Stadium
All matches will be played at the Footes Lane Stadium, Guernsey’s premier sporting facility. The stadium has a capacity of 5,000, including a 720-seat, covered stand, within a 13-acre facility. It's the place to be to soak up the atmosphere!
Getting to the stadium is easy too. Footes Lane is located in the centre of the island, approximately three miles north easterly from Guernsey Airport and one mile west from St Peter Port, the island’s capital. There is parking for several hundred cars in the immediate vicinity and the site is also on a regular bus route stopping immediately outside the stadium.
How to Get to Guernsey
With flight times from as little as 40 minutes and ferry sailings from just 3 hours, Guernsey is closer than you think.
A number of airlines operate flights to Guernsey from regional and international airports across the UK, including London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton and more.
Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from either Poole or Portsmouth. Bring your car or bike - and even the dog!
Where to Stay in Guernsey
When looking for places to stay in Guernsey, there are plenty of options for all needs and budgets.
Hotels in Guernsey range from family-friendly to boutique luxury, alongside a whole host of well-run B&Bs and guesthouses for that more familiar stay. If you prefer self-catering, options range from luxury holiday cottages to back-to-basics campsites, often boasting unbeatable views.
Why not take a look at:
- Les Douvres Hotel, Bar & Restaurant | Set deep in the heart of St Martin, Les Douvres is a beautifully restored eighteenth century manor house. The hotel stands on the favoured south coast, ideal for Guernsey's many cliff paths. It has also achieved an island-wide reputation for its hospitality and charm. All rooms are en suite and furnished to a luxurious standard.
- The Peninsula | The Peninsula is set in a prominent seafront position. Surrounded by 5 acres of gardens, it is located on a tranquil grassy peninsula leading to a sandy bay in the quiet parish of the Vale. It has 99 spacious bedrooms all of which have en suite bathrooms, separate toilets, satellite television and tea and coffee-making facilities.
- Fleur du Jardin | A boutique hotel mixing ancient 15th century farmstead ambience with modern rooms and 21st century cuisine, the Fleur is set in the heart of the Guernsey countryside. It is a short walk from one of Guernsey’s most popular beaches, Vazon Bay, or if beach life isn’t your thing, head south and enjoy green lanes and walks through some of Guernsey’s best countryside. Truly a hotel for all seasons, enjoy log fires in winter and alfresco in spring and summer.
Package Options
For those who want the work taken care of, our partners have some great package options for your rugby weekend.
Exclusive offers
Travel packages
- Rugby Stays at the Duke of Normandie with Channel Escapes
- Rugby Stays at Moores Hotel with Channel Escapes
- Rugby Stays at Duke of Richmond with Channel Escapes
- Rugby Stays at the Duke of Normandie with Preston Holidays
Tickets
Your booking guarantees you a seat at the rugby. Simply show your booking confirmation email and purchase your tickets on the door.
What to do During Your Stay
There’s plenty to do during a weekend escape to the Islands of Guernsey. Find out what’s on while you're here, then read through these tips to make sure you get the most out of your weekend.
Friday
Upon arrival in Guernsey, you’ll have plenty of time to explore before game day. One of the best places to start is the capital, St Peter Port, situated on the east coast.
Known colloquially as ‘Town’, St Peter Port is a charming hub, combining historic cobbled streets with modern restaurants and hotels, as well as unique local shops, museums, seasonal markets and - if you need a bit of direction - the tourist information centre.
Specific highlights include Castle Cornet and its four museums, Hauteville House (the home of famous writer Victor Hugo) and St Peter Port Harbour, which is said to be one of the most beautiful harbours in Europe. As the island-hopping centre of the Bailiwick, there are also beautiful views out to neighbouring islands Herm and Sark.
If you want to get active before watching the rugby, we also have many indoor and outdoor sports venues. Some highlights include:
- Golf19: Unwind and take in the whole golfing experience. The main par 3 golf course was designed by former Ryder Cup captain Tony Jacklin and offers a unique challenge for golfers of all abilities. On-site, you will also find a two-storey driving range and Pirate Bay, a 12-hole adventure golf course that features a cannon, shipwrecks, and plenty of treasure - perfect for families and the new generation of budding golfers.
- Guernsey Tennis Club: The club houses Guernsey’s only indoor tennis courts, set in a 24,000 sq ft hall. Facilities also include two fully flood-lit outdoor tennis courts, located away from roads and traffic, and five on-site padel courts (three indoors).
- Aztech Soccer: The Aztech Soccer Arena was founded on the principle that football is for everyone. The centre has a purpose-built arena that prioritises small-sided games where players enjoy maximum touches of the ball and continuous involvement. Players aged 7 and above are welcome on the indoor 3G pitch, outdoor 4G pitch and Tech Zone – their football ‘gym’ – which provides the ultimate challenge. More information and booking is available on their website.
- Cycling: With scenic coastlines, peaceful lanes and easy travel distances, the Islands of Guernsey are perfect to explore by bicycle. Cycling in Guernsey gives you easy access to historical sites, beaches and picnic spots, whilst allowing you to explore at your own pace and experience the island like a local. We also have many cycling routes available on our website and app.
As evening draws near, you may find yourself looking for somewhere to eat and drink - rest assured, there are plenty of options! From restaurants serving sharing plates of local produce, cafes celebrating classic Guernsey recipes and new spots opening for al fresco dining, there’s something for every palate. Prince of Wales, HOOK, Jack’s, Mint56 and Dix Neuf are all great choices.
If you’re looking to finish your Friday with a taste of Guernsey nightlife, head to St Peter Port where you can find a range of bars, restaurants and places to go dancing, all within walking distance of each other.
Saturday
As the sun rises on game day, kick things off with a delicious Guernsey breakfast. Whether you want a quick bite to eat, healthy smoothie, wellness juice or a more filling cooked breakfast, Coco Mini Brasserie, Good Rebel, Café Emilia and Christies are all popular choices.
Many locals also like to fit in a quick sea swim, as the Islands of Guernsey are one of the best places to get involved in year-round wild swimming. With stunning coves, secluded beaches and natural pools, all filled with crystal clear water, there is a lot to explore. You can find a variety of wild swimming spots on our website and app.
Once you’re ready for the game, you can head to Footes Lane via car, bike or bus (routes 52 and 53). Simply purchase your ticket at the gate and head into the stadium to show your local team some support. You can find timings and fixtures on the Guernsey Raiders website.
After the game, why not spend a relaxing few hours exploring one of our more hidden beautiful beaches and bays before rounding off the day in any of our cosy pubs.
Sunday
Cliff walks and hikes are a cornerstone of Guernsey culture. After an exciting day at the rugby, why not relax in nature with one of our many peaceful walking routes? Options include everything from leisurely strolls to challenging cliff paths, with rewarding views at every corner.
Whilst exploring our island, you may also stumble across evidence of our rich history dotted along the coastline. From neolithic structures and an 800 year old fortress, to tales of the occupation of the Channels Islands during the Second World War, there is much to discover. Here, history is everywhere - on our cliff paths, in our streets or even underground, as well as in our many museums.
Once your legs are tired from exploring, you can enjoy a Sunday lunch in one of our many eateries.
If you're lucky enough to still have a few hours left but the weather looks a bit changeable, there’s still plenty to enjoy in Guernsey in the event of rain (although we are lucky to have a milder climate than the UK). From underground German bunkers, to making your very own bespoke candles, there's plenty of choice to keep everyone entertained.
Sadly, all weekends must come to an end, which means it's time to take the short trip to St Peter Port Harbour for your ferry, or Guernsey Airport for your short flight.
We hope to see you again soon.
