12 Reasons to Visit Guernsey, Channel Islands
From picture-perfect beaches, to magic resting stones, fabulous food, creepy underground hospitals and complete and utter peace and quiet, Guernsey has all of the ingredients needed to conjure up the perfect getaway. Here are 12 reasons to persuade you to take a long weekend and see what the Blue Island really has to offer.
1. Little Chapel
Church
Underground German Hospital
Between 1940 and 1945, when Nazi occupying forces were in charge of the island, hundreds of slave labourers dug this 7,000 square metre underground hospital. By the time the construction was finished at the onset of D-Day, the hospital could house 500 patients. It soon got filled up with casualties from the D-Day invasion, but was abandoned after three months and efforts moved above ground when it became obvious that dark and damp conditions were not good for healing and recovery.
Underground German Hospital, Guernsey
South Coast cliff walks and bays
Port Soif
There is always a sheltered spot at Port Soif and this horseshoe shaped beach is a firm favourite with locals who flock here at weekends. At low tide, Port Soif is perfect for clambering, exploring and rock pooling so remember to bring a bucket and a net! High tide here is a rather spectacular affair, as the turquoise waters lap the golden sand.
Port Soif Road, Guernsey
Wolf Tree
The Wolf Tree is something of a legend in Guernsey and hard to find even as a local, never mind a tourist. Nonetheless, The Wolf Tree can be find near La Hugette School and is said to have a wolf’s face on it. It is said that if you scratch off the face and come back minutes later, it will be intact again, all thanks to the powerful wolf spirit.
Faeries and witches
Guernsey is absolutely rammed with myths and legends. Tales of phantom pigs, snow white horses and the devil and fairy rings are out in full force all over the island. Everywhere are stone burial chambers built above ground and one of them, Le Dehus, has a ghostly face carved into the stone. Witches resting stones can be found at almost every turn and there are roads named after local werewolves.
2. The Venus Pool at Lihou
Natural Feature
3. Literary connections
Museum
Eat Guernsey gach and gach malee
It’s not a trip to Guernsey without eating both gach and gach malee (pronounced gosh and gosh malar). The first is a bread which is made with raisins, sultanas and mixed peel, and the other is a sweet goodness which is so bad it could clog your arteries, but is one of the most moreish pieces of deliciousness on the planet. Traditionally, it is made with apples, flour, sugar, milk and suet, then cooked for one hour and three quarters.
4. A pint at the Rockmount and a sunset swim
Gastropub, British
Sunrise at Jerbourg Point
If you’re one of these people who thinks sunrises are better than sunsets, then get out of bed before dawn and head down to Jerbourg. This dramatic section of the coast is positively stunning and there is little better than seeing the day come in as the rest of the island sleeps over those big cliffs.
Jerbourg Point, St Martin’s, Guernsey
Wall jumping at Havelet
When the tide is in, get the adrenaline pumping at Havelet by taking a run, jump off the wall and into the sea. All the cool kids are doing it, after all.
Havelet, Guernsey
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.