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Marooned in the English Channel between France and the UK, the pint-sized island of Guernsey is an entity all its own. Not quite British (although part of the British Isles), the second-largest of the Channel Islands has been self-governed since the 13th century and flies its flag with pride. Island life is a world away from the rat race, but you’ll find plenty of things to do in Guernsey, from windswept coastal hikes, castle ruins, and WWII sites to kayaking, coasteering, and windsurfing at the island’s 27 beaches.
May–September is the main tourist season on the Channel Islands, with the biggest crowds descending on Guernsey in July and August when maximum daytime temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C). It's the best time for beach activities, and the island also hosts several festivals and markets throughout summer. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to time their visit between mid-March to July, when puffins flock to the island’s shores.
Measuring just 6 miles (10 kilometers) across, Guernsey is small enough to walk in a day, but most visitors rent a car (you can bring one on the car ferry). With narrow country lanes and maximum speed limits of 35 mph (56 kph), you’ll be forced to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Alternatively, hire a bike, hop on the public bus that links most of the island’s attractions, or book a taxi from St. Peter Port or The Bridge.
Guernsey is the ideal base for exploring the tiny islands of Herm, Sark, Lihou, and Alderney. Ferries run daily to car-free Sark, where horse-drawn tractors or bicycles are the only transport options, and activities include coasteering, rockpooling, and star-gazing (the island is Europe’s first International Dark Sky Community).
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Yes. The small island of Guernsey is easily reached from both the UK and France and has great coastal hiking, water sports, and beaches. As well as getting outdoors, you can explore the historic sites of Castle Cornet and Fort Grey, and visit the lively town of St. Peter Port.
...MoreOnce better known for its dairy cows, Guernsey is now a popular vacation spot renowned for its sandy beaches, rugged coastline, and water sports like coasteering, windsurfing, and sea kayaking. The Channel Islands were also the only part of the British Isles occupied by the Nazis during WWII.
...MoreTwo or three days is ideal for a visit to Guernsey, leaving plenty of time to explore the small island, go hiking, and try some water sports. However, many families opt to spend a week on vacation, and it’s also possible to visit on a day trip by ferry.
...MoreBoth Jersey and Guernsey are worth visiting, and whichever you choose, it’s easy to visit the other on a day trip. Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, with more accommodation options and cultural attractions. However, Guernsey’s wild landscapes and secluded beaches make it easier to escape the crowds.
...MoreMay–September are the best months to visit Guernsey, as that's when it should be warm enough to swim at the island’s beaches. July and August tend to be the busiest (and most expensive!). To spot puffins along the coast, time your trip between mid-March and July.
...MoreSometimes! Guernsey’s official currency is pound sterling as in the UK, but some hotels, shops, and restaurants on the island will also accept euros, and most accept card payments. However, expect change to be issued in Channel Island sterling, which can only be used on the island.
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