Top Attractions in Guernsey | Places to Visit in Guernsey

The Channel Islands comprising of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm make for an excellent short break destination from Britain and mainland Europe.

Although small in size, Guernsey packs in a punch when it comes to the number of things you can do on the island. As with any island, Guernsey's beaches are one of its main draws - it has numerous sandy beaches and beautiful bays, all of which are popular with tourists.  However, in addition to its scenic, natural beauty, Guernsey has a large number of other attractions, ranging from castles and museums to art galleries and shopping venues.

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The easiest way to explore Guernsey is by hiring a car. You can easily and quickly get around the island and see most of the historic sites. Carry an OS map of Guernsey and you will find exploring the island much easier.

Buy the Map of The Bailiwick of Guernsey here.
The Ordnance Survey style map has Guernsey at 1:15000 on the front and Alderney, Sark & Herm at 1:10000 on the reverse. It also has a town plan of St Peter Port at 1:3000.

La Valette Underground Military Museum

Originally built as a fuel storage facility by the Germans, the La Vallette tunnels in Guernsey are now home to a military museum. The museum is housed in one of the 41 tunnels that were built during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. The entrance to the museum may be a simple concrete-lined opening in the cliffs but inside it is packed with military and civilian memorabilia ranging from military buttons and medals, uniforms, weapons, books and maps, letters and posters.

Pleimont Observation Tower

An impressive tower which offers an equally impressive view of the south-west coast. The observation tower was built by the Germans in 1942 as a part of a series of similar towers. The tower, as you see it today, has been fully resorted to reflect how it would have looked during the occupation years. Go for the views - they are lovely.

Castle Cornet

Located on the southern arm of the harbour, Castle Cornet is 10 minutes walk from the St Peter Port bus terminus. The castle has stood guard over the town and harbour for nearly 800 years and served as the official residence of the Governor of Guernsey until 1672 when it was destroyed in a lightning strike and subsequent explosion. Today visitors can explore the battlements and enjoy views from the top of the castle across the Herm and Sark. Undoubtedly one of the main attractions in St Peter Port.

Fort Hommet 

It is a fortification on Vazon Bay headland which was built in the Victorian era as part of the anti-French defences and restored sometime in the 1980s.

Rousse Tower

This loop-holed tower was built in the 19th century to defend the island against the French. Today it has been fully restored and is very nicely maintained. The views from the top are lovely.

Guernsey Aquarium 

Open 7 days a week, including bank holidays, the aquarium was transformed from WWII tunnels. It houses around 50 different marine displays including some rare and endangered species.

Hauteville House

Victor Hugo (French poet and novelist, best known for Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) lived in Hauteville House during his exile from France. The four-storey house was furnished and decorated by Hugo himself. Today parts of the house have been converted to a museum and are open to the public. Guided tours to the house are available while the entrance to the garden is free of charge.

Victoria Tower

This 100ft tower was built in honour of Queen Victoria when she visited the island in 1846. Built of red granite, it is the highest tower in St Peter Port and offers lovely panoramic views from the top. The key to the tower needs to be collected from the Guernsey Museum in Candie Gardens (a few minutes walk from the tower) and you have half an hour to explore the tower. If you can manage to climb the 100 odd stone steps, you will be rewarded with lovely views.

Little Chapel

A lovely little chapel that is probably the smallest working chapel in the world. It was built by Brother Deodat who wanted to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. The chapel that we see today is the third version that Brother Deodat constructed. One can imagine the time, passion and effort that would have gone into the construction of this chapel as it is a truly unique one encrusted in shells, coloured pebbles, and broken china fragments. Very interesting and well worth a visit.

The Guernsey Tapestry

The Tapestry Gallery houses a set of ten tapestries each one illustrating a century of history of the island. Each tapestry has been embroidered by people from one of the island's ten parishes. You will notice that each panel bears the crest of the Parish that stitched it. It is impressive and whether you love crafts or history or both, you will enjoy a visit to the Tapestry Gallery.