Surrounded by spectacular sea, Guernsey is a beautiful island location where English and French culture collides.
The history is fascinating and the scenery stunning: picture castles, dramatic coastlines and world-famous cows speckled across the hillsides.
Beautiful beaches
The bright lights of St Peter Port may beckon with promise of romance, culture and boutique shopping, but the nearby beaches offer endless relaxation too. You can try surfing, relax on pristine white sands or search for wildlife in rocky coves.
The south is home to many secluded spots, including Marble Bay with its turquoise waters, bright pink flowers and breathtaking views. Fermain Bay is another hidden beach just a short distance from the capital.
Petit Port is a great destination for adventurous travelers who love dramatic scenery, while the wide, white sands at Ladies Bay create the perfect location for family fun. Shell Beach is another family-friendly option where you can try paddle boarding, kayaking or collect beautiful shells washed in from the ocean.
An English Channel country garden
Due to its mild climate, spring comes four entire weeks early in Guernsey. This means it has some of the most diverse flora on the British Isles.
Some of the best views in Guernsey are created by the vibrant flowers that grow in this part of the world. Bluebell Wood becomes a purple mass when it blooms, while the South Coast Cliffs come to life with speckles of red and pink in summer.
There are plenty of quaint escapes in town too – such as Candie Gardens in St Peter Port.
Castle and keep
Guernsey is famous for its fairy-tale castles that come in various shades of medieval stone.
Castle Cornet is one of the best – it has period gardens, on-site museums and incredible battlements set above the cliffs. The expansive structure was built 800 years ago to defend the Channel Islands from the French, who had previously laid claim to the territory.
Inside, you can explore the history through a summertime ‘living history’ presentation or take a guided tour. Don’t forget to catch the noon-day gun, either. This cannon-firing ceremony is led by keepers dressed in scarlet costumes.
Other notable bastions include Fort Hommet and the protected ruins of Vale Castle.
Wartime history
Guernsey has many attractions dating back to its occupation during the Second World War.
Remnants of this history can still be seen all over the island. La Vallette Underground Military Museum displays the past in tunnels built during the war, while the German Occupation Museum goes into further detail.
Even the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery has an exhibition on this dark period.
A boat ride back in time
To extend your stay, take a day trip to the beautiful island of Sark. You’ll feel like you have traveled back in time when you emerge in a mile-long paradise where horses, carts and bicycles are the only modes of transport. The scenery is incredible and tradition is everywhere you look.
In good weather, the Sark Shipping Company carries passengers from St Peter Port. Just park up and enjoy a blissful time exploring.
With car rental in Guernsey, all this and more awaits.