Guernsey
St Peter Port, Castle Cornet, Victor Hugo, Cliff Walks, Herm, Sark, Seafood, Island Hopping
Guernsey is the second-largest of the Channel Islands, set in the sea off the coast of Normandy. Its capital, St Peter Port, is one of Europe's prettiest harbour towns, with cobbled streets, terraced houses and a busy marina overlooked by Castle Cornet.
The island packs a great deal into a small area: rugged cliffs and coves along the south coast, sandy bays in the west, quiet lanes and a long, layered history. The French writer Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile here, and his home, Hauteville House, is preserved as he left it.
Guernsey is also the gateway to the smaller islands of its bailiwick. Herm has white-sand beaches and no cars, while Sark is a car-free island of horse-drawn carriages and was named the world's first Dark Sky Island.
Top Reasons to Visit Guernsey
1. St Peter Port
Wander the harbour, independent shops and cafes of the island's capital, then climb to the gardens and viewpoints above the town.
2. Castle Cornet
Explore this 800-year-old castle guarding the harbour, with museums, gardens and a daily noonday gun.
3. Hauteville House
Step inside Victor Hugo's richly decorated home, where he wrote much of Les Misérables during his exile.
4. Cliff Paths and Beaches
Walk the south coast cliff paths between hidden bays, and relax on the sandy beaches of the west coast at sunset.
5. Herm and Sark
Take a short ferry to car-free Herm for its shell beach, or to Sark for carriage rides, cycling and stargazing.
6. Food and Heritage
Try fresh crab and lobster, Guernsey gâche and local dairy, and visit the tiny, shell-covered Little Chapel.
