10 Reasons to Make Guernsey your Autumn Getaway

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Islands of Guernsey. The sun is out and the air is crisp and fresh, perfect for all kinds of adventures.

Whether you want to get outside on a hike, take a dip in our crystal clear waters, experience local food or dance the evening away with a live performance, there's something for everyone this season. Here are just 10 reasons why you should make Guernsey your autumn getaway this year.

1) Quick and Easy to Reach

Whether you're here for a quick weekend break or a family holiday with your four legged friend, getting to our Islands from the UK is simple. With flight times from just 30 minutes with Aurigny and Blue Islands and boats from 3 hours with Condor Ferries, you can feel a world a way in no time.

2) Unique Places to Stay

From boutique boltholes to 5-star hotels, glamping cabins to Nordic tents, there are countless wonderful places to stay in Guernsey. Whether you want to stay and be pampered in a spa hotel in the middle of St Peter Port or make a home-away-from-home in one of our self-catering cottages, there will be a perfect place for you to stay.

Why not explore the converted Fermain Tower, a shepherds hut by the coast, a safari tent with sea views or a private cabin with a sauna?

Find a full list of our accommodation options here.

3) Explore our Food Festival - Tennerfest

If you want to explore our local food scene, autumn is the best time of year to do so, with the Tennerfest Food Festival spanning October and November. The Tennerfest is the Island's annual food celebration, with many eateries offering set menus at lower costs. Restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafés all take part in providing fixed-priced menus showcasing the best of their cuisine and local produce. The festival has prices from 3 courses for £10 up to £30, depending on the restaurant, letting you explore Guernsey's gastronomy for less.

4) Join in the Autumn Walking Festival

The Autumn Walking Festival is one of the best ways to explore Guernsey on foot. An annual event, the festival is a series of organised daily walks, led by experienced guides from the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides. Whether you’re looking for an easy amble or a more challenging hike, want to walk the cobbled streets of St Peter Port or traverse the cliff paths in Herm, there are walks to suit everyone.

You'll find over 35 walks taking place over the course of 16 days. You can choose to join in on any of the walks that take your fancy, exploring Guernsey and learning things you may not have known before.

5) Dive into A Table In Guernsey Food Festival

Celebrate the harvest season by sampling the artisanal cuisines of the Islands of Guernsey. With a variety of activities on offer, Guernsey’s festival of local produce provides fun family excursions, street party ambience and plenty of options for cosy autumnal evenings.

From the 4th-12th October, A Table In Guernsey food festival invites you to explore Guernsey's local dining and its diverse culinary influences.

Visiting Chefs and Culinary Competition

Join us at three exclusive dinner events that will see visiting chefs put a unique spin on local Guernsey cuisine. With a diverse demonstration of flavours and cultures, these evenings are a true celebration of the artistry of cooking.

Stephen Holland at La Reunion | 4 October
Guernsey v Jersey at Duke of Richmond | 11 October
Bertus Basson at the OGH | 12 October

Producer Tastings

Get straight to the heart of local Guernsey produce by embarking on a Local Producer Tour. With a behind-the-scenes look at the artisanal food of the island, you will see how local producers create their products, including farm-fresh produce, cider and gin.

Guernsey Dairy Producer Tasting | 7 and 9 October
Rocquette Cider Tasting | 8 October 10am and 1pm
Channel Islands Liquor Company Tasting | 9 and 11 October
The Little Big Brew Co | Time to be confirmed

Street Food Fest

Head to the Guernsey Market Place to experience the Street Food Festival, where local establishments will come together to showcase their culinary creations. With special guest Spudman, the viral TikTok sensation, the Street Food Festival promises a full day of gourmet festivities

6) Outdoor Adventures - Hiking & Swimming

Our milder climate in Guernsey means that you can still enjoy getting outdoors in the autumn months.

Hiking in Guernsey is a popular pastime. Our cliff paths and country lanes are the perfect backdrop for a wellness walk or hike. For ideas of where to walk, you can download the VisitGuernsey App, with routes filtered by difficulty and duration, or read this blog.

Wild swimming is an excellent autumn activity, with the sea around our Island's reaching its highest temperatures in September & October. The air may still be cold though, so make sure you remember to bring plenty of layers and a hot drink to warm up after your swim.

Our new VisitGuernsey App swimming guides can help you filter over 45 swimming spots by difficulty and ease of access, so you can find your ideal place to swim. If you are a solo traveller looking to join in a group adventure and swim with experienced locals here are some great groups to contact:

The Mental Tentacles - a group of wild swimmers, including our local ambassador, Jayne, who meet to swim, socialise and make fun videos to post on social media.
Guernsey Swim Adventures - a group offering a variety of wild swimming breaks and adventures as well as more relaxed social swims at various locations around the Island.
Guernsey Open Water Swimming - a Facebook group where locals arrange swimming meet-ups that are free for anyone to join.
Guernsey Swim All Seasons - another Facebook group where members can organise casual swims and meet-ups. This group is geared towards people wanting to start swimming all year round or to find a swimming buddy.

To explore our Islands from a new perspective, consider hiring bikes. You can see the sites, discover our ruettes tranquilles and enjoy the fresh air while you travel. A range of bikes suitable for the whole family are available at:

Go Guernsey and Adventure Cycles on Guernsey
A to B Cycles, Avenue Cycles and Bam’s Bikes on Sark.
Cycle and Surf on Alderney.

Find even more ways to get outdoors on our Islands here.

7) Celebrate Harvest with Hedge Veg

Hedge Veg is a quirky tradition from a time gone by that has stood the test of time here on the Islands of Guernsey, evolving to become a unique and charming staple of Island life.

If you wander around the lanes of the Islands of Guernsey, it won't be long until you happen upon a Hedge Veg stall, where islanders sell homegrown goods. Traditionally, you would find homegrown Guernsey tomatoes, potatoes and other veg or eggs from free-range chickens at these stalls. Occasionally, you may spot a well-thumbed classic novel left for the next reader to enjoy, homemade sweet treats and even freshly baked bread.

8) Discover Fascinating History & Culture

Explore the many different art 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. We also have exhibitions and galleries displaying a range of local and international art this autumn.

Castle Cornet is an 800-year-old castle in 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 programme of temporary exhibitions and art displays, as well as a cafe housed in a Victorian bandstand.
Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey's west coast after a series of wrecks that occurred in the rocky waters, known locally as the "Cup and Saucer", that now houses the Shipwreck Museum.
The German Occupation Museum is within walking distance of the island's airport, providing insight into life in Guernsey during the occupation.
The Underground Hospital is the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands that is almost invisible from the surface.

9) Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day

If you want to settle down with a cosy craft or hide from the elements outside, there are lots of indoor activities to take part in on our Islands.

Our local art studio, Iris and Dora, offers a variety of creative activities, including their popular pottery painting.
Head to Guernsey Candles, a local family-run business, to have a go at making your own unique candle. Their on-site gift shop is also filled with artistic pieces, homeware and gifts.
Stop by Rebecca’s Chocolates at Oatlands Village. You can choose from a range of homemade chocolates or have a go at creating your own in a chocolate-making session.
The Mallard Cinema is our local independent cinema. Here you can watch the newest releases in a cosy, comfortable environment, the perfect way to pass a rainy autumn afternoon.
If you love golf and want an activity with a bit more excitement, have a go at the Driving Range at Nineteen Bar and Grill. Play on one of their sheltered driving range bays and enjoy some delicious food.
For those looking to try their hand at a new sport, why not hire a court at one of the local centres and out your skills to the test. Discover climbing, squash, badminton, tennis, padel and football.

10) Seasonal Festivals and Music

Even in the autumn months, we still have so much to do on our Islands. From food festivals to live music events, relaxed local markets to spooky Halloween parties, there is so much planned this month on our Islands. Here are just five of the exciting events we have coming up during these autumn months.

1st-31st October: Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins - Pick your perfect locally grown Pumpkin for Halloween at Le Hechet Farm. Meet the farm animals, take photos on tractors and enjoy a Le Hechet Farm ice cream while you’re there.
5th and 6th October: Guernsey Film Fest 2024 - This free weekend at the Mallard Cinema will present local and international films, from short and feature length films of all genres to documentaries.
10th October: Rick Buckler of The Jam : A Night of Memories & Music- Featuring the legendary drummer of The Jam, Rick Buckler, A Night of Memories & Music is your chance to witness history in the making. Feel the rhythm of “A Town Called Malice,” and get lost in the soulful sounds that define a generation, as he recalls all his memories plus stills, videos, and music. It’s a must for all fans of The Jam!
19th October: Souper Spooky Saturday - Make your way to the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park for a "Souper Spooky" Halloween-themed afternoon, perfect for families.
26th October: Abba-pocalypse at St James - The BIG Halloween party with the UK's best Abba Tribute Act: Abba Arrival, perfect to brighten up a spooky October night.

You can see more things to do here.