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Diving spot in Guernsey

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Things to see and do in Guernsey

Castle Cornet

Overlooking the harbour in St Peter Port stands Castle Cornet. Built during the reign of King Stephen, it bears influences from many eras, through to the German occupation of WWII. It also contains the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum, a Maritime Museum and gardens.

Castle spotting

Fortifications are scattered all around the coast - among them Ivy Castle near Le Bouet, a Norman stronghold, and Vale Castle at St Sampson. On the West Coast lies Fortress Rousse, an 18th-century tower open to the public.

Celebrate the arts

Attend the Guernsey Eisteddfod Society Annual Festival (www.guernseyeisteddfod.co.uk), going for around 80 years. This festival celebrates the best of arts and academic events, and culminates in an exhibition at the end of March (the festival as a whole begins in January).

Cliff-top walks

Enjoy interesting walks around the island's cliff paths. The Water Lanes leading to the shore, particularly at Moulin Huet and Petit Bôt, are highlights among these.

Diving

Excursions and courses are offered by the Guernsey School of Diving/Sarnia Skin Divers.

Experience German occupation

Visit the German Underground Hospital at St Andrew, and the German Occupation Museum at Forest, for a taste of life during Germany's WWII occupation of the Chanel Islands.

Hit the beach

Within walking distance of St Peter Port are Havelet Bay and Belle Grève Bay. In the north are big sandy beaches at L'Ancresse Bay and Grande Havre. On the south coast, steep steps reach the beach at Petit Bôt, and Moulin Huet Bay is a sheltered location for sunbathers.

Little Chapel

The Little Chapel at Les Vauxbelets is thought to be the smallest church in the world, with space for a priest and a congregation of two.

Prehistoric Guernsey

Dolmens (Neolithic tombs) are common on the island. Among them are Déhus Dolmen, near the yacht marina in the Vale, and La Catioroc, on a mound overlooking Perelle Bay (reputedly once a witches' meeting place).

Roquaine Bay

Boasting two beaches and the Fort Grey Maritime Museum; the museum focuses on Guernsey's many shipwrecks. At the northern end of the bay, Lihou Island is home to flocks of seabirds, and is accessible to walkers at low tide.

Sausmarez Manor

Take a peek into Guernsey's only stately home open to the public: Sausmarez Manor at St Martin.

St Peter Port

Stroll around the island's capital St Peter Port, which retains much of the character of a traditional fishing village. See the 12th-century church and the 17th-century oldest house, now a National Trust shop, in Cornet Street.

Surfing

Surf off the northwest-facing Vazon Bay, with its huge sweeping sands.

Tuck in

Enjoy delicious cuisine at cheap prices by attending Tennerfest (www.tennerfest.com). You can guess from the name how much selected island restaurants will charge you for feasting. Be warned: you may save pounds in your pockets, but you may gain a few around your waist!

Victor Hugo's House

Pay your respects to Victor Hugo at Hauteville House, above the south side of St Peter Port, where he once lived. It was here that he wrote The Toilers of the Sea (which is set in St Sampson). His statue stands in Candie Gardens, as does the Island Museum.

Watersports

Indulge in some watersports: Guernsey's location and mild climate provide great opportunities for swimming and sailing in particular.

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