About Guernsey
Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands are ‘big sister’ to the group of dependant isles that make up the Bailiwick – Alderney, Sark, Herm and Jethou. Despite sharing common roots, Guernsey has managed to retain a more leisurely pace of life that is threatened by commercialism elsewhere.
One of the island’s greatest assets is St Peter Port harbour and the sheltered waters of the roadstead outside, which together provide the safest haven in the Channel Islands, accessible at any state of tide and almost any weather. This has been exploited through the centuries, establishing Guernsey as a vital staging port on lucrative trading routes. Evidence of this goes back to Roman times, by the discovery in 1984 of the remains of a flat-bottomed Gallo-Roman vessel in the harbour entrance. Its cargo of pottery and tiles and pottery confirms that it is the oldest wreck to be discovered in the British Isles.
The harbour is dominated by Castle Cornet which was an important stronghold up to Napoleonic times. Apart from being captured by the French on three occasions, it was a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War – the last in the British Isles to be overcome to be overcome. It is now a museum.
Today it is yacht crews that throng the waterfront and in high season the harbour can brim with pleasure craft of all flags. Somehow the friendly marina staff can always find room for one more. For the cruising fraternity, St Peter Port is a popular stopover en route to North Brittany, while others find that the excellent facilities and close proximity of Herm and Sark make it an ideal holiday base for day sailing.
Ashore
There is a comprehensive selection of shops, restaurants and bars close to St Peter Port’s marinas. Saltwater Restaurant and Bar on Albert Quay (Phone 720823) specialising in local sea food is recommended, Castle Cornet overlooking the harbour has a fascinating maritime museum, and also a museum dedicated to the affiliated 201 Squadron, RAF.
Before venturing out of town, the Visitor Information Centre on the Esplanade can advice on the numerous environmental and historical sites in the island. You will need to rent a car or take a bus for a visit to the west coast and Lihou Island with its bird sanctuary.
Beau Sejour Leisure Centre on the outskirts of St Peter Port is a sports centre with a gym and 25m pool.