See visitguernsey.com for more information
The island is triangular shaped with the south coast being approximately 17 miles of cliffs – along a beautiful path, which can be walked all at once or in sections. There are lots of steps up and down! Lovely beaches and bays (some of which can also be reached directly by car and others which have to be accessed on foot – the last bit down to Le Jaonnet Bay involves climbing down a ladder. The wild flowers are beautiful especially in the spring, and the birdlife is really varied. The other 2 sides of the triangle have many bays and beaches – there are huge 10 metre tides, the water is clear and refreshing, and the sand white and soft.
There are a variety of charity walks including a round island walk (38 miles) in June. The book “The Channel Islands Way” describes routes around all the Channel Islands. Or you can just set off and enjoy.
There is a tasty walks brochure – self guided trails to find stunning scenery and tasty food. Walk round the reservoir round the millennium walk. Take advantage of guided walks by accredited guides – all over the island and with an emphasis on history and wildlife, or come over for one of the great walking weeks in spring and autumn.
If you enjoy Nordic walking, join a local Nordic Walking group to see different parts of the island. Or learn how to do it – contact jane@tullierfitness.com
Hire a bicycle – companies will deliver to the Barn. There are a series of local cycle routes that are signposted. Or use the Ruettes Tranquilles – speed limit 15 miles per hour, priority is given to cyclists, walkers and horse riders but cars are allowed.
Try these couple of companies’ websites that can deliver your bikes to the barn:
Go Guernsey Cycle Hire +44 7781 103692
Millard and Co Ltd +441481 720777 ( collect bicycle and motorbike hire at the premises)
You can also join cycling tours with a guide – www.donkeysdaysout.co.uk
Paddleboarding https://www.guernseysup.com/
Karting www.kartingguernsey.co.uk
See the stars with the Astromony section of La Societe Guernsiaise www.astronomy.org.gg
Boat cruises www.bumblebee.gg
Starlight sea boat trips www.guernseyboattrips.com
Outdoor Guernsey www.outdoorguernsey.co.uk
Guernsey sailing trust courses www.sailingtrust.org.gg
For those interested in history there is plenty of options to discover. Dolmens from pre history such as La Varde is worth a mention, as well as Occupation Museum, Underground German Hospital and many many more. There is a local dowsing group – www.guernseydowsers.co.uk
Then there is the Napoleonic history and, for example Castel Cornet – lots of stories there from the time of Roundheads and Cavaliers, and of course the Second World War. The Channel Islands was the only part of the UK to be occupied and Alderney was a concentration camp. There are Museums and fortifications and the Underground hospital.
If you like music, there is live music from Baroque to Pop to Folk – look at the Fermain Tavern, and the Doghouse, and the Cock and Bull Pub. Classical and other concerts at St James Concert Hall – a converted church. There is a brilliant music service in the schools and young musicians from all over the world attend ECSOC – Elizabeth College Summer Orchestral Course, which lasts a week and culminates in concerts at St James. In the Summer there are Sunday afternoon concerts by the bandstand at Candie Museum, and evening Castel Cornet for people to picnic and then wander round enjoying a variety of different music.
Guernsey was the inspiration for the book and now film The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. You can often go on tours of the places mentioned.
The sea apart from being great to look at in all its moods and seasons, is a playground, especially (but not exclusively) for those who like to be active. Swim (all year round if you are hardy), body board, surf, kayak, sail, go coasteering, fishing, or go on a rib for wildlife exploring or thrills. Look for puffins or seals. There are sea water bathing pools open at La Vallette.
We can advise you on organising any mentioned activities and many more once you are here, and you will find a folder in the Barn full of information and leaflets.
Wonderful fresh seafood and local vegetables and fruit. Many, many cafes and restaurants. The Tennerfest food festivals – really interesting good value menus in Guernsey and Jersey each October and November.
And look out for hedge-veg – locally grown vegetables and fruit as well as eggs and seafood for sale by the side of the road with an honesty box for payment.
