Visiting Guernsey is a little like stepping back in time where the pace of life slows down. There’s plenty of chance to breathe the sea air and enjoy the green and unspoiled landscape.
If you’re taking a cruise that stops in Guernsey cruise port, we have plenty of ideas for the best things to do in Guernsey. Discover our suggestions for the top things to see, whether you choose to take organised Guernsey shore excursions or explore on your own.
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The island of Guernsey was the final port of call on the four night cruise that we took with Princess Cruises. As the Guernsey cruise port is not large enough to accommodate larger ships, we took the tender in order to get off the ship and onto Guernsey.
The Crown Princess arrived at Guernsey at 7am, so we made sure to have an early breakfast and by 9am were standing on the quayside.
Top Tip: It’s quite an organisational feat to get up to 3000 passengers off the ship in small boats, so we recommend you have an early breakfast and go to the tender station as early as possible.
Check out tours & tickets for all the best Guernsey Experiences
Cruise excursions for Guernsey
We had visited the island before and had seen many of the main Guernsey attractions. This time we decided not to book any shore excursions or Guernsey island tours.
Instead we explored at our own pace, since there are plenty of things to do in Guernsey in St Peter Port, where the cruise tender drops you.
The bookable cruise excursions will typically take you on a scenic drive of this beautiful island, stopping at The Little Chapel, Sausmarez Manor and sometimes the Gold and Silver Workshops. It’s certainly worth considering these if you prefer everything to be organised or are not very mobile.
I’m not convinced it’s good value to take a cruise excursion to Castle Cornet. This attraction is easy to see on your own and a short walk from where the tender drops you.
If you are keen to see the smaller islands of Herm and Sark, cruise excursions are a good option. This is because of the logistics involved in arriving onshore and then taking another ferry to these islands, then returning in time for the afternoon cruise departure.
If you have limited time this guided half-day tour provides an in-depth introduction to Guernsey in a single day
Hop on hop off bus routes in Guernsey
If you prefer to make your own arrangements, there is a reliable network of buses to get around Guernsey. The island is quite small and most places are a 20-30 minute ride from St Peter Port.
Find the bus station just along the quayside, opposite Castle Cornet. There’s more information about Guernsey island bus tours and timetables on the Guernsey buses website.
A single bus journey on Guernsey is £1.25 or pay £7.50 for a 1 day bus pass for around the island. The round the island pass is excellent value and you can use it as a hop on hop off bus in Guernsey with a 1 day pass.
The No 91 or 92 “Guernsey Vaeux” bus service runs 4 times a day on a continuous loop around the island. This makes an inexpensive sightseeing tour, although if you get off you may have to use one of the other buses to get back to St Peter Port.
If you’re an active traveller you could consider hiring a bike from just behind the Tourism Office, or just walk around St Peter Port and along the coastal path as we did.
Also read my article on – 10 delicious foods to try on Guernsey – with video
1. St Peter Port and the Candie Gardens
One thing we hadn’t appreciated was that on Sundays most of the shops in St Peter Port are closed, so the atmosphere was very quiet. After having a look around the Tourist Office on the harbour front, we decided to walk up the hill to the Candie Gardens, dominated by the statue of Victor Hugo looking out towards France.
We had a coffee in the small café in the Candie Gardens and then took a look around the Guernsey Museum. There was an exhibition all about the Beatles and life in the 1960s, as well as artworks and archaeological objects telling the history of Guernsey through the ages.
The Candie Gardens had some colourful floral displays. In summer this would also be a lovely place to come and sit with a picnic and a great view over the bay.
For more information: The Candie Gardens is free to visit and open daily until dusk and the Cafe Victoria in the gardens is open daily. The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery costs £7 (check website for opening times).
If you need a place to stay the Duke of Richmond Hotel – well located in St Peter Port with elegant contemporary decor, a terrace and outdoor pool
2. Hauteville House – the Victor Hugo House in Guernsey
One of the best places to visit in Guernsey is Hauteville House, the home of the celebrated French poet and writer, Victor Hugo. If you love art and culture this is one thing I would not miss on Guernsey.
When visiting the Victor Hugo House independently, you need to be aware that you will be shown around the house with a guide by timed entry. Tours can be booked in advance on the website or by simply arriving and then booking yourself on the next available tour.
Read my article about Victor Hugo – decorateur extrordinaire at Hauteville House on Guernsey
Victor Hugo arrived on Guernsey in 1855, as an exile from France because of his political views. He purchased this former corsair’s house set on the hill with views over the harbour.
Hugo soon set about transforming it into a richly decorated showcase for his ideas and exotic tastes in antiques and gorgeous textiles.
Hugo’s opulent collections
The tour will take you from room to room, with explanations of how Hugo found the old oak chests, Aubusson tapestries and Chinese silks that he collected like a magpie.
On the first floor are the magnificent rooms that the family used for entertaining. Up on the top floor is a glass conservatory, where the author worked in private, with views across to Castle Cornet.
Once the tour is complete, you can wander around the lovely, country style walled garden with roses, fountains and herbaceous borders.
For more information – Guernsey’s Victor Hugo Website. Cost £12, open April-September 10am – 4pm. Closed Wednesday
If you need a place to stay: Old Government House: a classic and elegant 5 star hotel that was once the Governor’s residence.
3. Castle Cornet in Guernsey
Another of the top Guernsey tourist attractions in St Peter Port is Castle Cornet. The military fortress at one end of the harbour now houses five different museums under one entry ticket.
The earliest parts of the castle date back to the 13th century. Later during the 17th century it came under siege during the English Civil war with a large garrison being maintained throughout the 18th century.
The “Story of Castle Cornet” Museum, has different room sets showing how the soldiers lived in the barracks and the history of the castle. Other parts of the castle house the RAF Museum, the Maritime Museum and gallery, Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum and Royal Guernsey Militia Museum.
There is also a cafe and a walled garden that’s planted in 18th century style. It’s worth being at Castle Cornet at midday to see and hear the firing of the noon-day gun which is very loud!
Easily discover Guernsey’s coast on a small-group tour from St Peter Port
For more information: Castle Cornet Museum Website Cost £11 Open March-October
If you need a place to stay: St Pierre Park Hotel & Golf: set in beautiful gardens with indoor pool and gym.
4. Discover the German occupation of Guernsey
If you’ve read the book or watched the film of The Guernsey Literary and potato peel pie society, you’ll understand that the Germany occupation of Guernsey during World War 2 was a very difficult time for the island.
I had previously visited the German Occupation Museum that covers this period of Guernsey’s history. It is found in the parish of Les Houards, close to the airport. It houses a collection of artefacts from the German Occupation during World War Two.
On this cruise visit we stopped at the La Vallette Underground Military Museum. It can be reached by walking along the seafront to the furthest end. The museum is one of the things to see in Guernsey that gives you a fascinating insight into the island’s wartime experience.
La Vallette museum is housed in underground tunnels built by the German Army using forced labour during the Second World War. Exhibits include memorabilia such as uniforms, equipment, medals and posters as well as an opportunity to see the tunnels.
Make the most of your shore stop with this private walking tour of Guernsey
An old-fasioned feel
Both museums have an old-fashioned and slightly homemade feel. This differs from the multimedia hands-on experiences that many larger museums in Europe have become.
Memorabilia from the period of the German occupation of Guernsey is in glass cases. There are some models dressed in uniform from the era.
Of the two museums I preferred the German Occupation Museum. I thought it did a better job of telling the story of the occupation for real people on Guernsey through videos and audio recording.
The German Occupation also had a nice little tea-room downstairs. There was an outdoor refreshment kiosk overlooking the bay just opposite the entrance of La Vallette Underground Military Museum.
More Information: German Occupation Museum Cost £6 Open Check website for opening times. La Vallette Museum cost £7.50. Get there on the No 93 or 11 bus from near the St Peter Port Cruise Terminal.
Read my article about Guernsey, the German Occupation and Potato Peel Pie
5. A walk to Fermain Bay
Wondering what to do in Guernsey that’s a bit more active? Take a walk to Fermain Bay along the cliff path from St Peter Port. There’s a delightful cafe set above the beach, where we tried a local delicacy of Guernsey Gâche, a type of fruit bread.
Our walk passed the fortress of Castle Cornet and some outdoor bathing pools. We continued beyond the Clarence Battery, an 18th century military garrison. Some cannons were on display among the fortifications.
The path led us through woodland, with tantalising glimpses of the sea. An hour later we arrived at Fermain Bay. We stopped for refreshments at the Fermain Bay Café, next to a defensive Martello tower.
On our previous visit to Guernsey we had also visited the gardens and sculpture trail at nearby Sausmarez manor. The walk continues further along the cliff path to the German WW2 fortifications at Jerbourg Point.
If we had more time, these would have been additional things to do during our shore excursion. Along with, perhaps a bus ride back to St Peter Port in time for our 4pm cruise departure.
In summer, Fermain Bay is a lovely place to swim, so it would be worth bringing your bathers and a towel.
For more information: Take the bus to Fermain Bay from the St Peter Port bus station on Routes 11 and 91/93. The bus runs every 30 mins, and takes 10 mins.
Also read my article on – 10 delicious foods to try on Guernsey – with video
If you need a place to stay: Fermain Valley Hotel: With elegant rooms, an indoor swimming pool and view of the sea, the hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the beach.
6. Sausmarez Manor
Close to Fermain bay, another place to visit in Guernsey is Sausmarez Manor. This beautiful Queen Anne manor house is surrounded by gardens and a woodland sculpture trail around a lake. Guided tours are available on certain days if you are visiting independently.
If booking a cruise excursion from the Guernsey cruise port I would certainly look for one that includes a tour of the house as well as the gardens. At the front of the manor is a formal lawned garden, with a smaller garden with herbaceous borders to one side.
These gardens around the house are free to visit. For an extra charge you can visit the Art Park which has the air of an outdoor art gallery. Sculptures are arranged in a woodland setting beside the lake.
There is also a small but charming tea room in the conservatory beside the house. It would be easy to visit independently by bus from St Peter Port, or in a combined visit walking or cycling to Fermain Bay.
For more information: Sausmarez Manor , admission to Art Park £8, Guided House Tours £10. Take the bus to Sausmarez Manor from the St Peter Port bus station on Routes 11 and 91/93. The bus runs every 30 mins and takes 15 mins.
7. The Little Chapel
One stop on almost every Guernsey cruise port excursion is the Little Chapel. This tiny chapel is just a few paces long covered with broken crockery, shells and mosaic.
The chapel was built by a local religious brother modelled on the grotto at Lourdes. The first couple of versions didn’t make the grade so this one was built in the 1940s.
Check out tours & tickets for all the best Guernsey Experiences
This labour of love was decorated over some years but it’s quite small and so you’ll probably only be there half an hour. If you want to visit the Little Chapel independently you can take the bus which runs hourly from St Peter Port.
For more information: The bus from St Peter Port Bus station to The Little Chapel on Route 71 runs every hour and takes 15-20 mins. The Little Chapel is free but relies on donations.
8. Visiting Sark and Herm
The smaller islands of Sark and Herm can be reached by ferry from Guernsey and visited as a day trip. If visiting independently, you’d need to plan your timings carefully to be sure to get back in time for the cruise departure.
The Sark crossing is longer, and can be cancelled in case of rough seas. So this trip is one that I would probably do as an organised cruise excursion. This will take any pressure off you in case things go wrong.
The island of Herm is smaller and the crossing only takes 20 minutes so this is more feasible to visit independently. With no cars on the island, you can enjoy exploring the unspoilt beaches and walking paths.
On our previous visit to Guernsey, we visited Sark and would highly recommend it as a place where time seems to have stood still since the 1950s. As no cars are allowed on Sark, the main ways to get around are on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage.
On arrival you will have the opportunity sit in a cart with bench seats known as the toast rack that is dragged up the hill by tractor.
Hire a bike to explore
At the top of the hill is the main village with a few shops, bank, pub. Here you can hire bikes or use a horse-drawn carriage to take you around the island.
We hired bikes at Avenue Cycle Hire and headed in the direction of Little Sark. This part of the island is joined to the main island by a narrow, fenced causeway with a sheer drop on either side, known as La Coupee.
We took a detour to the beautiful beach at Dixcart Bay which is reached down a narrow, wooded lane. After exploring the beach we continued to have lunch at La Sablonnerie Hotel hotel on Little Sark. Our delightful lunch was fresh lobster with a butter sauce, eaten at a table set in the rose garden.
Also read my article on – 10 delicious foods to try on Guernsey – with video
After lunch we cycled back to the other end of the island to visit La Seigneurie Gardens, the residence of the Seigneur or Lord of the island. The house is not open but the gardens are open on most days through the summer.
There’s also a nice cafe for lunch with a small charge to look around the gardens. Our stroll in the sunshine around the walled garden was most enjoyable. We viewed lovely herbaceous borders, fountains and a maze to get lost in.
More information on Sark
Isle of Sark website: The ferry crossing is run by the Isle of Sark Shipping Company and costs £35.00 return (2023 prices). It runs 4 times daily in peak season and the journey is 55 minutes.
Herm website: The ferry crossing is run by Trident Ferry Company which has a kiosk on the harbour front close to where the tender drops you. The ferry runs several times daily and the journey takes 20 minutes. Please consult the ferry timetable when booking and be sure to book your return crossing in good time.
If you need a place to stay on Sark: Stocks Hotel: A luxury 16th century hotel with an outdoor pool that’s a short walk from the beach.
There are plenty of things to enjoy in your cruise stop on Guernsey. My tip is to have an early breakfast and disembark the ship as early as possible, so you’ll have time to enjoy it all.
If you decide to take one of the cruise excursions, you will be able to visit a number of the places I’ve mentioned in this article. You’ll have the convenience of easy transport and a guide.
However, don’t be afraid to take the reliable bus service to explore on your own. Or, just visit the many interesting things in and around St Peter Port on foot.
Read more about Guernsey
Victor Hugo – Decorator extraordinaire at Hauteville House on Guernsey
Guernsey, the German occupation and Potato Peel Pie
10 delicious foods to try on Guernsey – video
Our cruise to Guernsey
Princess Cruises offer European and Worldwide cruises that allow you to explore fascinating destinations and escape completely on board their elegant and spacious ships. Our cruise took us from Southampton to Rotterdam to Guernsey before returning to Southampton.
Hotels in Guernsey and Sark
Although we visited this time on a cruise stop, we have also visited Guernsey for a long weekend. It’s a fantastic short break destination so check out some of the hotels we recommend below.
Duke of Richmond Hotel – well located in St Peter Port with elegant contemporary decor, a terrace and outdoor pool
The Duke of Richmond Hotel offers views of the Marina and Cambridge Park
Old Government House: a classic and elegant 5 star hotel that was once the Governor’s residence.
The Old Government House Hotel & Spa offers timeless charm and elegance
St Pierre Park Hotel and Golf: set in beautiful gardens with indoor pool and gym.
Each spacious room at the St Pierre Park Hotel & Golf has a private balcony or terrace
Fermain Valley Hotel: With elegant rooms, an indoor swimming pool and view of the sea, the hotel is just a 5 minute walk from the beach.
Overlooking Fermain Bay, Fermain Valley Hotel has a sun terrace with views of the English Channel
Stocks Hotel: A luxury 16th century hotel on Sark with an outdoor pool that’s a short walk from the beach.
La Collinette Hotel, Cottages & Apartments: With a great reputation for hospitality and the friendliness of its charming staff, La Collinette offers you all the comforts of home.
La Collinette Hotel, Cottages & Apartments – walking distance from the picturesque harbor capital of St Peter Port
How to get to Guernsey
While Guernsey is a popular cruise stop, it’s also easy to fly from many UK airports. On another trip we flew to Guernsey with Aurigny Airlines who fly to Guernsey from Bristol and other UK destinations. You can also book flights with Blue Islands Airlines and take the ferry with Condor Ferries from Poole or Portsmouth.
There are lots more ideas of what to do in Guernsey on the Visit Guernsey website
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My 4 night European Sampler Cruise with my husband was hosted* by Princess Cruises
* More info on my policies page
This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
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Meg
Thursday 21st of March 2019
Hello Heather! Thank you for taking the time to write about Guernsey - it was especially interesting for me to read as we'll be going there on a cruise at the beginning of July 2019 through Princess. Here's my question for you: our ship will arrive at 7am also. We plan on doing a private tour with a guide on the island and meet at 7:30am. Based off of your experience, do you think that'll be possible; for us to get off the ship before 7:30am? I'm concerned that we won't get off that early since we're not part of a ship excursion...and you mentioned that you didn't get off until 9am AND you had arrived early to meet in the lounge. I've been on numerous cruises, just not to this local yet and keep hearing that Guernsey seems to be one destination where if you don't have an excursion booked through the ship you may not get off as early as you'd like...like 9am (in your case) and 10am according to another cruiser I've talked to. What are your thoughts on this? TIA!
Heather Cowper
Thursday 21st of March 2019
@Meg Thanks for the question, my visit to Guernsey was a while ago, however as I remember Guernsey is a tender destination. This means that you'll be at the mercy of the ship's tender arrangements as to when you can leave the ship and as you mention, the ship will give priority to those who are doing the ship's own excursions. I suspect that 7.30am is a bit early to get off the ship, since it's not just a case of when you arrive but when the tenders start. I would scrutinise the ship's excursion timings if available, or ask for advice from your cruise agent or contact the cruise line's customer service. Your tour guide may also know from experience of other cruise tours what the situation is.
Martin Rose
Thursday 6th of July 2017
We're visiting the island in September. Your information is terrific. I looked at a half dozen other articles before I discovered yours and knew I found the right place
Jeff Burgess
Thursday 5th of May 2016
We are sailing on Celebrity Eclipse to Iceland on Tuesday and our first port of call is Guernsey. So this article was useful - thank you. Jeff (Robert's brother).
Heather Cowper
Monday 9th of May 2016
@Jeff So glad you found the ideas useful
Carol Portas
Wednesday 26th of February 2014
Had a holiday in Sark - must be 16 years ago. Lovely little Island. Very beautiful. Reading this makes me want to return. Maybe I will one day.
Would love to win the Monopoly game. Thanks.
maggie fawcett
Wednesday 26th of February 2014
thank you for the information-please enter me in the prize draw