Holiday homes, apartments and airbnb in Guernsey

Visit Guernsey: the distinctly British Channel Island!

Part of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is unique. Genuinely, there's no place like it – whether that's in the British Isles, or further afield. Not technically part of the UK, Guernsey is still in the British Isles, and you can tell. From the hilly St. Peter Port and its cobbled streets, to Castle Cornet and Huteville House that was eccentrically designed by none other than Victor Hugo, it all combines to create an atmosphere that is so distinctly Guernsey. Guernsey is more than just sightseeing though, and that's what makes it such a fantastic place to visit; the island grows a lot of its own from, from vine tomatoes to mushrooms, peppers, and even local seafood ends up on the menus of a lot of restaurants, so you know you're going to be eating well. whether you're looking for a historical visit, or the ultimate foodies' trip, you'll find holiday accommodation in Guernsey to suit your needs.

Best Time to Visit Guernsey

No matter when you visit Guernsey, there is always something to do, the only difference will be the weather. As it's a fairly small island, cool winds blowing over the English Channel should always be expected, but the higher temperatures during the summer months of June through to early September means this breeze is actually welcomed. In fact, the summer months are perfect for late-evening barbecues at your self-catered holiday rental, and throughout August and July there is weekly outdoor music and theatre events that take place at Castle Cornet, all free. Having said that, the spring time brings with it beautiful landscapes and rolling hills covered with wildflowers, while the autumnal months of September through to November come with the Tennerfest Food Festival – which involves countless restaurants offering amazing value menus. Plus, from May through to September, St. Peter Port's seafront is completely closed off to traffic, and a seafront farmers market takes place on Sundays. Essentially, no matter what time you want to visit Guernsey, something cool will be going on.

How to get to Guernsey

A small island off the south coast of England, Guernsey is right next to Jersey and can be accessed directly via plane or ferry. In fact, Guernsey airport has non-stop flights to London, Jersey, Southampton, Manchester, Bristol, Exeter, Nottingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Germany, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Norwich, and Switzerland, so no matter where you're from in the UK you'll be able to reach guernsey easily. The flight from London to Guernsey takes as little as 45 minutes, and its actually possible to commute to London for work and be home in time to see the sun setting. If you're not from the UK, then the best option is to hop on a plane to London, and from there get a direct flight to the coastal island – so easy you almost won't notice the extra flight. Guernsey can also be reached via regular ferries from both Portsmouth and Poole's harbours, using Condor Ferries. Taking only a few hours from either, these ferries operate all year round with options to store your car, bikes, surfboards, camping gear, pets and more. If you have travelled a great distance to south coast and would like to have a break before completing your journey to Guernsey, then reserve a holiday apartment in Portsmouth or a holiday home in Poole where you can rest before continuing on with your journey. If you want to visit from neighbouring France, you can travel from your holiday apartment in Brittany in just under 3 and a half . hours. If you're travelling from England, Scotland, or wales, then hop on the M1 and drive straight down to the south coast, and right onto the ferry at the harbour. If you're coming from elsewhere, get a flight in to Bournemouth, Exeter, or Southampton airport if possible and a connection over to the harbours at Poole and Portsmouth, or if you're flying into London then get on a train direct to the coast and from there hop on the ferry. The port at St Peter's is one of the prettiest you'll find in the whole of Europe, so it's well worth the potentially choppy travel over just to witness it first-hand.

Where to Stay in Guernsey

St. Peter Port

The capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port is known as one of the prettiest places in the whole of the British Isles – and definitely in Guernsey. In fact, it's actually one of Europe's nicest and prettiest ports, and has been since before the Romans invaded. St. Peter Port somehow seems to be simultaneously bustling and sleepy, with narrow streets leading steeply uhill away from the busy harbour. A number of resturants line the way, as well as msueums that can be reached on foot, it's no wonder that so many toursits choose to make St Peter Port their base as they explore the rest of the island. If that's what you're looking to do, then try the fantastic short term apartment rental you'll find at the La Madeleine Holiday Apartments, with views over the sea and harbour.

St. Martin

A tiny little parish, St. Martin is often overlooked and overshadowed by its neighbour, St. Peter Port. However, the charming village has plenty of charms of its own; from its dramatic location on the coast surrounded by steep cliffas and beautiful bays, to the historic sites and monuments that are close by, St. Martin is the perfect way to relax and take in the landscape of Guernsey. If you're looking for a luxury holiday rental that adds in a little bit of history, then try staying at the Bella Luce Hotel, a family run boutique hotel set in a Norman manor house, surrounded by beautiful gardens. This perfect little bed and breakfast in Guernsey is the best way to get to know the country behind the tourism: the real Guernsey.

Castel

The largest parish on the whole island, Castle is a place of pure history. In fact, even the way the village and area is formed showcases ancient sea level changes – such as the trunks of an ancient oak forest that are only visible along the Vazon beach during a very low tide. More than this, this chamring little parish is the site of the Le Viaër Marchi and the North Show every year, including the Battle of Flowers event.

Vale

Vale is one of the oldest sites, having been around since at least the 10th century, when the islands were under control of the Duchy of Normandy. In fact, the Channel Islands represent some of the last remaining aspects of medieval Britain, and of the culture of the Duchy of Normandy, and a lot of the Vale parish showcases this. It once belonged to Saint Michael, who had a castle named after him – now known as the Vale Castle – and was used by lcoals as a refuge from pirate attacks.

Things to do in Guernsey

Hauteville House

Following Napoleon III's coup in 1851, the famous Victor Hugo was exiled from France alongside him. As a result, he chose to take up residency in Guernsey, near the northern French coast, in the impressive Hauteville House. It was here that he wrote his iconic classic novel, Les Miserables, and the house has been preserved almost exactly as it was when he lived here. This includes a number of furnishings and items dotted around the rooms that were created and fashion by Hugo himself, such as a candelabra made out of bobbins. In addition, the garden has been restored exactly as it would have looked when Hugo lived here, using photographs and paintings from his lifetime.

Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery

Arguably the best museum to learn about the entire history of the island of Guernsey. In fact, the Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery spans over 1000 years of life on the island, from the Neolithic farmers to the Romans who made the island a strategic port, all the way to modern day. There are a number of exhibits detailing mythological creatures, the island's mythology, and even a mummified cat that was once found beneath a local hotel.

German Occupation Museum

The museum was actually created by a local who was alive during the Nazi occupation of Guernsey, and experienced what it was like first hand. Among the exhibits there are examples of weaponry, uniforms and communication equipment, as well as the recreation of what a kitchen would have looked like during the occupation, and even an illegal radio that would have been used to communicate with the Allied forces.

Folk & Costume Museum

Right smack bang in the middle of Sausmarez Park is an interesting little museum that looks at like on Guernsey approximately 100 years ago. Compelte with a fashion exhibit with options to dress up and party like it's the 1920s, this little museum has everything from toys to intricate dolls' houses, and even old farming equipment.

Castle Cornet

Castle Cornet was first built during the 13th century, which was over 800 years ago. Amazingly, it's still mostly intact, and looks over St. Peter Port, standing ominously as a defensive point. It was used as a defensive point, actually, throughout a lot of the wars that governed the last millennia: from the French sieges, to the Napoleonic wars, and even during WWII.

Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum

The Fort Grey and Shipwreck Museum was not originally constructed to be a museum, but rather it is an ancient tower that now happens to house one. The museum itself was created to commemorate and remember all those who tried – and failed – to navigate Guernsey's tricky waters over the last 1000 years. Within the museum there is a shipwreck chart, pointing visitors to the famous famous wrecks to grace Guernsey's shore, as well as various salvaged objects such as a silver teapot from the SS Yoruba, which sunk during the 1800s, and an ancient Roman ship that is somehow still mostly intact.

La Vallette Underground Military Museum

Guernsey is the island of museums it seems, and the La Vallette Underground Military Museum is yet another one to add to your list. The museum incorporates a number of underground tunnels that were used during the Second World War for German u-boats to refuel, and they're currently used to display various wartime artefacts: weapons, Nazi occupation stamps, medals, etc. Interestingly, there is also a number of items that were handcrafted by those that were incarcerated in the Biberach concentration camp, who used scrap material they could find to create interesting and unique objects.

Sausmarez Manor

Since the 13th century, Sausmarez has been home to the oldest family to inhabit Guernsey – the Sausmarez' themselves. The manor is preserved with a number of different artefacts, showcasing the lives of generations of the family who were governors, privateers, generals, adventurers and more. The Manor comes with a garden, which contains an Artpark complete with mythological creatures and abstract sculptures, and on Thursday's there are even ghost tours hosted by Seigneur du Sausmarez.

Gran'mère du Chimquière

The Gran'mère du Chimquière is an ancient standing stone, carved approximately 4000 years ago. According to local legend, the stone is designed to resemble a pagan "Earth Mother" figure, and as a result during the roman times a carver added a cape and hair – which led to the figure being nicknamed "Julius Caesar's grandmother". Today, it's good luck to place a flower garland around her neck at weddings.

Lihou Island

Although it's called the Lihou Island, it is possible to walk to it from Guernsey, thanks to the causeway between the two that dates back hundreds of years. However, this is only accessible during periods of low tide, so it's good to make a day trip of it and have a picnic, or maybe have a look into getting a boat over. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, as well as walking trails, and the Priory of St. Nary, a 12th century relic that was used during the Second World War by occupying Nazis for target practise.

Little Chapel

A fairly recent addition to Guernsey, Little Chapel was built in 1914 by an exiled French monk, Brother Deodat Antoine, and it is designed to be as mall-scale replica of the basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes. Local islanders helped the monk by supplying pottery, and it is so small that only four people at a time can fit inside.

Dehus Dolmen

Dehus Dolmen is actually a Neolithic grave that dates back over 5000 years. One of the largest of its kind, excavators have discovered a number of artefacts including human remains and a copper dagger. Visitors are able to wander around and see the grave up close – although they will have to crouch to get in – and along the roof towards the back of the grave there is Le Gardien du Tombeau, a menhir with a bearded face known as the Guardian of the Tomb.

Jerbourg Point

Found along the most southern tip of Guernsey is the Jerbur Point, a protruding piece of land that offers up the best views on the whole island. On a clear day, travellers can even see as far as the Normandy coast of France, as well as the Les Tas de Pois d'Amont, which is a group of six rock formations that supposedly resemble the figures of monks. From here, avid hikers can partake in the Pleinmont Pike hike, stemming 14km and making its way all along the coast.

Petit Port

One of the best beaches on the island, Petit Point is notable for the fact that visitors have to climb down 270 steps to reach it – not so bad on the way down, but not desirable after a long day sunbathing. Nevertheless, it's worth the climb, as the beach is beautiful and the waters are calm enough to enjoy an afternoon swim.

Explore the nearby Channel Island of Jersey

If you fall in love with Guernsey, why not hop onto a ferry to the nearby - and also largest of the Channel Islands - of Jersey? Booking a holiday cottage in Jersey will put you in the middle of an island full of some of Europe's most important history, such as the War Tunnels from the German occupation during the Second World War and the Channel Islands Military Museums. It also boasts fantastic walks and beaches for lovers of the outdoors and for a chance to reconnect with rural nature on your holiday.

Best Time to Visit Guernsey

No matter when you visit Guernsey, there is always something to do – the only difference will be the weather. As it's a fairly small island, cool winds blowing over the English Channel should always be expected, but the higher temperatures during the summer months of June through to early September means this breeze is actually welcomed. In fact, the summer months are perfect for late-evening barbecues at your self-catered holiday rental, and throughout August and July there is weekly outdoor music and theatre events that take place at Castle Cornet, all free. Having said that, the spring time brings with it beautiful landscapes and rolling hills covered with wildflowers, while the autumnal months of September through to November come with the Tennerfest Food Festival – which involves countless restaurants offering amazing value menus. Plus, from May through to September, St. Peter Port's seafront is completely closed off to traffic, and a seafront farmers market takes place on Sundays. Essentially, no matter what time you want to visit Guernsey, something cool will be going on.