Guernsey tourist attractions
Guernsey has a wide and varied heritage with many historical castles and fortifications as well as its own Guernésiais language and traditions (don’t worry, English is now spoken!). Writers and artists have been attracted and inspired by the island’s spectacular scenery with author Victor Hugo residing in exile in Guernsey for a number of years and Renoir depicting coastal scenes in some of his paintings. The island is also renown for its beautiful flowers, many of which are exported to the rest of the UK, Ireland and Europe. With this in mind, it is no wonder there are a huge number of Guernsey tourist attractions available to visit whilst on holiday.
History and Heritage
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery
Learn more about the island in the ‘Story of Guernsey’ exhibition and family discovery room as well as an Art Gallery, gift shop and café all set in the restored Victorian Candie Gardens in St Peter Port.
Priaulx Library
A Victorian Library and centre for family history studies also in St Peter Port. Year round free admission Monday – Saturday; 9.30am – 5pm.
Castle Cornet
Guarding St Peter Port Harbour for 800 years, guided tours and a programme of historical events take place at the castle which also has period gardens and five dedicated museums;
- The Story of Castle Cornet Museum
- The Maritime Museum
- The 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum
- The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum
- The Royal Guernsey Militia Museum
Closed during winter.
Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum
Set on a tidal island in Rocquaine Bay, the museum is housed in a Martello Tower, gift shop.
The Little Chapel
Built by Brother Déodat as a miniature version of Lourdes grotto and basilica in France, the tiny Chapel is decorated with seashells, colourful china and pebbles. Voted one of the best attractions in Guernsey by Trip Advisor contributors. St Andrews.
The Guernsey Tapestry
10 embroidered panels depict 1000 years of Guernsey history. Audio guide and gift shop. St Peter Port.
The National Trust of Guernsey attractions
If you have National Trust membership in the UK and Jersey then you can visit the Folk and Costume museum for free. Donations are welcome at the other two properties.
Folk & Costume Museum
Folk and Costume Museum set within restored farm buildings in Saumarez Park. An exhibition of Guernsey life over the last three centuries with a specialism in historic costumes. Traditional gift shop.
Victorian Shop & Parlour
Beautifully restored Victorian Shop and Parlour complete with gas lamps. Selling sweeties from jars, heritage seeds, gifts and souvenirs. 26 Cornet Street, St Peter Port.
Les Caches Farm
Les Caches Farm and barn restored to around 1800 using traditional methods.
Occupation and War related attractions
When visiting Guernsey you will notice a number of military forts dotted around the island such as Fort Hommet and the restored Dollman Gun Batterie at Pleinmont MP3 Tower. Some of the main museums and attractions are listed below but take a look at our Occupation page for more information.
St Jacques Naval Headquarters
Museum where German Naval Commander transmissions took place. St Peter Port.
German Occupation Museum
The history of The Occupation of Guernsey with life like reconstructed street and room scenes and memorabilia including an anti tank gun. Les Houardes, Forest.
La Valette Underground Military Museum
Covering the island’s military history including WWi and WWII. St Peter Port.
German Military Underground Hospital
Situated at St Andrews where an underground network of tunnels and rooms was carved out of the rock by captured slave workers.
Houses and Gardens
Guernsey is renown for its wonderful flora and fauna and there are many places which can be visited for free throughout the year. Take a look at our ‘Places to visit in Guernsey’ and ‘Guernsey gardens and wildlife’ pages for further details. Here are a few of the most visited houses and gardens:
Hauteville House
Guided tours, by appointment, of the home of author Victor Hugo during his 15 year exile in Guernsey at the time he wrote Les Travailleurs de la Mer (Toilers of the Sea) and Les Misérables. Decorated by Hugo, it contains many of his personal objects. Free entry to the gardens. Open April – September. St Peter Port.
Sausmarez Manor
RHS partner garden showcasing Sub-tropical and Sculpture Gardens set in the parkland of the manor house dating back to 13th century with later additions. House and ghost tours, events, mini railway, pitch and putt, copper and silversmiths, gift shop and tea rooms. St Martins. Guernsey
Freesia Centre
The Guernsey Flower Centre is situated in Vale and exports boxed freesia’s to the UK, Ireland and Europe. Learn about Jersey flowers and buy corms in the gift shop.
Les Cotils Gardens
All year round free entry to the award winning 12 acres of gardens. St Peter Port.
Art and jewellery based attractions
Catherine Best Studio
Housed in an old mill at St Martins, free admission to the jewellery studios. Bespoke design, charity and award winning collections.
Ray & Scott Diamond Museum and Guernsey Goldsmith’s
Intriguing diamond museum situated close to Christopher Le Bideau’s Goldsmith’s workshop. St Sampson.
Bruce Russell & Son Gold, Silversmiths & Jewellers
Silverware, gold and platinum jewellery showroom set in 8 acres of gardens with a licensed restaurant.
Martyn Guille Gold & Silver Workshop & Guernsey Clockmakers
Situated close to The Little Chapel are Martyn Guille’s Gold and Silver workshop, clock and watch collections. Mending and engraving services and gift shop. St Andrews.
Guernsey Pearl
Specialists in local pearls and jewellery opposite Fort Grey, St Pierre du Bois.
Guernsey Candles
Watch the candle making or buy from the gift shop. St Sampson.
Other Guernsey attractions
Guernsey Aquarium
Local sea water fish, European freshwater and tropical marine collections housed in La Valette tunnel in St Peter Port.
St James Concert and Assembly Hall
Used for recitals, performances, exhibitions and lectures with a café. St Peter Port.
Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts
Multi function performance venue.
Discount entry to some of the attractions
Discovery Pass – Available for unlimited entry into Castle Cornet, Fort Grey and the Guernsey Museum at Candie.
Sausmarez Manor Privilege Pass – When purchasing tickets to either The Manor, Subtropical Gardens and Sculpture Park or the Pitch and Putt, a Privilege Pass is freely given, entitling the holder to visit The Manor’s subsequent attractions for a discount of £1. Also applies to other venues across the island, listed on the Sausmarez Manor leaflet.
Quality assured
Guernsey Quality Assured – if you see the sign, it has been awarded to interests that meet or exceed Visit Guernsey’s quality standards.
Attractions that have met the National Standard will also be displaying the VisitBritain logo.