Wondering where to go for your summer getaway? Only one hour from London by plane, you will find the Islands of Guernsey, combining the feel of a warm European beach holiday with small-town charm.
Not sure how to spend your time in the Islands? We’ve curated a 7-day itinerary to get you started!
Day 1: St Peter Port
Catch the first flight from London Gatwick and arrive in Guernsey by 10am, leaving plenty of time for exploration. If London is not your most accessible airport, don’t worry, there are many other routes you can fly, as well as ferry options.
Head to the taxi rank outside the Guernsey airport arrival doors, and you will reach your accommodation in no time. To see the full selection of accommodation available on Guernsey, click here.
Drop your bags and head to St Peter Port, Guernsey’s capital, known simply as ‘town’ to locals. Here, you will find independent shops, historic and cultural sites, local cuisine, as well as boutique coffee shops and even a castle.
On your way into town, stop by the Visitor Information Centre in Market Place, where you will find maps, activity and experience brochures, as well as the friendly team who can advise you on any queries about how to spend your time in Guernsey. There are also locally made souvenirs and gifts to browse!
Head into the heart of town for brunch and take advantage of the harbour views by sampling the menu at Christies, Coco or Crepe Maison. You will find a selection of pastries, pancakes, eggs, granola and more available.
Once you’re finished, it’s time to get exploring! Head along the harbour and make your way to Castle Cornet. Complete with four museums and four period gardens, the castle has stood guard over St Peter Port for over 800 years. If you make it to the castle for 12pm, you will even see the scarlet-clad castle keepers firing the daily midday cannon. The castle is much bigger than it first appears, so you can allow at least three hours to explore.
Castle Cornet typically hosts a variety of music and theatrical events during the summer months, so if you enjoy your time here, you can book tickets to one of their evening events, such as the open-air cinema or a Shakespeare play.
Wander back into town and enjoy a leisurely visit to the independent shops along the cobbled streets. If you’re looking for a refreshment, you could stop for lunch in one of the local restaurants, such as Cafe Emilia or Lola.
Take a short stroll past Havelet Bay and you will arrive at La Vallette Underground Military Museum, which houses a variety of artefacts from the Occupation, as well as one of the trucks from Indiana Jones!
For dinner, why not try Rosso, Red or Copenhagen? If you’re looking for vegetarian options, here are some other great spots on island.
Day 2: South Coast Travels
On day 2 of your trip, dive into the natural beauty of Guernsey by hiking along the cliff paths of the south coast.
Start your morning with breakfast in town at Dix Neuf or Muse before heading out on your cliff path exploration.
Beginning at Havelet Bay, climb your way up the cliffs and along the south east coast of Guernsey. Pass through Clarence Battery and Fort George, and continue along through the Bluebell Woods down to Fermain Bay. There are plenty of benches en route, offering a chance to rest and take in the ocean views across to Herm and Sark, as well as France and Jersey on clear days.
Enjoy a lunch at the Fermain Beach Cafe overlooking one of the most-loved views in Guernsey. The sheltered bay is tucked away from roads and residential areas, making it a serene hideaway. If you can brave the cooler waters, why not take a quick lunchtime dip?
Continue on your journey along the cliffs, exploring hidden coves and beaches, heading to Jerbourg Point. Considered one of the most idyllic places on the island, this is an ideal spot to treat yourself to a refreshment available at the kiosk or hotel cafe.
Once you’ve had a chance to freshen up, head for dinner at Buho, a vibrant Mexican restaurant.
If you’ve still got the energy, there is an Escape Room right next door to Buho for groups of four or more people! The theme is changed intermittently, so it’s best to call ahead to check and make your booking.
Day 3: History and Culture
Dive into the history and culture of Guernsey on the third day of your getaway.
Start your day at Saumarez Park, complete with a café, playground, open grass lawns, and a Japanese pavilion. Here, you can enjoy breakfast in the sunshine of the grounds of Sausmarez Manor and stroll through the park.
Enjoy a tour of the manor, Guernsey's only stately home, and discover the history of the family who have inhabited it for over 800 years. You will find architecture, artefacts and art relating to the generations of family members who have been sailors, soldiers, explorers, judges, artists, governors, sportspeople, diplomats, merchants and more. If you attend on a Saturday morning, you will also find Guernsey's longest-running outdoor market featuring local produce such as vegetables, jams, chutneys and cakes, as well as a wide range of arts, crafts, books, plants and gifts. The markets run from Easter to October, from 10am-1pm (moving to the parish hall in winter).
If you’re looking for a thrill, you can return to Sausmarez Manor on the Thursday evening of your stay for a ghost tour with the Seigneur. The manor is considered the most haunted house in Guernsey, and you will hear about the different hauntings that have taken place, including the nanny of the 28 children, the haunted doll house, and the late Seigneur. Tours are very popular, so booking is essential.
Your next stop is the German Occupation Museum, only a short walk from the airport. Providing a unique insight into life in Guernsey during the 1940 - 1945 Occupation by Nazi Germany, the museum includes a complete and authentic recreation of an Occupation-era street, as well as exhibitions on maritime history and fortifications from WWII. This museum is cash only.
Venture to The Little Chapel, built by Brother Déodat, who started work in March 1914. The plan was to construct a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France, though the version left today is the third installation. The building operation was laborious, requiring the collection of pebbles and broken china to decorate the shrine. Once the chapel captured media attention, presents began to pour in from around the world, and Islanders brought coloured china to Les Vauxbelets with the Lieutenant-Governor offering a remarkable mother-of-pearl. You can visit The Little Chapel for free.
At the end of your day, head back to St Peter Port for dinner at China Red, voted one of the best Chinese restaurants in the UK. The restaurant is family-owned and serves authentic Chinese food, dim sum and Chinese teas, as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages.
Day 4: Herm Island
Day 4 of your travels will take you island-hopping across to the neighbouring island of Herm.
Hop on the Travel Trident that departs from the harbour by Weighbridge roundabout in St Peter Port, and enjoy a 20-minute journey to Herm. If you’re lucky, you may spot some dolphins on your voyage. Docking at Rosaire Steps at low tide, or Herm harbour at high tide, make your way to Herm Village, home to the Herm Shop.
With its own micro-climate, you will need to ensure that you pack plenty of suncream to avoid the infamous ‘Herm burn’ from the strong UV.
A walk along the coast of Herm takes only 2.5 hours, and you can keep watch for puffins, kestrels, the burnet rose and sea holly along your journey. Stop by Tugual’s Chapel on your journey and explore the history of the building, which dates back to the 11th century.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional pub-style meal at The Mermaid Tavern, featuring the classic fish and chips.
Continuing on your Herm adventure, walk to Shell Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Channel Islands. With clear water, it is the perfect swim spot on Herm, complete with a kiosk of refreshments too. You can even hire a kayak or paddleboard from Shell Beach to enjoy the island at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a group adventure, Outdoor Guernsey offer a full range of activities in Herm, including kayaking, puffin spotting, archery and more.
For dinner, explore some fine dining options at The Ship Inn or The Conservatory restaurant at the White House Hotel, before sailing back to Guernsey.
Day 5: Isle of Sark
Take a 35-50 minute ferry ride from St Peter Port to Sark and, with cars prohibited, hire some bikes to explore the island. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the island from one of Sark’s licensed carriage drivers.
Stop by Caragh Chocolates to see the creation of their delicacies and then select your own favourites from the cafe. You could even join one of their chocolate-making workshops! Relax in the cafe garden and enjoy a hot or cold refreshment whilst overlooking the panoramic sea views of the islands.
If you’re travelling with young children, why not enjoy one of Sark’s Donkey Walks? Resident donkeys Florence and Ruby love to accompany visitors on a stroll around the island, and will even carry a picnic for your lunch, which you can pack yourself or order from Hathaways.
After lunch, it's time to explore why Sark is the perfect place for an outdoor thrill by going caving with Adventure Sark.
There are a vast number of caves to be investigated, so you will be spoilt for choice, though the best and most accessible ones to start with are Gouliot Caves and Boutique Caves - but make sure to go with a guide.
Offering a glimpse into the marine life of the Channel Islands, the Gouliot Caves are a UNESCO-designated Wetland of International Importance, and are home to sea anemones, soft corals, sponges, sea squirts and more, creating a vibrant marine ecosystem.
A collection of tunnels, shallow pools and caves, the Boutique Caves offer the perfect low-tide adventure. With beautiful natural lighting and shallow bathing pools, these caves offer both excitement and tranquillity.
If you’re looking for more outdoor explorations, Adventure Sark offers a range of other activities, including coasteering, sea kayaking and clay pigeon shooting.
Continuing your water exploration, rent some gear and head to Venus Pool to go snorkelling. With sheltered and calm waters, this is the ideal spot to witness some of Sark’s sea life, including crabs and starfish.
Rounding up your day, head to one of the local eateries for dinner. To name only a few, Hugo’s Bar & Bistro offers a range of local delights, The Old Hall features a selection of Mediterranean flavours, and Stocks Hotel Restaurant offers a fine dining experience.
If you’re lucky enough to experience Sark after dark, you can’t miss a stargazing experience. Recognised as the first dark sky Island in the world, and Europe’s first International Dark Sky Community, the low light pollution of Sark makes it an unbeatable location to take in the natural beauty of the night sky.
Day 6: Local Favourites
Back in the heart of Guernsey on day six, head for breakfast at Good Rebel. A local favourite, you will find a selection of light bites and more filling options, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
Take a short walk along the harbour into town to discover the recently renovated Hauteville House, home to Victor Hugo between 1856 and 1870. The writer’s townhouse has been preserved as a museum, capturing his life with a collection of furniture and artefacts. You can book a tour of the house, and the gardens are free to explore.
Only 15 minutes by car, head to Cobo Bay on the west coast and enjoy some refreshments at Cobo Tea Room, a traditional family-run Tea Room serving lunch, weekend breakfasts, cakes, coffee and tea. Overlooking the sea, make sure to bring your sun cream if you’re planning to sit in their outdoor patio area.
After lunch, enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the sandy coast overlooking the Atlantic. Stroll along the coast, explore the nearby fortifications, and try some wild swimming. You will find kiosks ready to supply you with ice cream and refreshments nearby.
In the evening, indulge in a Guernsey classic: the Rocquette Cider Tour & Tasting. Set in the Fauxquets Valley surrounded by 5,500 trees, stroll through the orchards and discover how Rocquette cider and other local products are created. Lasting 90 minutes, the tour lets you sample ciders, fruit liqueurs, cheeses, and apple chutneys.
Day 7: Follow Renoir's Footsteps
Hire some bikes and cycle to The Kiln to enjoy breakfast before setting off on your final day of island travels.
Once you’re ready, cycle south towards Moulin Huet. Depositing your bikes in the car park, set off on foot along The Renoir Walk. This self-guided trail takes visitors to the iconic locations where famous Impressionist Renoir painted the landscapes of Guernsey during the summer of 1883. Head down past the Tea Room, then on to the beach before going south up the hill.
Along your journey, you will spot five specially crafted empty picture frames, reminiscent of the frames Renoir chose for his own creations, which allow you to stand in the same spots that the Frenchman worked on his own paintings. Take some materials with you to create your own Guernsey masterpiece!
On your way back, stop by the Renoir Tea Garden to enjoy craft teas, Guernsey crab, bean jar and Guernsey gâche.
Now, it's time to travel back to your accommodation, collect the bags, and head to the airport to get checked in for an early evening flight back to London. At the airport, just before security, you will find the Guernsey Hamper Company, a gift shop full of last-minute purchases for you to stock up on as a token of your island getaway!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of what you can do with 7 days in the Islands of Guernsey. There is plenty to do and explore on our Islands, especially in the summer months, including events.
We hope to see you soon for your island adventure!
