The Islands of Guernsey have so much to offer for a winter break. Whether you're looking for relaxation and recuperation, a winter holiday filled with adventure or a romantic getaway for two, we have something for you.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons why you should make Guernsey your winter escape this year.
1) Quick and Easy to Reach
With flight times from just 40 minutes, and boats from 3 hours, Guernsey is just a short journey away - letting you get away from it all sooner, compared to a long-haul destination. We might be close, but a trip to our Islands can feel a world away.
2) Enjoy Nature with Winter Walks
The milder climate on the Islands of Guernsey mean you can enjoy being outside for much longer. Nothing is better than wrapping up warm and heading out for a winter walk. Whether you want to stroll along Guernsey's coast, hike along cliff paths or explore the winding country lanes, there is a trail for everyone to enjoy.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of our Islands on your hike, we have a series of guided walks hosted by our accredited tour guides who will share their knowledge with you on series of unique routes.
If you'd rather explore solo, our VisitGuernsey Walking App has trails across the islands to enjoy. With audio accompaniment and an interactive map that tracks your steps as you walk your chosen route, the app highlights points of interest along the way. You can the routes filter by difficulty and duration to find your ideal hike.
Find out more about walking on The Islands of Guernsey here.
3) Try Wild Swimming Year-Round
The Islands of Guernsey are one of the best places to get involved in year round wild swimming. With coves, secluded beaches and natural pools, there is something unique around every corner. Wild Swimming has numerous health benefits, with swimmers reporting lowered stress levels, clarity of mind and a boosted immune system. Cold water swimming has also been proven to boost dopamine levels and release endorphins to give you a rush of happiness that lasts all day.
On your trip you can join in with everything from organised community events to mindful individual challenges. If you are looking for a quick dip, lots of fun and community spirit we'd recommend heading to the bathing pools at La Vallette in St Peter Port. The pools have changing rooms, accessible ramps and a cafe to warm up in afterwards.
Just remember, you'll need to prepare to swim in the sea during winter - so grab your fluffiest hats, flasks of tea and lots of layers before heading to the beach or pools.
Find the best spots and events to get involved with here.
4) Excellent Gastro-Pubs and Local Drinks
Guernsey is known for its variety of drinks venues and eateries, from traditional pubs to wine bars, live music venues and beachfront beer gardens. Wherever you go you're likely to find some unique Island drinks such as locally made Rocquettes Cider, distilled gins from Wheadons and much more. Naturally, the pubs and bars are often filled with friendly locals who know the establishment well and are great company if you're on a solo trip or keen to get to know our authentic Island.
For a full list of pubs and bars, click here.
5) Time to Unwind
In between your adventures around the Island, take a moment to relax at one of our spas, some of which attached to hotels such as five star The OGH and St Pierre Park, and others that are independently run, like Allbeauty in town or The Beauty Clinic by Saumarez Park. Each spa offers something different, from hot stone massages and hydrating facials to reiki and reflexology treatments. You can book for a whole weekend of relaxation, a day trip to a spa, or just a one off treatment.
You can find an overview of spa offerings on the Islands here.
6) Romantic Moments Together
The Islands of Guernsey have many romantic things to do if you're joining us for a couple's retreat. From exploring beaches and taking adventurous hikes and enjoying a picnic, to experiencing world-class restaurants and wandering around historical sites, there is so much to do together.
For a unique evening experience, head out for some stargazing under our unpolluted skies. For the best skies we recommend a trip to Sark, our Dark Sky Island, where there are no street lights or cars to create any light pollution, giving you the perfect place to watch the night sky. You can read more about stargazing on our Islands here.
For more ideas on what you can do on a romantic couples retreat, visit this blog here.
7) History and Culture Abound
There are many different galleries and museums in Guernsey. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the history of the Island there are castles, fortifications and bunkers from across the centuries that have been turned into museums, each with their own focus.
- Castle Cornet - an 800-year-old castle standing at the mouth of St Peter Port harbour offering insight into hundreds of years of Island history in the four museums housed within the grounds.
- The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery at Candie Gardens - have a rolling programmes of temporary exhibitions and art displays, as well as a cafe housed in a Victorian bandstand.
- Fort Grey - a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey's west coast, known locally as the "Cup and Saucer", that now houses the Shipwreck Museum.
- The National Trust of Guernsey’s Folk and Costume Museum - learn about the history of Guernsey’s people over the past 250 years, with selections from the 8,000 pieces in the costume collection.
- German Occupation Museum - within walking distance of the island's airport, the German Occupation Museum provides insight into life in Guernsey during the occupation.
- The Underground hospital - the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands that is almost invisible from the surface.
8) World Class Restaurants
Guernsey is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing somewhere to eat. With a focus on using fresh and local produce and ingredients wherever possible, restaurants in Guernsey pride themselves on serving high quality dishes in beautiful settings. Whether you visit Rosso and The Hook looking out over St Peter Port harbour, Gusto and Christies in the centre of town or The Rockmount and La Reunion with their sea views, you'll be treated to great menus highlighting the best of Guernsey.
Have a look at our full list of restaurants, bistros, bars and cafes here.
9) Indoor Activities to Suit Everyone
For those wanting to remain indoors on their Island retreat, Guernsey has a wide range of indoor activities to get involved in.
- Our local art studio, Iris and Dora, offers a variety of creative activities including pottery painting and throwing, and children's craft sessions. For adults they have intricate pottery to paint and for kids they have special mini figures and quick-dry paint, so they don’t have to wait for their creation to go in the kiln.
- Head to Guernsey Candles, a local family-run business, to witness the candle-making process and have a go at making your own unique candle to take home with you. Their on-site gift shop is filled with artistic pieces, homeware and gifts - perfect for finding a souvenir to take home.
- Guernsey's indoor climbing centre, UP Climbing Guernsey, offers a range of sessions for everyone from complete beginners to more experienced climbers looking to advance their skills. Whether you're after a lesson with one of their qualified instructors, or want to have come time climbing unsupervised, both are possible by booking via their online form.
- Guernsey’s leading Driving Range at Nineteen Bar and Grill is run on a turn-up-and-play basis or to be booked online in advance. There are 16 floodlit and heated range bays on two tiers, all under shelter, with disabled access to both tiers and table service from Nineteen Bar and Grill. Perfect for a fun group activity in the afternoon.
- The Mallard Cinema in Guernsey and The Alderney Cinema are our local independent cinemas. Here you can watch a range of the newest releases in a cosy, comfortable environment.
- Ideal for a rainy afternoon, there are eateries to visit for Afternoon Tea across our Islands. Read this blog to find the best afternoon tea spots on Guernsey.
- Our capital, St Peter Port, has a wide range of independent shops. Wander down the high street and find the perfect gift for a loved one back home, or yourself. After your retail therapy, pop into one of the many cafes for a spot of lunch or a cosy coffee and cake break.
- For an indoor experience for families, head to Oatlands Village. In the village you will find Rebecca’s Chocolates, a variety of shops including a craft store, a mini golf course, go-karts, trampolines and The Kiln Cafe and Restaurant. For younger visitors we recommend Oaty and Joey’s Playbarn for running off some steam.
10) Unique Island Hopping
The Islands of Guernsey are made up of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Lihou, each with their own history and charm. With easy access to each island from Guernsey by boat or plane (or foot in the case of Lihou), our archipelago is perfect for an island-hopping holiday. From the beaches and shops to the restaurants and cafes, there is so much to discover on our Islands.
Find out more about visiting our Islands for a winter escape here.
