Guernsey is situated in the Gulf of St Malo, 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the south coast of England.
Guernsey’s living history book begins with Neolithic Man and the oldest manmade structure in Europe. The islands formed part of Normandy from 933, forging a link between Britain and France that survives in Norman Law, surnames and Guernesaise, the local language. Guernsey sided with England in 1204. Castle Cornet was built to repel a French invasion and today houses some of the island’s best museums. Guernsey’s heritage is inextricably linked to the sea and that close relationship will be celebrated in SeaGuernsey 2005.
The island was home to French poet Victor Hugo, whose house provides an intriguing monument to his 15-year exile. His creative spirit lives on in a non-stop programme of exhibitions and performances.
The 20th century also left its mark, when the islands became bulwarks in Europe’s WWII Atlantic Wall. The legacy is a labyrinth of fortifications, plus fascinating museums that vividly recreate everyday life in occupied Britain.
Transportation in Guernsey
By Car: : The island is only about 5 miles in length and roads are small and not busy. Driving is on the left. Maximum speed limit is 35mph (56kph). Parking is free, although time limits are imposed. If these are exceeded, fines are levied.
By Bus: : A comprehensive bus service has recently been revised and serves all parts of the island. A variety of island tours are also available during the summer.
By Rail: : There are no trains on the island.
By Ferry: : Ferry travel is a key mode of transport in and out of Guernsey. Frequent sailings operate to England via Poole and Weymouth as well as to St Malo and Jersey.
By Air: : Guernsey can be reached all year round from various locations on mainland Britain, Dinard, Zurich and Amsterdam and at weekends during the summer from Rotterdam, Dortmund and Hanover. Airlines serving Guernsey include Aurigny Air Services, British Airways Express, Flybe and Swiss.
Said to be the Channel Islands most beautiful town, St Peter Port - Guernsey’s capital, has been a busy entrepôt since Roman times. Her deep, safe anchorage and relative remoteness from France made St Peter Port the Channel Islands’ premier port, graced by the wealth of ship builders, privateers and merchant adventurers. Georgian and Regency styles were enriched by an influx of French emigrés, including Victor Hugo, whose influences included Parisian-style urinoirs. Today the town is a captivating blend of styles, framed by a tumble of terraces and tiered gardens and criss-crossed by worn steps and hidden alleys. Shopping in St Peter Port is an unmissable experience. Electronic and photographic equipment, jewellery and perfume are all good, low duty buys, along with wines, spirits and tobacco. Small boutiques offer exclusive clothes, shoes and leather goods, whilst the Old Quarter is the place to find antiques. But take time to just look around you. After all, this is the Channel Islands’ most beautiful town.
Main Attractions
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery
Designed around the old Victorian bandstand in the recently restored Victorian Candie Gardens, Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery houses a variety of Exhibitions.
German Military Underground Hospital
The largest construction in the Channel Islands, hewn out of solid rock by slave workers of many nationalities for the German forces 1940-1945.
The New Strawberry Farm
The Strawberry Farm features man-made chocolates, Guernsey Fudge, silversmiths, pottery, craft and gift shops, children’s play area, 200 set restaurant and of course strawberries.
Guernsey Diamond Museum
A fascinating insight into the sparkling world of diamonds from their origins to their setting in jewellery.
La Vallette – Underground Military Museum
Military museum covering all aspects of Guernsey’s history in a well-lit, air-conditioned German Tunnel complex.
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