Travelling to Guernsey in 2023 is a fantastic choice especially for those living in the UK. It has great weather, stunning beaches, and superb food. Just a few reasons to visit Guernsey.

I spent 10 days there last year and feel like now is the time people are searching for where to travel in 2023. Therefore, I have put as many reasons to visit Guernsey below, along with a few other frequently asked questions and answers such as When to Visit Guernsey, flying to Guernsey and even Where is Guernsey.

If there is anything unanswered feel free to drop that in the comments below, and if you end up planning your trip let me know.

Where is Guernsey?

Guernsey is one of the ‘Islands of Guernsey’ in the bay of St Malo, just off the North Coast of France. It is part of the British Isles, but not part of the United Kingdom.

When to visit Guernsey?

The short answer is anytime. Guernsey is open all year round, with plenty of options for things to do at any time. The summers last longer than the UK and Spring and Autumn are warmer. And this means warmer seas too!

If you are a sun worshipper or a family traveller then you will probably be restricted to July and August. But if it were me, I’d consider September. This is also when the Autumn Walking Festival kicks off, a great way to explore the island.

If you are around in October, then also consider the Tennerfest food festival. All the pubs and restaurants get involved, showcasing their best cuisine for £10 a three course meal. It could be a brilliant way to meet some locals and decide where you want to eat later.

And that’s just a couple of examples, there are things happening here all year round. Take a look at What’s On in Guernsey to see what might tickle your fancy.

How to Get to Guernsey?

There are 2 ways to get to Guernsey – By flight or by ferry. Here below, I’ll go through both ways so that you understand and have the details for each.

Flying to Guernsey from the UK

You can get to Guernsey from a number of UK airports with some flight times as short as 30 minutes.

You can fly with BA from London City and Edinburgh, and with Blue Islands from Southampton. However, Aurigny offers flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands, Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Dublin and Southampton.

Finally, Loganair flies from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle with a short stop at Southampton where you’ll fly with Blue Islands their partner.

Taking the Ferry to Guernsey from the UK

On my first trip to Guernsey, I went by car ferry with Condor Ferries so I could take my little camper with me. I always love this choice because I can load the van up with everything I might possibly need.

It was a quick and easy service, you can go from Poole for a shorter crossing, or Portsmouth which takes a little longer.

10 Reasons to Visit Guernsey

Let’s now discuss the main topic of this article, which are all the main reasons to visit Guernsey. From the food to the stunning islands and more, you’re surely in for a treat!

#1 Reason to Visit Guernsey: The Food

This was one that surprised me! There were so many fantastic restaurants and food spots all over the island. From fish and chips at Cobo Bay to sushi in St Peter Port.

My top recommendations are The Hook (St Peter Port), Roc Salt (Chouet Bay) and La Reunion (Cobo Bay). For a bit more detail on the restaurants I visited, have a look at #6 Eat Out in my other article 10 things you Must Do in Guernsey.

#2 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Sustainability

I have been impressed with Guernsey’s sustainability pledges since my visit. They organise regular beach cleans and litter picking all around the island, even encouraging locals to pick up litter on walks. Some beach kiosks even offer free ice cream to litter pickers!

The Guernsey Weigh is the islands first zero waste shop, which has been embraced by locals. Shoppers can buy goods in refillable bags and jars, heavily reducing the need for plastic. In addition, Alderney and Sark have milk dispensers to refill your bottles!

Finally, there is a big push to use local produce, supporting the community of Guernsey and reducing transportation costs. You can see great examples of this at their Hedge Veg stalls.

#3 Reason to visit Guernsey: Beautiful Islands

Visiting the other islands of Guernsey is a must when you’re here, especially Herm and Sark (although I am also keen to go to Alderney, which I am yet to visit). You can visit them both on a day trip, stay overnight or even see Herm on a Rib Boat.

Both have completely distinct characteristics and couldn’t be more different! Make sure you check out my article about the day trips from Guernsey for more information about Sark and Herm.

Also, the best day trip you can book when in Guernsey is this Coastal Highlights Tour, which takes you around the best tourist attractions, from St. Sampsons to Cobo Bay to Hanois Lighthouse and more!

#4 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Short Flights from the UK

As mentioned in earlier under ‘Flying to Guernsey’, you can get there in as little as 30 minutes! And there are a variety of options available, meaning you shouldn’t have to travel far to get to the nearest airport with flights to Guernsey.

Just to put that in perspective, if you get an 8:20am flight from Southampton, you could be on the beach by 10:30 or 11am!

#5 Reason to Visit Guernsey: The Sunrise at Jerbourg Point

Another reason to visit Guernsey is by far seeing the sunrise at Jerbourg Point, and while you may argue that sunrises are beautiful pretty much anywhere, seeing it from the coast is just incredible.

This picturesque location on Saint Martin’s southeast coast offers a stunning view of the coastal sea and coastline as the dawn breaks.

The best plan is to start the day here and continue visiting Guernsey after that. There’s a free parking so that you can park your car easily.

Note that the area often gets busy in the morning, and I recommend coming early, ideally before 7.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a serene start to your day, witnessing the sunrise at Jerbourg Point in Guernsey is a must-do!

#6 Reason to Visit Guernsey: You Can Bring your Campervan

As you can take the ferry from Poole or Portsmouth with Condor Ferries, you can bring a camper! Nothing beats packing up everything you need into the back and heading off on holiday.

However please note, wild parking and camping is not allowed in Guernsey and there is a limited number of campers and caravans authorised on to the island.

You must obtain a permit and you may also be asked to show your reservation at one of the four registered campsites upon arrival; these are Fauxquets Valley, La Balloterie, Le Vaugrat and Beaucette Campervans.

#7 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Wildlife Spotting

From Seals to Puffins, there is a lot to see in Guernsey. The showstoppers are the Puffins, which you can spot easily at Puffin Bay in Herm. They are there from March to July. You can also spot them on a boat trip from Sark in a small islet called L’Etac. You may also see Razorbills and Guillemots here.

The Seal colony was equally impressive, they can be found by boat on the surrounding islets of Herm. I saw these on the Rib Boat Tour from St Peter Port.

#8 Reason to Visit Guernsey: The History

The history of Guernsey is really fascinating. From the forts dotted around the islands that Guernsey is becoming famous for, to the evidence of prehistoric habitation.

In World War II the island was occupied by German troops, and prior to that most of the children were evacuated to England. Each fort tells a story about its part in this, as many of these were built during World War II to defend the island.

This is just a very tiny part of the history, for those interested I’d recommend taking a tour to further understand it. You’ll also find a fantastic slice of history at The Little Chapel, a must visit!

#9 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Stunning Beaches

Let’s start with one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen, Shell Beach in Herm. That’s reason to go alone. Along with the countless other beaches and bays in Guernsey.

One of my highlights was lunch and paddle-boarding at Petit Bot Bay, one of the beaches in the South of Guernsey. And something you must do is watch the sunset at Cobo Bay.

#10 Reason to Visit Guernsey: Le French Festival

The Le French Festival is an exciting cultural event that celebrates the strong relationship between the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey and France.

This festival takes place annually in Mid-October and offers a week-long immersion into French influences on Guernsey’s culture.

During the festival, you’ll experience a variety of French-themed activities, music, food, films, and even opera performances! It provides a unique opportunity for locals and tourists to experience a taste of France without leaving the beautiful islands of Guernsey.

Other than that, the festival also extends its reach to younger audiences with special children’s performances and street performances designed to entertain and engage kids in a fun and interactive way.

How’s that for a reason to visit Guernsey?

FAQ About Guernsey

I hope I helped you understand why Guernsey is such a great place to visit. But now, let’s go a little deeper and discuss some common questions travellers have.

What is Guernsey Famous For?

Ah, Guernsey. Just the mention of its name instantly transports me back to its rugged coastline, quaint villages, and scrumptious seafood.

And there’s no denying that this charming island is famous for a lot of things. First, Guernsey is known for its rich history, evident in its fortifications and museums.

Plus, you can’t leave the island without indulging in a Guernsey ice cream, made from the milk of the famously contented Guernsey cows.

Is Guernsey Worth Visiting?

Definitely, Guernsey may be small, but it is certainly mighty, and it’s definitely worth visiting.

From exploring the ancient fortifications of Castle Cornet to strolling through stunning coastal gardens, there is so much to do here.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery, this gem of an island is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Is Guernsey Safe?

Not only is the island full of stunning landscapes and picturesque towns, but it’s also incredibly safe. As a frequent traveler, I know how important it is to feel secure in a new place, and Guernsey definitely delivers on that front.

Is Guernsey Expensive?

Yes, Guernsey is about 20% more expensive than in the UK. But don’t let that discourage you! Guernsey is filled with unforgettable experiences that will make every penny worth it.

Conclusion – Guernsey Travel Guide

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my reasons to visit Guernsey in 2022. If you have anything you want to suggest, please drop them in the comments below. Happy travels

This article was supported by Visit Guernsey but as always, the opinions and photos in the article are all my own, and I think it’s clear to see I loved every minute of my trip!

0 thoughts on “10 Reasons to Visit Guernsey in 2024

  1. Pingback: Day Trip from Guernsey to Herm and Sark in 2024 - Intrepid Escape

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