Braye: Swimming Bay, Beach and History

When looking for hotels in Braye, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. Braye Bay is all about time by the water: protected by the Breakwater, its waters are clear and calm, making them suitable for wading and swimming. Nearby, Braye Beach brings summer events and an old pier into the picture. Fort Grosnez adds a historical perspective to your choice of location, with its connection to the defence of the Braye Breakwater.

Braye Bay and Braye Beach

The waters of Braye Bay are suitable for wading and swimming, and the Breakwater protects the bay. This is a useful point to consider if swimming is an important part of your travel plans. Braye Beach nearby hosts numerous events in summer, including the sandcastle competition and the Daft Raft Race during Alderney Week in August.

At the old pier at Braye Beach, jumping into the water is suitable at high tide. The tide is a necessary consideration, so include it in your plans if you want to take advantage of this.

Getting your bearings around the beach

There are also practical amenities near Braye. Public toilets are located beneath the Braye Beach Hotel, a short walk from Braye Beach. Several restaurants are on Braye Road and can be reached from the beach via the sand dunes.

Historical context

Fort Grosnez is located near Braye. It was the first of 18 Victorian forts and batteries built to defend the Braye Breakwater. This historical connection to coastal defence offers a different focus from swimming and summer events at the beach. If you are interested in this historical context as well as the coastal experience, Fort Grosnez is one of the relevant places to explore around Braye.

A wider look at Guernsey

On Guernsey, Castle Cornet houses four museums: the Story of Castle Cornet, the 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum. The grounds include self-guided trails for children and a dress-up area. Castle Cornet is a short walk from the centre of St Peter Port and offers panoramic views of St Peter Port and the neighbouring islands. The site brings together museum visits, trails for children and scenic views.

Another swimming spot on Guernsey is the Horseshoe Pool at La Vallette. This purpose-built, U-shaped bathing pool provides access for swimming in the sheltered bay. Signposts and the VisitGuernsey app guide visitors along walking, cycling or driving routes to places associated with stories from the German occupation of Guernsey. As app features may change, it is recommended that you check the app information when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: St Martin Guernsey, Saint Sampson, Saint Peter, Saint Anne, Carmel, Kings Mills

Return to the main travel overview: Guernsey.