5 things to do in Guernsey

New flights with Guernsey-based airline Aurigny make it even easier to plan a Channel Islands escape, writes Alice Barnes-Brown

1. Bring history to life at Castle Cornet

Keeping a close watch on St Peter Port’s harbour for more than 800 years, Castle Cornet remains a formidable fortress – but nowadays, its cannons are fired by costumed re-enactors, rather than steel-clad soldiers.

A short walk from the centre of town, the castle offers plenty of activities for all ages, including four museums (three of which focus on military history), gardens and self-guided kids’ walking trails leading to a cafe with a view.

2. Walk to the Little Chapel

Described as ‘Guernsey’s biggest tourist attraction’ (ironic, because it measures only 16 by nine feet), the Little Chapel is a pretty-yet-petite shrine.

Built by a French monk in the 1920s after he was inspired by a pilgrimage to Lourdes, the building is pebble-dashed with everything from painted seashells to fragments of broken plates, resulting in a bright, Picasso-esque exterior.

3. Explore the pretty streets of St Peter Port

A stroll south along the coast from St Peter Port reveals many points of interest. First are La Vallette bathing pools, opened in 1865, which offer a great way cool off in the summer heat, plus a horseshoe-shaped lagoon from which clients can swim into the sea. Next door is the Clarence Gun Battery, and farther on are the Bluebell Woods.

4. Admire Hauteville House, home of author Victor Hugo

After being exiled from France in the 1850s, novelist Victor Hugo – of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame fame – moved to Guernsey. His townhouse is a work of art, with dark wood furniture and floral wallpapers paying homage to nature.

Explore the tapestry room and greenhouse, then head up to the first, second and third floors for rooms in an array of rainbow shades, and the rooftop conservatory for truly lovely views.

5. Stay at the Duke of Richmond luxury hotel

Situated above a leafy park in St Peter Port, the Duke of Richmond hotel is a gorgeous, family-run four-star blessed with an aquamarine pool and an afternoon tea that has acquired quite a reputation on the island, including one option with the hotel’s special-edition champagne.

Food is a real focus here, with bespoke cocktails in the bar, sustainable seafood on the menu and handmade nibbles left in the room at turndown time.
dukeofrichmond.com

Book it…

Just Go Holidays sells a seven-day tour of Jersey, Guernsey and Sark, with flights, transfers, breakfast and dinner plus three excursions, from £1,179, departing September 27.

Aurigny has added to its UK network this summer with a Wednesday flight from Edinburgh, three weekly services from Liverpool and Stansted, daily flights from London City and a summer-holiday service to Cornwall.
justgoholidays.com/agents; aurigny.com

PICTURES: Visit Guernsey; Chris George; The Red Carnation Hotel Collection; Shutterstock/Kiev.Victor, Allard One

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