Guernsey’s delightful, colorful capital holds a wealth of attractions, including castles, gardens and galleries, from different eras of the island’s history.
Your trip to Guernsey will almost certainly include a stop in the island’s charming capital, St. Peter Port. Stylish restaurants overlook a harbor area where yachts bob gently in the water and ferries depart for other nearby islands. Discover the history of the island across several museums and attractions, then relax in a bar and mingle with the cheery residents of the town.
Learn about the history of the town and the island in the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery. It’s located in the elegant grounds of Candie Gardens, a Victorian park with cast-iron glasshouses. Browse the Story of Guernsey exhibit to see how the island was linked to the British crown from the Norman invasion of 1066 onward. Stand in awe at the Guernsey Tapestry, an elaborate visual representation of these stories.
Stride along the ramparts of Castle Cornet, which stands on an island at the edge of the town. This 13th-century fortification today hosts five acclaimed museums, as well as a collection of attractive formal gardens. One chronicles the story of the castle, while another charts Guernsey’s maritime past.
Step into Hauteville House to learn about the life of Victor Hugo. The Les Misérables author lived in this quirkily designed home during his exile to Guernsey between 1856 and 1870. The writer renovated the house in a medieval style, which it retains to this day. The house was closed for renovations in 2018 check ahead to ensure it’s open if you had planned on visiting.
Sausmarez Manor sits between St. Peter Port and the parish of St. Martins. Spend a day here exploring the stately home, wandering through the botanical gardens or admiring the artwork in the sculpture park.
Board a boat to one of the other Channel Islands. Ferries leave regularly from the port to the other islands, including Jersey, the most populous of the archipelago. For a scenic escape, head to Sark or Herm, remote and beautiful islands where cars are banned.
Drive to St. Peter Port from Guernsey Airport in under 15 minutes. Vacation accommodations are readily found, particularly along the waterfront. Once here, explore the town on foot to best appreciate its ambiance.
