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Guernsey travel guide
Island harbours, sandy coves and car-free Sark.
Guernsey is a self-governing Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands, close to the coast of France. The Bailiwick also includes the smaller islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm.
Travel tools
Getting there
Guernsey Airport has flights from the UK and some nearby destinations. Ferries link St Peter Port with England, Jersey and St Malo in France, and smaller boats serve Herm, Sark and Alderney.
Best time to visit: May–Sep – warm, sunny days for beaches and walks.
Tougher months: November–February: cool, windy and damp, with reduced ferry schedules and some attractions closed.
Weather by month in St Peter Port
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- 18°J●
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Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: Europe/London. Compare with your local time.
Background: Visa policy of the United Kingdom (Wikipedia).
Source and more: Guernsey travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Guernsey are based around St Peter Port, Castle Cornet or Herm. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$90–130 for a backpacker and US$200–320 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Guernsey page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: G. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +44.
Mobile data: read the eSIM for Europe before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- St Peter Port (Guernsey · harbour town): A picturesque harbour town of steep cobbled lanes, Georgian buildings, markets and waterfront cafés.
- Castle Cornet (St Peter Port · fortress): A historic castle on a former tidal islet with museums and gardens.
- Herm (Bailiwick · small island): A peaceful island with no cars, wonderful beaches and coastal walks.
- Sark (Bailiwick · car-free island): A tranquil island famous for its dramatic La Coupée causeway and dark-sky status.
- Alderney (Bailiwick · northern island): A wild, windswept island of Victorian forts, wartime relics and seabird colonies.
- South coast cliffs (Guernsey · coastal walks): Rugged headlands, wooded valleys and hidden bays linked by a well-kept cliff path.
- Lihou Island (West coast · tidal island): A wildlife-rich tidal island reached by a causeway at low tide.
- The Little Chapel (Les Vauxbelets · landmark): A quirky, beautifully decorated miniature chapel inspired by the grotto at Lourdes.
Things to do
- Explore Castle Cornet. Wander through 800 years of history in the harbour fortress and watch the daily noonday gun.
- Visit Hauteville House. Step into Victor Hugo's extraordinary home, decorated by the writer himself, with sea views over to France.
- Walk the south coast cliff path. Follow clifftop trails past wildflowers and secret coves like Moulin Huet, painted by Renoir.
- Day-trip to Herm. Take a short ferry to a tiny car-free island with Shell Beach and turquoise bays.
- Step back in time on Sark. Explore a car-free island by bike or horse-drawn carriage under some of Europe's darkest night skies.
- See the Little Chapel. Marvel at a miniature chapel covered entirely in seashells, pebbles and broken china.
- Explore occupation bunkers. Discover German fortifications and museums telling the story of island life during the war.
- Eat local seafood. Enjoy fresh crab, lobster and ormers in St Peter Port's harbourside restaurants.
Source: full Guernsey guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- Guernsey gâche – rich fruit loaf, served buttered
- Bean jar – slow-cooked stew of beans and pork
- Guernsey ice cream – made with creamy milk from Guernsey cows
- Fresh crab and lobster – caught around the islands
Source: RoamSun Guernsey guide
Money and safety
Currency: Guernsey pound (equal to pound sterling) (GBP). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants.
Emergency numbers: 999 or 112 police, fire & ambulance.
- The Guernsey pound is equal to sterling; UK notes are accepted, but local notes are not usually accepted in the UK.
- Cards and contactless payments are widely used, and ATMs are found in St Peter Port and larger villages.
- Guernsey is very safe, with low crime – normal precautions are enough.
- Check tide times before crossing to Lihou or exploring rock pools, as tides rise quickly.
Source: RoamSun Guernsey facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Guernsey?
May–Sep – warm, sunny days for beaches and walks. Mild maritime, with warm summers and gentle winters.
What time zone is Guernsey in?
Guernsey uses Europe/London.
What plug and voltage does Guernsey use?
Guernsey uses plug type G at 230 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Guernsey?
The international calling code for Guernsey is +44.
Do you tip in Guernsey?
Around 10% in restaurants.
What is the emergency number in Guernsey?
999 or 112 police, fire & ambulance.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Guernsey?
Traffic drives on the left.