Holiday rentals in Guernsey

Its 25 square miles crisscrossed with inviting country lanes, Guernsey lies a little further off the French coast than its larger Channel Islands neighbour, Jersey. The many bays and coves that make up its north coast offer a range of beaches, from family friendly to quiet nooks. Guernsey’s wilder southern coastline is formed by a sequence of cliffs, excellent for hiking and climbing; to the west, Vazon Bay is a popular surf spot. St Peter Port, the capital, is a pretty town whose 18th- and 19th-century buildings are ranged on a steep hill, and connected with the busy harbour by narrow alleys, or venelles. Thanks to the island’s seafood bounty, Guernsey has become a gourmet destination, but there’s plenty to sink your teeth into at its museums and historical landmarks, too, from Neolithic graves and ancient statues to the Napoleonic-era Fort Grey and the subtropical gardens at Sausmarez Manor.

While the Channel Islands have plenty in common with mainland Britain, they can also lay claim to a warmer climate, which makes them particularly appealing from spring onwards. Guernsey’s clifftop colour and woodland wildflowers blossom in March and April, the ideal walking season. There’s a Heritage Festival in the first two weeks of May that celebrates the island’s art, history, and culture. The beaches are at their best from June to September, which is also when Saint Peter Port stages its Seafront Sundays, closing off streets to traffic to make way for a raft of food stalls. Autumn is another great time to explore the island’s natural beauty, and the Tennerfest Food Festival, which runs through October and into November, is a great way to appreciate its gourmet offerings on a budget. Note that some seaside businesses close during the winter.

Lihou Island

There’s something intriguing about an island off of an island. This wetland and marine reserve is home to hundreds of species of birds (not to mention seaweed). You reach it by crossing a causeway at low tide. There’s a deep rock pool you can swim in, and a ruined 12th-century priory built by Benedictine monks.

Castle Cornet

This 800-year-old fort, standing just outside Saint Peter Port, is an impressive enough landmark viewed from the outside. But it’s the museums and gardens contained within that give you real insight into this island’s long and complex history, from its part in the English Civil War to its occupation by the Germans during World War II.

Port Soif Bay

Backed by dunes, this sheltered horseshoe bay is a pleasant place to put down your towel and relax for a few hours. Its white sandy beach is one of the softest on the island, and remains a locals’ favourite. There are better places in Guernsey to swim, but few better to soak in the sun.