Guernsey between castle museums and bays

Castle Cornet brings together several sides of Guernsey in one place: museums, island history and sweeping views. The fortress is just a short walk from the centre of St Peter Port and offers panoramic views of St Peter Port and the neighbouring islands. The visit combines views of the town with vistas across the island group.

Castle Cornet: Museums and paths through history

Castle Cornet is home to the Story of Castle Cornet, the 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum. The grounds also have self-guided trails for children and a dressing-up area. The fortress brings together several museum themes with activities that go beyond the exhibitions.

You can also explore the occupation period at various sites on Guernsey. Signposts and the VisitGuernsey app guide you along walking, cycling or driving routes to places associated with stories from the German occupation. The Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides offers routes across the islands throughout the year, including tours on this subject as well as on St Peter Port, literature and art. If you would like to plan a guided route, check its current availability with the provider.

Another historical connection can be found on Lihou: the house there was shelled during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in the Second World War and now serves as group accommodation.

Coves, beaches and swimming spots

Guernsey’s coastal areas vary in their beach surfaces and landscapes. Cobo Bay is a white-sand beach. Ladies Bay lies at Guernsey’s northeastern corner, on the edge of L’Ancresse Common, and is family-friendly. Saints Bay is a sandy cove with a shingle bank at the upper end of the beach and protective cliffs all around. Rocquaine Bay is a shingle beach, while Fermain Bay is a shingle cove on Guernsey’s rugged east coast. Those looking to experience a variety of coastal scenery will find both sandy beaches and coves shaped by shingle and cliffs.

There are several specifically named swimming spots. The Horseshoe Pool at La Vallette is a purpose-built, U-shaped bathing pool with access for swimming in the sheltered bay. Port Soif and the Lihou Venus Pool are also among Guernsey’s swimming spots. The differences between beaches, coves and bathing pools give you specific options when planning your time by the water.

Walking, seasonal events and water activities

Across Guernsey’s five islands, scenic trails range from gentle walks to more challenging cliff paths, with views along the way. The Walking Festivals take place on the islands each spring and autumn and last two weeks each time. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Water activities also offer different ways to get out and about. They include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, wildlife boat trips and fishing excursions on the islands. Alongside water-based activities, there are also tours and excursions with a particular focus. Together with the island trails, coastlines and guided routes, these offer a range of options that you can tailor to the experiences you would like to include in your trip.

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

For the overview of the wider region: United Kingdom.