If you’re looking for a charming, offbeat getaway in Europe, I must now gush and tell you about the irresistibly adorable Channel Island of Guernsey.

Home to a renowned dairy herd, fascinating historic attractions, and a novel about potato peel pie, Guernsey is a unique gem of a destination that combines beautiful views and unique history with a warm and wholesome sense of hospitality.

Accessible via ferry from Poole (my boyfriend’s hometown), Guernsey is a place that has been on my radar for years… but it wasn’t until this Spring that I finally got to see the island for myself!

So what is there to do in Guernsey? As it turns out – a lot. Read on for a list of my top recommendations for Guernsey activities.

1. Explore & enjoy Saint Peter Port

Let’s start with a shout-out to Guernsey’s capital & main port – Saint Peter Port.

This city is the capital of the Bailiwick of Guernsey (a self-governing area of jurisdiction that includes the islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Sark and some smaller islands).

For history buffs, Saint Peter Port has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town’s name is derived from the patron saint of fishermen, highlighting its maritime heritage.

Over the centuries, Saint Peter Port has been influenced by various cultures and nations, including the Vikings and Normans… and the town’s eclectic architecture reflects this, with a mix of styles across periods.

Of course, there are a number of fun things to do in Saint Peter Port (I’ll be sharing my main highlights below), but no visit to Guernsey is complete without a little bumble around, especially along the picturesque natural harbour.

2. Explore Castle Cornet

One of the main sights to enjoy in Saint Peter Port is Castle Cornet, a unique island castle with over 800 years of history under its belt.

Castle Cornet’s origins date back to the 13th century when it was built to defend the island against French invasions. The castle’s strategic location on an island in the harbour allowed it to control access to St. Peter Port and served as a formidable defensive structure.

This defence wasn’t entirely successful though, Castle Cornet has witnessed various occupations and sieges over the centuries, including periods of French, English, and German control.

Today, Castle Cornet is a museum complex that offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history, military heritage, and stunning views. The museum features exhibits on the history of the castle, Guernsey’s maritime history, and the island’s role during World War II.

No doubt, if you’re into history, visiting Castle Cornet is one of the best things to do in Guernsey.

3. Have a pint in the world’s closest pub to a church

It’s a bizarre accolade to be sure, but I love any cause for celebration, so here’s another fun thing to do in Guernsey for you: enjoying a pub drink with record-breaking proximity to a church.

Indeed, Saint Peter Port’s Albion House Tavern is the one that celebrates this unique honour, so why not stop in and earn some bragging rights you never realized you needed?

I mean, if it says so on a plaque…

4. Visit the Guernsey Tapestry 

While its opening hours are limited, if you get the timing right and have a chance to visit the Guernsey Tapestry in Saint Peter Port, make sure you go!

This delightful Guernsey attraction depicts the history of the island over the past thousand years through ten beautiful embroidered canvases – one for each parish, all hand-stitched by local members of the community.

While no photos are allowed inside, I’ll tell you this much: the panels are creative, impressive, and beautiful, with so much heart put into them that you can’t help but melt a little. Plus, the experience is completed with an audio guide that guides you through each tapestry and the century it represents.

Tucked away on the lower floor of the Dorey Centre, this hidden gem offers a wholesome insight into Guernsey’s local history, and is well worth the admission fee, so don’t miss it if it’s open!

5. Tour Victor Hugo House

The Victor Hugo House, also known as Hauteville House, was the residence of Victor Hugo during his exile from France. Hugo, a prolific author, poet, and playwright, lived in Guernsey from 1856 to 1870, escaping political turmoil in France.

During his time in Guernsey, Hugo wrote some of his most famous works, including Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea. Hauteville House is not only historically significant but also architecturally unique. Victor Hugo played an active role in designing and decorating the house, which reflects his eclectic and artistic tastes.

The house features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo, creating a distinctive and visually captivating interior. Visitors to the Victor Hugo House can explore the interior, which has been preserved to reflect the way it appeared during Hugo’s residence.

One of the highlights of the house is, of course, Hugo’s writing studio, located on the top floor. This room offers stunning views of St. Peter Port and the surrounding sea and was where Hugo penned many of his works.

6. Visit the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery

And if you’re looking for things to do in Guernsey suitable for art and culture lovers, then don’t miss the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery.

Located in Candie Gardens, a beautiful public garden in St. Peter Port, this museum serves as a hub for preserving and showcasing the island’s rich history, art, and cultural heritage.

The museum’s collections cover a wide range of topics, including archaeology, natural history, art, and social history. You can explore exhibits related to Guernsey’s prehistoric past, its maritime history, the island’s role during World War II, and its rich cultural traditions.

PS: Their on-site café is really cute and offers wonderful views, so it’s definitely a great place to stop for a refreshment.

7. Admire the blue post boxes

A unique quirk of Guernsey that I loved observing during my visit was that post boxes (or mailboxes, for my fellow North Americans) are painted a bright blue here, in contrast to the usual ‘red’ commonly seen in the UK or even on fellow Channel Island Jersey.

The reason? The postboxes on Guernsey Island are blue because they are part of the postal system of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which I mentioned before. The islands of Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark have their own postal service, distinct from the Royal Mail postal system that operates in the rest of the United Kingdom. The blue paint was part of a rebranding effort in 1980, and they’ve been blue ever since!

If you get lucky, you may even encounter one with an adorable handmade postbox topper:

8. See the first & oldest post box in the British Isles

Yes, I know – it’s another post box related Guernsey activity. I know how cool I seem right now.

… But anyways, you should know by now that Guernsey isn’t afraid to celebrate their more unique honours, so here’s another one for you – hidden away on a quiet street in Saint Peter Port is where you’ll find the very first (and oldest) post box in the British Isles!

Originally installed in 1853, you can find this cute gem of postal history on Union St. Some even say it’s among the oldest postboxes in the world still in use.

Don’t worry – you can’t miss it. It’s the only red post box in Guernsey.

9. Sample some local seafood

Of course, if you’re more after foodie things to do in Guernsey, then another no-brainer activity is slurping up some fresh local seafood.

Obviously, this is an island, so the waters surrounding Guernsey are filled with delicious fish and crustaceans. Guernsey is known for its seafood specialities, including local fish such as sea bass, brill, turbot, and the famous Guernsey oysters. Lobster, crab, and scallops are also popular catches and feature prominently in the island’s cuisine

Some of the best places to sample this nautical bounty include Le Nautique Restaurant on the Saint Peter Port waterfront or Octopus Restaurant near the Victor Hugo House which boasts stunning views of Castle Cornet along with contemporary seafood dishes.

And if you’re looking for something quick, casual and affordable, this fully loaded crab sandwich from COCO Brasserie was nothing short of life-changing:

10. Visit the German Occupation Museum

It’s hard to believe that the German Occupation Museum, one of Guernsey’s top visitor attractions, originally began as a schoolboy’s personal collection… but that’s precisely how this museum got its start!

During World War II, the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, were occupied by German forces from 1940 to 1945. In the 60s, local boy Richard Heaume used to collect spent bullets from fields after they had been ploughed, and his parents then allowed him to begin displaying his collection in the cottage opposite their house.

Today, the museum is home to a diverse collection of artefacts, documents, and exhibits that illustrate the impact of the German occupation on Guernsey and its residents. Visitors can see items such as uniforms, weapons, personal belongings, propaganda materials, and everyday items used by islanders and occupying forces.

If you’re interested in this chapter of local history, this is hands down one of the most fascinating things to do in Guernsey.

11. Visit ‘The Little Chapel’

One of the smallest but most beautiful places to visit in Guernsey is the Little Chapel, located in the Les Vauxbelets valley near St Andrew.

The chapel was created by Brother Déodat Antoine, a French monk who arrived in Guernsey in 1913. Inspired by the grotto at Lourdes in France, he decided to build his own version of the religious shrine, constructed using pebbles, shells, and colourful pieces of broken china and porcelain.

True to its name, this chapel is small, but it’s packed with beautiful mosaics and intricate details that will dazzle your eyeballs just as much as a chapel twice its size.

If you’re into cute and quirky attractions, this one is a must-see in Guernsey.

12. Check out old war fortifications

As a result of Guernsey’s German occupation, there are a number of old war fortifications scattered around the island, many of which are now open to the public as attractions.

While opening hours for these fortifications tend to be quite limited, they’re organized in a way that you’ll likely find at least one open during your visit (and you might even run into the same volunteers running them, too!)

You’ll no doubt see plenty of these fortifications just as you explore the island, but below I’ll talk about two that are now open as visitor attractions.

Pleinmont Observation Tower: This tower was constructed by the Germans to serve as an observation and artillery spotting post. It’s open Wednesday and Sunday only from 2pm to 4.30pm and contains a number of original rangefinders for enjoying the coastal views.

Fort Hommet: First constructed to guard Guernsey from French invasion, the original fortifications were expanded upon by the Germans, the most notable additions are the concrete bunkers and gun emplacements that remain today. Visitors can explore the fort’s various sections while learning about its military history.

13. Enjoy a beach day

If you need a break from history, then of course one of the best things to do in Guernsey (when weather permits) is lazing out on the beach and soaking in the sunshine.

While the weather wasn’t exactly the most cooperative during my visit, I still got to enjoy some of the island’s beaches (albeit in a firmly zipped raincoat). I can only imagine how pretty they’d be with the right conditions!

That said, if you’re luckier than me weather-wise, here are some of the more popular beaches around Guernsey:

• Cobo Beach: Cobo Beach is one of Guernsey’s most popular beaches, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. It’s a great spot for swimming and water sports, plus the beach is lined with restaurants and cafes, making it perfect for a day at the seaside.
• Vazon Bay: Vazon Bay is one of Guernsey’s largest and most lively beaches. It’s a hotspot for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The wide expanse of sand provides ample space for sunbathing and beach games.
• L’Éree Beach: L’Éree Beach offers a mix of sandy and rocky areas, making it a good place for beachcombing and exploring tide pools. It’s also home to Lihou Island, which can be reached on foot during low tide and is known for its natural beauty and birdlife.
• Fermain Bay: Fermain Bay is a picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters and rocky cliffs, making it ideal for snorkelling and exploring marine life. It’s also a peaceful spot for sunbathing and picnicking, with a charming cafe overlooking the bay.

14. Catch a sunset on the West Coast

Besides enjoying a day at the beach, I have to also recommend catching the sunset at some point on the western side of the island.

Because wow, there’s no better time or place to appreciate Guernsey’s dramatic coastline! This side of the island is known for its rugged and picturesque scenery. You’ll find epic cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines, all of which create a stunning backdrop for a sunset.

The western coast also offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal location to witness the sun dip below the horizon. There are plenty of amazing perches to enjoy sunset on Guernsey’s western coast, but here was the amazing sunset we saw from Cobo Bay:

15. Play a game of license plate spotting

I admit that this is one of the dorkier things to do in Guernsey, but if you’re easily excitable like me, you may find great joy in looking out for low license plate numbers.

The reason? Guernsey’s license plates are all numerical, with the lowest numbers being the most prestigious (e.g. Number 1 is reserved for the Bailiff of Guernsey, for example).

So, if you need a fun side activity to occupy your time, be on the lookout for the smallest license plate numbers you can spot. I promise, it’s an addictive game!

Fun fact: The license plate number 007 was once sold for 240k.

16. Visit the Guernsey German Military Underground Hospital

Visiting the Guernsey German Military Underground Hospital is an opportunity to explore a significant piece of the island’s history and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by its residents during World War II.

The hospital is a remnant of the German occupation of the Channel Islands from 1940 to 1945. During this period, the Germans constructed an extensive network of tunnels and fortifications throughout the islands as part of the Atlantic Wall coastal defence system.

The hospital served as a fully operational military facility during the occupation, providing medical care for the German forces stationed on Guernsey.

Carved into solid rock, the underground complex consists of a series of tunnels and chambers, including an operating theatre, recovery rooms, and a casualty reception area. The hospital also features various displays and exhibits that provide historical context and information about life on Guernsey during the occupation, so if you’re interested in war-time history, this is yet another must-do in Guernsey.

17. Stop by Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum

Fort Grey is a historic coastal defence fortification located on the west coast of Guernsey that houses a fascinating shipwreck museum.

Fort Grey was originally constructed in the early 19th century to defend Guernsey’s coastline from potential invasion. It’s an iconic Martello tower, which is a distinctive circular fortification design common in the 19th century.

Today, Fort Grey serves as the home of the Shipwreck Museum, which is operated by Guernsey Museums. The museum’s collection includes artefacts recovered from various shipwrecks, such as navigational instruments, ship models, salvaged cargo, and personal items from sailors.

Fort Grey is also home to a lighthouse, which adds to its historical charm. The lighthouse tower is still operational and helps guide ships safely through the surrounding waters, so that they don’t end up on display in the museum!

18. Check out Sausmarez Manor

Sausmarez Manor is one of Guernsey’s most picturesque landmarks, known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and cultural attractions.

The manor was originally constructed in the 13th century and features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Tudor, and Queen Anne.

There is a tea room on the estate where visitors can enjoy refreshments, including traditional afternoon tea, along with a gift shop offering a selection of souvenirs, local crafts, and products from the estate that are worth checking out as well.

Sausmarez Manor is particularly renowned for its extensive gardens, which cover approximately 30 acres of the estate. The gardens include a wide variety of themed areas, such as a Japanese garden, a rose garden, a walled kitchen garden, and a sculpture park featuring works by local and international artists. It’s a delightful spot to wander around in nice weather!

19. Buy some hedge veg

As I’ve mentioned many times in this post, one of the things I loved most about Guernsey was its wholesome and friendly energy.

No local quirk better exemplifies this than “hedge veg”. All around the island, you’ll find people selling goods from little boxes outside their houses based purely on an honour system… a concept that I can’t quite wrap my big city brain around!

So whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, pretty flowers, or second-hand books, be sure to keep an eye out for little sales cubbies like these:

20. Find new puffin friends

Another delightful quirk of Guernsey that I fell in love with during my visit were these adorably decorated puffin sculptures, known locally as “the Puffin Parade”.

This whimsical event was jointly organised by the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey as a way to raise funds and highlight the work being done by both charities. Local artists, clubs, community groups, schools, charities and day centres have all gotten involved to decorate slightly larger-than-life puffin sculptures, with lots of different themes.

You’ll find sixty of these adorable puffins scattered around the island. Try your best to spot as many as you can – you can even download a map here!

21. Shop for some Guernsey pearls

Guernsey Pearl, located across from the beach near Fort Grey, offers a unique blend of attractions and is an excellent spot to get a lovely Guernsey souvenir.

Within Guernsey Pearl, you’ll find three main components: a large shop selling beautiful pearls, a café, and the remains of a Roman ship. The ship, an archaeological gem, is displayed in a small structure near the café. While it’s not fully intact, it provides a fascinating glimpse into a 2,000-year-old vessel.

The shop itself is a treasure trove, featuring thousands of pearls and jewellery pieces along with other locally made items, including tightly woven Jersey sweaters, complete with the knitter’s name on the tag.

The on-site café also offers a satisfying meal without the fuss, offering a convenient spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

22. Take a day trip out to Sark

Taking a day trip to Sark from Guernsey is a wonderful way to explore another beautiful island in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

Sark is a small, car-free island known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and unique way of life. Located approximately 9 miles east of Guernsey, regular passenger ferry services operate between the two islands, making it a breeze to visit (literally)!

One of the most unique features of Sark is that it is entirely car-free. Visitors and residents use bicycles, tractors, and horse-drawn carriages as modes of transport. You can rent bicycles on the island to explore its scenic roads and trails.

Sark offers a range of fun attractions and activities for day-trippers. Some highlights include:

• La Seigneurie Gardens: Beautiful gardens surrounding the official residence of the Seigneur of Sark.
• Sark Henge: A unique stone circle located on the island.
• Sark Museum: Learn about the island’s history and heritage.
• Beaches: Enjoy swimming or picnicking on the island’s sandy beaches.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Guernsey?

Let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best Guernsey activities. Hope you have a great trip!