Our Islands are well-known for their outdoor adventures, but there are also plenty of rainy-day activities to enjoy indoors!
From heritage discoveries and cultural experiences to sporting activities and relaxing spa days, there is something for everyone on our wet-weather days.
Historical Discoveries
The Islands of Guernsey boast a rich history, the remains of which can be seen dotted along the coastlines of each Island.
With neolithic structures, an 800-year-old castle, fortifications and bunkers from the German Occupation and more, there is plenty to discover.
Here are a few historical activities to enjoy on a wet-weather Island holiday.
German Underground Hospital
The German Underground Hospital and Ammunition Store is the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation in the Channel Islands.
Almost invisible from the surface, the maze of tunnels covers an area of about 6,950 square metres (75,000 square feet) and is full of history to discover. Explore at your own pace or book a guided tour.
Guernsey Museum at Candie
Guernsey Museum at Candie houses multiple permanent exhibitions, covering everything from local folklore to Guernsey's earliest inhabitants, which features recent archaeological discoveries. There is also a designated listening area where you can explore poems and phrases in the original Guernsey language, Guernesiais.
It also contains the Rona Cole Gallery, the Discovery Room for children and families, plus a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions.
Entry to Guernsey Museum is included in the Discovery Pass.
German Occupation Museum
The German Occupation Museum provides a unique insight into life in Guernsey during the Occupation from 1940 to 1945.
The museum contains an authentic recreation of an Occupation-era street, as well as exhibitions on maritime history and WWII fortifications.
Located within walking distance of the airport, it's a must-visit for history lovers.
Fort Grey
Known locally as the "Cup and Saucer", Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey's west coast.
The Martello Tower houses the Shipwreck Museum, and includes a large variety of objects recovered from the wrecks. Information panels tell the gripping stories surrounding the disasters which date from the HMS Sprightly in 1777 to the Vermontborg in 2003.
Entry to Fort Grey is included in the Discovery Pass.
Castle Cornet's Museums
Whilst an umbrella may be needed to navigate between them on rainy days, Castle Cornet has four history-packed museums: the Story of Castle Cornet Museum, the 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum, and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum.
There is also a café which offers light meals and snacks, where you can enjoy views of Herm and Sark, as well as a gift shop.
Entry to Castle Cornet and its museums is included in the Discovery Pass.
Guernsey Folk & Costume Museum
Travel back to a simpler time at the National Trust of Guernsey's Folk and Costume Museum, set around a cobbled courtyard in the heart of Saumarez Park.
Here, the story of Guernsey's people over the past 250 years is told through displays of trade, transport, fashion and everyday items.
Less than a 15-minute drive from the town centre of St Peter Port and easily accessible by bus, the museum is access-friendly with free entry for all visitors.
Arts + Culture
Victor Hugo's House
Hauteville House was the home of writer Victor Hugo during his exile from France.
Whilst in Guernsey, Hugo wrote many of his masterpieces, including Les Misérables, Toilers of the Sea, The Man Who Laughs, The Legend of the Ages and Le Théâtre en Liberté. The house itself is also a work of art, with its layout and eclectic décor designed by Hugo himself.
The house can be viewed via guided tour only, which needs to be booked in advance.
Sausmarez Manor
Guernsey's only stately home, Sausmarez Manor is open for tours from April - October.
A time capsule of the family who are still there after over 800 years, it contains architecture, artefacts and art relating to the generations of family members who have been sailors, soldiers, judges, generals, artists, diplomats, and more.
Enjoy a tour of the home and, if you're feeling brave, you can even join one of their evening ghost tours. Considered the most haunted building on the Island, the Seigneur himself will recount the infamous hauntings that continue in the home.
George Crossan Gallery
Located in the inner market in St Peter Port, the George Crossan Gallery hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local talent and creations.
Visit the Guernsey Arts website to see what exhibition is currently on display.
Art for Guernsey Gallery
St Peter Port's newest two storey art gallery is located in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Hosting international artists every year to produce artworks inspired by the island, and collaborating with local artists to feature in exciting exhibitions, this is a must-see gallery for those who enjoy the arts.
St James Concert Hall
St James is Guernsey's bustling cultural centre, offering a vast variety of events ranging from live music events, to club nights, classical performances, community based events and visual art exhibitions.
The Café, at the top of St James, boasts some of the best views over St Peter Port and the neighbouring islands. With a fully stocked bar, a professional kitchen and cosy atmosphere, it has proven itself as one of Guernsey’s most intimate venues, perfect for live music, get togethers, client receptions or private dining experiences, and anything else you can dream up.
A calendar of current and upcoming events can be found on stjames.gg.
The Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts
A multi-functional performance space, the auditorium seats up to 300 people and hosts performances, conferences and workshops.
During the winter season in particular, the centre hosts live screenings of performances by the Royal Ballet. This winter season, Cinderella and The Nutcracker will be screened live.
Spas + Relaxation
Spas
With hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy and Swedish massages, as well as facials, pedicures and more, the spas on the Islands of Guernsey are the perfect place to unwind and refresh.
Many also feature jacuzzis, steam rooms and relaxation rooms, as well as swimming pools and gyms.
Discover some of the offerings on Island at the Old Government House Hotel, St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, and the Fermain Valley Hotel,
Saunas
Sauna bathing allows for detoxification, improved cardiovascular health, stress reduction and more. The Rock Box Sauna combines stunning west coast views with a Finnish-style experience. Housed in a converted vintage horsebox and heated by a traditional wood-fired stove, this is the perfect space to unwind with sea views.
On the east coast, Hot Haus Sauna boasts views over Havelet Bay across to Herm and Sark. A traditional Nordic sauna, make sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out. Hot Haus is located next to the Bathing Pools, so you can go straight from a wild swimming dip to the warmth!
Afternoon Tea
On Island, you will find various offerings of afternoon tea, complete with the traditional sandwiches, pastries, scones and Guernsey cream. You can even enjoy special editions such as Deluxe or Champagne afternoon teas overlooking the coast.
Many afternoon teas are available at our spa locations, such as The Old Government House and St Pierre Park, so you can go straight from your treatment to a glass of champagne and a freshly baked scone!
Indoor Sports + Adventures
Up Climbing
Up Climbing is an indoor climbing centre with a range of different climbing experiences for all ages and is a great activity for those wanting to try their hand at something different.
The Centre has traverse climbing walls, boulders and auto or manual belay high walls.
Adventure Rooms Guernsey
Located at the Fermain Valley Hotel, teams are locked in a room and given 60 minutes to find and solve a series of hidden clues, codes and puzzles.
This activity requires a minimum of 4 people and has a maximum of 14 people.
Make a day or night of it and book into one of the restaurants: Búho, The Rock Garden, Ocean or The Terrace at Fermain.
Beau Sejour Leisure Centre
With plenty of facilities, including a pool, gym, cafe, sports hall and cinema, Beau Sejour has something for everyone and is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from central St Peter Port.
Facilities can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis, or with a holiday pass that can be purchased from Beau Sejour reception.
Aztech Soccer
The Aztech Soccer Arena was founded on the principle that football is for everyone, and that everyone can always improve.
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 is available on their website.
Indoor Bowls
The stadium is open every morning and evening during the winter season which runs from 1 October to 30 April each year. The stadium can be opened by arrangement at other times.
Visitors are always welcome, with bowls and shoe hire available on request. Temporary memberships are available.
There are also bar facilities in the evenings where you can relax after your game.
Guernsey Tennis Club
Play like the pros all year round on Guernsey’s only indoor tennis courts. Set in a 24,000 square ft hall with championship quality lighting, these world-class plexi-cushion courts offer perfect conditions to ensure you get hitting to your full potential.
There are also three indoor padel courts on-site, available through the Guernsey Padel Club.
Guernsey Tennis Club also has a bar/café where you can enjoy a variety of snacks and hot and cold drinks after your game.
Archery
Hone your skills with a bow and arrow and enjoy an afternoon with Outdoor Guernsey. Their indoor archery sessions take place at Les Maingys Activity Centre, and the instructors will teach you everything you need to know before introducing competitions and games for the group!
Crafts
Guernsey Candles
Try your hand at making one of Guernsey Candles' TikTok-famous candles.
The family-run business takes you through the multiple stages of creating and carving your very own bespoke candle and also features a gift shop where all types of candles are on display as well as many other exclusive items.
Iris & Dora & Make and Made
Visit this small, family-run art studio on the outskirts of St Peter Port to find your inner creativity, learn a new craft, and hone your skills. Paint some pottery, or book in for one of their other activities or courses, from screen printing to watercolour painting, run by local artists. All of their upcoming classes and workshops can be found on their website.
There is also a gift shop to explore, full of beautiful, locally-made creations.
You can also visit their store and pottery painting venue, Make and Made, in the Arcade in St Peter Port.
Rebecca's Chocolates
Located at Oatlands Village, Rebecca's Chocolates is a local chocolatier selling various truffles, chocolates and homemade fudge. You will even find chocolate chess sets, casino chips, Lego pieces and more.
Here, you can join one of their chocolate-making workshops to create your own chocolate masterpiece and discover how they make their unique creations!
Kids
Oaty & Joey's Playbarn
From climbing ropes and ball pits, to pipes to crawl through and obstacles to navigate, Oaty & Joey's is perfect for those with young children.
The Playbarn offers one of the largest play frames in Britain, with several slides (including a giant 6.3m astra slide) as well as party rooms, a trampoline barn, e-cars, pool and air hockey tables, and against-the-clock basketball. There is also a Highway 66 Bowling Alley with a jukebox.
The Mallard Cinema + Beau Cinema
With the largest cinema screen on the island, Beau Cinema is a popular venue for all ages with a cafe for drinks and snacks to take into the movie. Based in Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, recent releases, old favourites and children's films are all shown throughout the year.
The Mallard Cinema is situated at the Mallard Complex in Forest and features four screens. You'll find classic cinema treats including a Pick 'n' Mix sweet selection, freshly popped American-style popcorn, slush puppies and candy bars to enjoy with your film.
Head to The Mallard's website for film listings and timings.
The Children's Library
The Guille-Alles Library's impressive building houses an excellent Children's Room, full of colourful books and cozy corners.
The library also offers weekly rhyme and story time for babies and toddlers (places must be booked), as well as open story times for pre-school children and families, and holiday activities for school-aged children.
