10 Reasons to Visit Guernsey in 2024

Travelling to Guernsey in 2023 is a fantastic choice especially for those living in the UK. It has great weather, stunning beaches, and superb food. Just a few reasons to visit Guernsey.

I spent 10 days there last year and feel like now is the time people are searching for where to travel in 2023. Therefore, I have put as many reasons to visit Guernsey below, along with a few other frequently asked questions and answers such as When to Visit Guernsey, flying to Guernsey and even Where is Guernsey.

If there is anything unanswered feel free to drop that in the comments below, and if you end up planning your trip let me know.

Where is Guernsey Island?

Guernsey is one of the ‘Islands of Guernsey’ in the bay of St Malo, just off the French Coast (specifically the Normandy Coast), mainland Europe.

It is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, an administrative jurisdiction that encompasses the main island of Guernsey and several smaller islands, including Alderney, Herm, Jethou, Lihou, and Sark. It is part of the British Isles, but not part of the United Kingdom.

Location and Geography

Guernsey is nestled in the English Channel, just off the coast of Normandy, France. As part of the Channel Islands, which also include Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm, Guernsey boasts a unique blend of British and French influences. Situated approximately 27 miles (43 km) west of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy and about 70 miles (112 km) south of mainland Britain, this island offers a perfect mix of accessibility and seclusion.

Covering a total area of 24 square miles (62 km²) and featuring a coastline that stretches around 30 miles (48 km), Guernsey is a compact yet diverse destination. Its varied landscape includes rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush countryside, making it a haven for outdoor adventures and nature lovers.

Whether you’re exploring the island’s cliff paths or enjoying the serene beaches, Guernsey’s geography provides a stunning backdrop for any activity.

What is the Best Time to Visit Guernsey?

The short answer is you can enjoy outdoor adventures in Guernsey anytime. Guernsey is open all year round, with plenty of options for things to do at any time. The summers last longer than the UK and Spring and Autumn are warmer. And this means warmer seas too!

If you are a sun worshipper or a family traveller then you will probably be restricted to July and August. But if it were me, I’d consider September. This is also when the Autumn Walking Festival kicks off, a great way to explore the island.

If you are around in October, then also consider the Tennerfest food festival. All the pubs and restaurants get involved, showcasing their best local food for £10 a three course meal. It could be a brilliant way to meet some locals and decide where you want to eat later.

And that’s just a couple of examples, there are things happening here all year round. Take a look at What’s On in Guernsey to see what might tickle your fancy.

How to Get to Guernsey?

There are 2 ways to get to Guernsey – By flight or by ferry. Here below, I’ll go through both ways so that you understand and have the details for each.

Flying to Guernsey from the UK

You can get to Guernsey from a number of UK airports with some flight times as short as 30 minutes.

You can fly with BA from London City and Edinburgh, and with Blue Islands from Southampton. However, Aurigny offers flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands, Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Dublin and Southampton.

Finally, Loganair flies from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle with a short stop at Southampton where you’ll fly with Blue Islands their partner.

Taking the Ferry to Guernsey from the UK

On my first trip to Guernsey, I went by car ferry with Condor Ferries so I could take my little camper with me. I always love this choice because I can load the van up with everything I might possibly need.

It was a quick and easy service, you can go from Poole for a shorter crossing, or Portsmouth which takes a little longer.

St Peter Port: The Capital and Main Town

St Peter Port, the capital and main town of Guernsey, is a gorgeous blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Located on the island’s east coast, this charming town is a hub of activity and a gateway to exploring Guernsey’s rich heritage. With its cobbled streets, picturesque harbour, and a mix of British and French architectural styles, St Peter Port is a great place to spend some time.

One of the town’s standout attractions is Castle Cornet, a 13th-century fortress that has played a pivotal role in Guernsey’s history. Perched at the mouth of the harbour, the castle provides panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline.

St Peter Port is also a paradise for foodies, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering everything from local seafood to international cuisine.

In summary, St Peter Port is not just the heart of Guernsey but also a cultural and historical gem that offers something for pretty much everyone.

10 Reasons to Visit Guernsey

Let’s now discuss the main topic of this article, which are all the main reasons to visit Guernsey. From the food to the stunning islands and more, you’re surely in for a treat!

#1 Reason to Visit Guernsey: The Food

This was one that surprised me! There were so many fantastic restaurants and food spots all over the island. From fish and chips at Cobo Bay to sushi in St Peter Port.

My top recommendations are The Hook (St Peter Port), Roc Salt (Chouet Bay) and La Reunion (Cobo Bay). For a bit more detail on the restaurants I visited, have a look at #6 Eat Out in my other article 10 things you must do in Guernsey.

#2 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Sustainability

I’ve been really impressed with Guernsey’s commitment to sustainability since my visit. The island organizes regular beach cleaning and litter-picking events, encouraging locals to pick up litter during their walks.

Some beach kiosks even reward litter pickers with free ice cream—how great is that?

The Guernsey Weigh, the island’s first zero-waste shop, has been a big hit with locals. Shoppers can buy goods in refillable bags and jars, significantly cutting down on plastic use. Over on Alderney and Sark, they’ve taken it a step further with milk dispensers for refilling bottles.

There’s also a strong push to use local produce, which supports the Guernsey community and cuts down on transportation costs.

A great example of this is their Hedge Veg stalls, where you can find fresh, local goods.

#3 Reason to visit Guernsey: Beautiful Islands

Visiting the other islands of Guernsey is a must when you’re here, especially Herm and Sark (although I am also keen to go to Alderney, which I am yet to visit). You can visit them both on a day trip, stay overnight or even see Herm on a Rib Boat.

Both have completely distinct characteristics and couldn’t be more different! Make sure you check out my article about the day trips from Guernsey for more information about Sark and Herm.

Also, the best day trip you can book when in Guernsey is this Coastal Highlights Tour, which takes you around the best tourist attractions, from St. Sampsons to Cobo Bay to Hanois Lighthouse and more!

#4 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Short Flights from the UK

As mentioned in earlier under ‘Flying to Guernsey’, you can get there in as little as 30 minutes! And there are a variety of options available, meaning you shouldn’t have to travel far to get to the nearest airport with flights to Guernsey.

Just to put that in perspective, if you get an 8:20am flight from Southampton, you could be on the beach by 10:30 or 11am!

#5 Reason to Visit Guernsey: The Sunrise at Jerbourg Point

Another great reason to visit Guernsey is to catch the sunrise at Jerbourg Point. Sure, sunrises are beautiful anywhere, but seeing it from this coastal spot is truly something special.

Located on Saint Martin’s southeast coast, Jerbourg Point offers a breathtaking view of the sea and coastline as the dawn light creeps over the horizon.

The best plan is to start your day here and then continue exploring Guernsey. There’s free parking available, so you can easily leave your car while you take in the views.

Just a heads up: the area can get busy in the morning, so I recommend arriving early, ideally before 7 AM.

Whether you’re into photography, love nature, or just want a peaceful start to your day, watching the sunrise at Jerbourg Point in Guernsey is an absolute must!

#6 Reason to Visit Guernsey: You Can Bring your Campervan

As you can take the ferry from Poole or Portsmouth with Condor Ferries, you can bring a camper! Nothing beats packing up everything you need into the back and heading off on holiday.

However please note, wild parking and camping is not allowed in Guernsey and there is a limited number of campers and caravans authorised on to the island.

You must obtain a permit and you may also be asked to show your reservation at one of the four registered campsites upon arrival; these are Fauxquets Valley, La Balloterie, Le Vaugrat and Beaucette Campervans.

#7 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Wildlife Spotting

From Seals to Puffins, there is a lot to see in Guernsey. The showstoppers are the Puffins, which you can spot easily at Puffin Bay in Herm. They are there from March to July. You can also spot them on a boat trip from Sark in a small islet called L’Etac. You may also see Razorbills and Guillemots here.

The Seal colony was equally impressive, they can be found by boat on the surrounding islets of Herm. I saw these on the Rib Boat Tour from St Peter Port.

#8 Reason to Visit Guernsey: The History

The history of Guernsey is really fascinating. From the forts dotted around the islands that Guernsey is becoming famous for, to the evidence of prehistoric habitation.

In World War II the island was occupied by German troops, and prior to that most of the children were evacuated to England. Each fort tells a story about its part in this, as many of these were built during World War II to defend the island.

This is just a very tiny part of the history, for those interested I’d recommend taking a tour to further understand it. You’ll also find a fantastic slice of history at The Little Chapel, a must visit!

#9 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Stunning Beaches

Let’s start with one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen, Shell Beach in Herm. That’s reason to go alone. Along with the countless other beaches and bays in Guernsey.

One of my highlights was lunch and paddle-boarding at Petit Bot Bay, one of the beaches in the South of Guernsey. And something you must do is watch the sunset at Cobo Bay.

#10 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Le French Festival

The Le French Festival is an exciting cultural event that celebrates the strong relationship between the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey and France.

This festival takes place annually in Mid-October and offers a week-long immersion into French influences on Guernsey’s culture.

During the festival, you’ll experience a variety of French-themed activities, music, food, films, and even opera performances! It provides a unique opportunity for locals and tourists to experience a taste of France without leaving the beautiful islands of Guernsey.

Other than that, the festival also extends its reach to younger audiences with special children’s performances and street performances designed to entertain and engage kids in a fun and interactive way.

How’s that for a reason to visit Guernsey?

FAQ About Guernsey

I hope I helped you understand why Guernsey is such a great place to visit. But now, let’s go a little deeper and discuss some common questions travellers have.

What is Guernsey Famous For?

Ah, Guernsey. Just the mention of its name instantly transports me back to its rugged coastline, quaint villages, and scrumptious seafood.

And there’s no denying that this charming island is famous for a lot of things. First, Guernsey is known for its rich history, evident in its fortifications and museums.

Plus, you can’t leave the island without indulging in a Guernsey ice cream, made from the milk of the famously contented Guernsey cows.

Is Guernsey Worth Visiting?

Definitely, visiting Guernsey is definitely worth it. From exploring the ancient fortifications of Castle Cornet to strolling through stunning coastal gardens, there is so much to do here.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery, this gem of an island is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Is Guernsey Safe?

Not only is the island full of stunning landscapes and picturesque towns, but it’s also incredibly safe. As a frequent traveler, I know how important it is to feel secure in a new place, and Guernsey definitely delivers on that front.

Is Guernsey Expensive?

Yes, visiting Guernsey is about 20% more expensive than in the UK. But don’t let that discourage you! Guernsey is filled with unforgettable experiences that will make every penny worth it.

Conclusion – Guernsey Travel Guide

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my reasons to visit Guernsey. If you have anything you want to suggest, please drop them in the comments below. Happy travels

This article was supported by Visit Guernsey but as always, the opinions and photos in the article are all my own, and I think it’s clear to see I loved every minute of my trip!