Holly Explores Guernsey

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join several other agents on a familiarisation trip hosted by Premier Holidays. At just six miles long and three miles wide, Guernsey is small but offers beautiful beaches, a bustling port and some amazing historic forts all jut an hours flight from the UK.

We based ourselves in St Peter Port - the main town of Guernsey - which is home to many restaurants, hotels, museums and the tourist information centre. It's a great town from which to base yourselves, close to the hustle and bustle and ideal for anyone wanting to get a taste of the island life.

A walking tour around St Peters Port is a great way to explore the town anddelve into its history, parks and landmarks. Visit the 800-year-old castle Cornet in time for the firing of the Noonday gun at midday, the Albion pub (which is in the Guinness book of records for being the closest pub to a church in the British Isles!) or relax in Candie Gardens home to beautiful flowers, a museum and a café within a beautiful Victorian bandstand.

Accommodation

St Peter Port is home to many hotels:

The Duke of Richmond 4* hotel is part of the Red Carnation group, nestled at the top of a hill with grand décor, several room categories and attentive warm and friendly service, which makes you feel at home instantly. The hotel houses a beautiful outdoor terrace, a small outdoor pool and a large restaurant and bar. 

Its sister hotel the Old Governor’s House Hotel and Spa further down the hill is a 5* bigger property, again with beautiful grand décor, several room categories and even houses the governor’s suite which is a luxury penthouse with a private terrace that overlooks Guernsey and the harbour front. The hotel has a large brasserie restaurant, an intermate curry room and several cosy spots and lounges where you can relax. 

Les Rocquettes is a 3* hotel slightly further out of the town - once a country mansion, now part of a family-owned hotel group. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a medium sized gym for those keen to keep active. There's a room sizes from classic double to twin rooms which are in the main house/older wing while the superior rooms are situated in the newer wing and have balconies. They recently have renovated their dining area and the Oak bar and Bistro offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.

For those wanting to stay on the outskirts of St Peter Port the 4* Fermain Valley Hotel is located on a cliff top position overlooking the nearby Channel Islands. There are 49 rooms spread across three buildings. The hotel offers beautiful treehouse style rooms which are located away from the main building. Each room has its own outdoor space which overlook the lush green gardens. 

Herm Island

There are many things to do in Guernsey, however if you are wanting to explore further afield you can catch either a boat or small plane to its nearby islands of Jersey, Herm, Sark, and Alderney.  Herm island a 20-minute boat ride from the port. A tranquil, peaceful island with unspoilt beaches and sandy cliff paths, perfect for switching off. There are no cars or motorbikes allowed on the island and you can walk the whole island in just over 2 hours.

The Mermaid tavern a 3-minute walk from the ferry drop off point offers great hearty pub meals and has a cheerful informal atmosphere.  From here you can walk to the stunning Shell Beach in 15 minutes. Its turquoise waters and sandy sea shell beach is a great place to relax. During the summer months the kiosk opens up, from where you can go kayaking and paddleboarding.

If you really want to switch off, disconnect and surround yourself with nature, you can stay on Herm Island - there is one hotel, a campsite and a few self-catering cottages. The white house hotel a 4* country style property. There are a handful of bedrooms including family rooms with bunkbeds in a separate room and a double bed which is perfect for bigger groups and families with younger children. There are no televisions, telephones or clocks in the rooms - perfect to unwind and explore Helm island.

Other things to do and explore Guernsey

The Little Chapel situated in the St Andrews parish is a must visit. Taking inspiration from the Basilica from Lourdes, the walls are decorated with pebbles, seashells, and China mosaic, measuring 16 feet by 9 feet. It truly is a beautiful place to visit.

Guernsey is also home to many forts and bunkers some can be explored independently while others have been converted into museums.