A Tasty Suggestion
Excellent cuisine and unparalleled service, together with a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, are the hallmarks of The Auberge Bar & Restaurant in Guernsey’s St Martin’s area.
Dinner dishes include items such as crab, prawn and crisp lettuce salad with truffle oil, marinated fennel & crisp pancetta (£6.50) for starters and grilled beef fillet with braised ox cheeks on baked mash, creamed spinach, red onion marmalade & roast garlic jus (£15.95).
In the summer months, diners can sit outside on The Auberge’s terrace with its breathtaking views across to the neighbouring islands while in the winter months an open fire is as warming as the fine food.
For more information call +44 (0) 1481 238485 or visit www.theauberge.gg
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SEPTEMBER 4 – 8: The Guernsey Regatta is one of the best sailing competitions in the area. Come and watch from the seafront or take a spot in one of the many cafes looking out over the course. Go to www.guernseyregatta.com
...and here are more great things to do and see in and around Guernsey…
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 2: The Guernsey Vollyball Open is held at the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre and attracts teams from all over the area. A fast paced sport it is fun to watch and play. Go to www.guernseynetballassociation.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 2008: The annual Guernsey International Air Rally has aircraft performing amazing stunts and aero-acrobatics. Some of the best pilots fly in this event as thousandss come to watch. Go to www.guernseyaeroclub.com/rally/index.htm for further information.
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Tennerfest comes to town
Guernsey is a great place to eat throughout the year but every October it takes on a whole different perspective with Tennerfest. From October 1 through to November 11, more than 160 participating establishments have mouth-watering menus on offer from just £10! More details on +(44) 1481 723552. www.visitguernsey.com
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Guernsey, at 14km long by 8km wide, is the second largest of the Channel Islands. It is the main base for island hopping around the smaller nearby isles of Alderney, Sark, and Herm, which fall within its ‘bailiwick’ or administration area. Guernsey has thriving offshore finance, manufacturing and agricultural industries. The island's flowers, tomatoes, strawberries, and potatoes are amongst the first British-grown produce in the supermarkets every year.
Guernsey has excellent beaches (27 in total), while its spectacular cliffs and rolling fields appeal to hikers and its 500km of narrow country lanes appeal to cyclists. Warm currents give the islands an average sea temperature of 15ºC and an average land temperature of 20ºC. You’re almost guaranteed fine weather if you go in July and August. There is no VAT and has a low excise duty, so it’s a good place to shop too.
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If you only have one day, spend it exploring St Peter Port. This is a compact walking city of excellent shops and a lot of history. Main attractions are Castle Cornet, the fortress that has guarded the island’s main harbour for centuries; Hauteville House, the former home of Les Misérables author Victor Hugo; and the Guernsey Museum. Here you may be surprised to find some works by Renoir, painted during the summer holidays he spent on the island.
The Channel Islands were the only British soil ever occupied by the Nazis, so you may alternatively want to visit some of Guernsey’s many World War 2 relics – gun emplacements, tunnel complexes, and an underground hospital. Tracing a route from Petit Bôt Bay to Pleinmont allows you to visit the German Occupation Museum near Forest Parish Church and take in three German observation towers along the south coast.
You can follow the road, by car or on a bike, or walk the coastal path and enjoy some stunning views. At Pleinmont you can see La Table des Pions, a stone circle dating from Norman times. Just round the point, on the headland between Rocquaine Bay and Portelet Bay, is the Fort Grey Maritime Museum. This is a must if you enjoy sad tales of storms and shipwrecks. Retrace your steps to the Imperial Hotel for lunch, or push on up the coast to L’Erée Hotel.
Here you’ll find the Creux és Faies dolmen, an ancient passage tomb that legend has it is the entrance to fairyland. If the tides are right, you can spend the afternoon walking across to Lihou Island. There is only one house on the island and the remains of a 12th-century priory. This area of Guernsey is famous for witchcraft, but the main danger to tourists is from the tides. Make sure you give yourself time to get back across the causeway.
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Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs in Guernsey are usually family-run and provide the sort of child-friendly personal service you would expect in this popular destination.
There is a star system, running from 1 to 5, to give a guideline on facilities and price. Three-star hotel prices start from as little as £25 per person per night, including breakfast based on two people sharing.
From the four-star St Pierre Park through the three-star Duke of Richmond Hotel and two-star Duke of Normandie, Guernsey has a wide choice of accommodation options. Reservations on +44 (0)871 900 8297 or visit www.flybehotels.com
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By car: Explore the city and the countryside in comfort and style at great prices! Get the best deal by checking Flybe's partner Avis for the best available car hire rates at www.flybe.com/avis
By road: The airport is 6 km from the island capital St Peter Port, but because of the island speed limit of 35 mph (56 km/h) on its winding, often narrow, roads, allow up to 15 minutes to make the journey. Contact Flybe’s partner Avis for the best available car hire rates. www.flybe.com/avis
By bus or coach: The 4 and 7a services operate from the airport to St Peter Port and various parts of the island. Bus fares cost just 60p.
By taxi: It is advisable to book taxis from the airport in advance. There is a central number for the airport taxi rank: +44 (0)1481 235283.
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Rent a car and the whole island can be visited in a day. Even better, hire a bike and spend several days touring around the lanes, which are ideal for cycling.
The main attractions are not far apart and you’ll see more along the way. The bus services are very good and take you to within a mile of any part of the island. Walking around the coastal paths is the only way to get the best views, which are stunning.
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Le Cru Wine Bar - Overlooking the marina, sister isles and Castle Cornet, Le Cru Wine Bar combines a friendly atmosphere with 14 selected wines by the glass and 40 different wines and champagnes. Inside its 18th century arched cellar, sip away the evening on luxury leather sofas. Premium spirits and worldwide beers are available. For the perfect evening, Le Cru has style, service and satisfaction. 23, The Quay, St Peter Port Tel +44 (0) 1481 723080. Mobile 07781 100660.
St Peter Port has a growing reputation for its music venues and an increasing number of contemporary bars.
A number of pubs around St Peter Port have live music. The capital also has plenty of watering holes such as the Cock and Bull, which stands on a hill above the town centre and offers both real ales and live music.
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Alderney: This is a long, slender island 5.5km long by 2.5km wide to the north of Guernsey and the closest Channel Island to France. It has a pronounced French feel to it, with pretty pastel-coloured cottages; the population of 2,400 is proud of its French roots. The language is English, though a dialect of French was spoken until very recently. As with the other Channel Islands, the place-names are a mixture of French and English.
Visitors arrive in Alderney via a short flight from Guernsey, and land at the airport in the middle of the island, which is close to the main town of St Anne. Cars are allowed on the island, but the best way to explore is by walking or cycling. The island is famous for its bird-watching and there is a scenic coast road, which was built by slave labourers in World War 2. The main hotel is the Braye Beach Hotel, though most tourists are day-trippers.
Herm: This, at 2.5km long by 1km wide at its widest point, the smallest of the Channel Islands, is privately owned. Visitors arrive by boat from Guernsey and can stay at the hotel, self-catering accommodation, or on one of two campsites. There is a pub and the harbour shops. Cars are not allowed on the island and there is not much to do or see. After you have visited the Manor House and the 1,000-year-old church there is little to do but walk around the island or lie on the beach or visit the Mermaid Tavern for a welcome drink. For some, this is bliss.
Sark: After Herm, Sark, is the second smallest Channel Island, with a population of 500 people. There are no cars on the island, and transport is by tractor-trailer or horse and cart. Even bicycles are restricted, and have to be licensed. This is the last feudal state left in Europe, and is ruled by the Seigneur, in a fiefdom chartered by Elizabeth I. There is a limited choice of small, charming hotels, such as the 16th-century Dixcart Hotel on Big Sark, which has hosted such guests as Victor Hugo and Edward VII. A magnificent causeway built by German POWs in 1945 links Big Sark to Petit Sark, where you will find the remote La Sablonnerie Hotel, complete with tea gardens and a croquet lawn. Countless hotels all over the world have been described as ‘an oasis of charm and relaxation’ – this is the genuine article.
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Sport: For such a small island, Guernsey and its neighbours have a variety of high-quality sporting facilities and a special organisation - Sports Guernsey - exists to advise and fund various events such as the Guernsey Mini Soccer Festival, the World Indoor Bowls Under 25's Championships, the Table Tennis Six Nations and the Guernsey Volleyball Open.
Golf: For many visitors, golf is the big lure on Guernsey with the Royal Guernsey course having been the venue for the Ryder Cup.
Watersports: Guernsey’s island status makes it the perfect place to indulge every watery pursuit imaginable. The list is endless but, if fun activities like diving, sailing, fishing, surfing, wind-surfing, yachting and kayaking appeal then head for Guernsey on the next available Flybe flight!
There are lots of special events linked to these pursuits like the Alderney Sailing Regatta (July 13-15), Rocquaine Regatta in Guernsey (August 4) – which includes beach volleyball and raft races – the Guernsey Regatta (August 3-September 8) and Alderney Angling (October 6-13).
www.visitguernsey.com
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Fancy living in Guernsey? Well, you would have to live in one of the approximately 1600/1700 dwellings that are freely available for purchase by non-qualified and new residents in the ‘Open Market’.
Given the small number of properties on the ‘Open Market’ register, prices are high. ‘Local Market’ accommodation is available only to locally-qualified people.
Individual estate agencies such as Shields & Co (+44 (0)1481 714445), Lovells (+44 (0)1481 723630) and Martel Maides Estate Agents, (+44 (0)1481 713463) can help but for full details of the housing control law contact the Housing Department, Sir Charles Frossard House, La Charroterie, St Peter Port, (+44 (0) 1481 715790.)
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St Peter Port - Boasts several tourist sights, including the 13th-century Castle Cornet; Hauteville House, the home of French poet Victor Hugo; and the Guernsey Museum.
St Andrew - Here you’ll find the Little Chapel, a fascinating miniature church decorated with broken pottery.
Forest - The German Occupation Museum is for those interested in the island’s unique wartime history.
Rocquaine Bay - Here you’ll find the Fort Grey Maritime Museum and the Coppercraft shop for copper souvenirs.
Golf courses - Try the Royal Guernsey Golf Club at Pembroke Bay, or Vazon Bay (you may be asked for proof of handicap).
Castle Cornet & it's Museums - Castle Cornet, Guernsey’s ancient royal fortress, has stood guard over the town and harbour of St Peter Port for nearly eight centuries. The story of the Castle and other aspects of Guernsey’s past can be found in the three museums housed within the castle. The castle is also home to four well-researched ‘period’ gardens. There is a guided tour each morning and the Noon Day Gun is fired daily by soldiers in 19th-century costume. A guided tour of the Castle Gardens is available most Sundays (May-Sept) at 2.15pm. Tickets for the castle and all museums from £4.00 (OAPs), adults £6.00, children FREE. Tel: +44 (0)1481 721657. www.museums.gov.gg
Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery - Designed around the old Victorian bandstand in the recently restored Victorian Candie Gardens, Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery houses a variety of Exhibitions. ‘The Story of Guernsey’ shows the development of the Island and its people. Artefacts from Victorian Collectors are displayed in a Victorian-style Gallery. A changing programme of temporary exhibitions is held in the Rona Cole and Brian White Galleries. Free entry to Shop and Café. Tickets for museum and all exhibitions from £2.50 (OAPs), adults £3.50, children FREE. Tel: +44 (0)1481 726518. www.museums.gov.gg
Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum - Known locally as the “Cup and Saucer”, Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey’s west coast. Many vessels have come to grief on this beautiful but treacherous coast, and the Martello Tower now houses a Shipwreck Museum with a surprising variety of objects recovered from the wrecks. The information panels tell the gripping stories surrounding the disasters which date from the HMS Sprightly in 1777 to the Vermontborg in 2003. Tickets for fort and museum from £1.25 (OAPs), adults £2.50, children FREE. Tel: +44 (0)1481 265036. www.museums.gov.gg
Sausmarez Manor - Possibly one of the most interesting, beautiful and varied places on the island, encompassing as it does so many different things to see and do, including a delightful selection of wildfowl, a lake-side cafe and Happy Hollow nine-hole par three pitch & putt course. For further details, call +44 (0)1481 235571. The Edwardian Tin & Coppersmith features a working smithy and shop. The Subtropical Gardens include an exotic and luxuriant dedicated collection including tree ferns, banana and palm trees, lilies, alocasias amongst around 300 camellias, hydrangeas in profusion, in an ancient woodland and around a couple of small lakes and a winterbourne and also includes the Art Park featuring sculptures to do with the sea, alongside a wonderful array of figurative, abstract, classical, and contemporary work. Tel: +44 (0)1481 235571. www.sausmarezmanor.co.uk
German Occupation Museum - The German Occupation Museum showcases life in Guernsey 1940-1945. There is an authentic occupation street. Maritime history and fortifications. Entrance fee: Adults £3.75, children £2.00. Tel +44 (0)1481 238205.
The Guernsey Tapestry - ‘Excellent’. ‘Stunning’. ‘Superb’. ‘Truly remarkable’. ‘Brilliant’. ‘Amazing’. ‘Fascinating’. ‘Magnificent’. ‘Wonderful’. ‘Outstanding’. ‘Excellent guide to the history of Guernsey and a remarkable tapestry’. ‘One of the most imaginative embroideries I have ever seen - exquisite’. Just a few of the comments from the visitors' book. The Bailiwick of Guernsey Millennium Tapestry illustrates 1000 years of history in 10 embroidered panels. A permanent exhibition housed in a purpose-built, award-winning gallery, complete with audio guide (English, French or German). An enjoyable introduction to the history of the Islands, for adults and children, stitchers and non-stitchers alike. There is also a gift shop selling unique souvenirs. Prices: adults £3.50, over 60s (and students) £2.00, children under 16 free. Tel: +44 (0)1481 727106. www.guernseytapestry.org.gg
The Little Chapel - A work of art and a labour of love, the Little Chapel is possibly the smallest chapel in the world. It was built by Brother Déodat who started work in March 1914. His plan was to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. Guardianship of the Little Chapel now rests with Blanchelande Girls College, which is run by a Charitable Trust. The Little Chapel is beautifully decorated with seashells, pebbles and colourful pieces of broken china and the College has an ongoing programme of repairs and improvements. There is no charge to enter the chapel; it relies totally on public donations. Tel: +44 (0)1481 237200. www.thelittlechapel.org
The National Trust of Guernsey Folk Museum - Set in stables of an old country house in Guernsey’s largest park, the Folk Museum depicts life as it used to be around 100 years ago. Displays include domestic life, farming, trades, transport, fishing and seafaring. In the summer months of July, August and September, the Folk Museum has a programme of small scale local crafts demonstrations on Wednesday afternoons, with the opportunity to try out some of the crafts hands on. For further details call +44 (0)1481 255384. Entry fee: Adults £3.50, OAPs £3.00, children free. Tel: +44 (0)1481 255384. www.nationaltrust-gsy.org.gg
Victor Hugo House - In this house, well preserved in its original state, the famous French writer spent 14 years in exile decorating it personally and writing his masterpieces. Visits through the house are by guided tours only, with 15-20 minutes between each tour. Entry Fee: Adults £5, over 60s and students £3, children FREE. Tel: +44 (0)1481 721911. www.victorhugo.gg
Les Rouvets Coarse Fishing Lake - The newly-restored lake is the only public freshwater fishery in Guernsey. It is located in a local beauty spot, far away from the traffic, and stocked full of carp and rudd. Mirror carp and tench are to be introduced in the near future. Day tickets cost £15 per person for 24 hours and private membership is also available.
Tel: +44 (0) 1481 268 233. Email: fishing@lesrouvetslake.com
www.lesrouvetslake.com
For further information on all attractions, please visit www.visitguernsey.com
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Guernsey is the closest offshore financial centre to London and attracts business people, retirees, and shoppers in search of duty-free bargains.
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While most tourists spend their time marvelling at the south coast views, take a trip round the northern coast, which is generally regarded as having the best beaches, particularly Vazon Bay, Cobo Bay, and Pembroke Bay. The following three-hour walk has several points of interest, including old forts, a wildlife sanctuary, secluded green lanes, sandy beaches and natural harbours. As with all the best walks, it begins and ends at a pub, namely L’Ancresse Bay Hotel.
Head east along the main road towards the Paradis wildlife sanctuary, then turn right and then left into La rue du Dehus, where you will find a 5,000-year-old dolmen, among the largest passage burial tombs on Guernsey. Head east towards the sea and Beaucette Marina. There’s a bar and restaurant here if you are in need of refreshment already. Head north towards the lighthouse and the 19th-century Fort Doyle. Then follow the coastal path around Fontenelle Bay, noting the Martello Tower. Next on the route is Fort le Marchant, via a small detour, but only if the firing range is not being used.
Follow the coastal path around L’Ancresse Bay and Pembroke Bay, which is a fine beach for a swim. Skirt around the Royal Guernsey Golf Course and make your way to Chouet Bay, heading south to Ladies Bay and enjoying the sunset. Reaching Amarreurs Harbour, you turn left towards the 12th-century Vale Church and make your way back to L’Ancresse Bay Hotel.
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