Regardless of being only a brief flight or ferry journey from the UK, the Channel Island by some means keep underneath the radar for household holidays – however with so many issues to do in Guernsey with children, right here’s why they need to be firmly in your wishlist.
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As soon as a part of France, they’re now a Crown dependency – a part of the British Isles however not the UK, so that you get a singular mixture of influences, in addition to an environment that’s Guernsey’s alone.
And with smaller islands together with Alderney, Herm and Sark to discover too, some little-known wartime historical past, a few of Europe’s most lovely seashores and a relaxing out vibe, it makes the right straightforward getaway.
Seashores
With curving sweeps of pale sand and the clearest turquoise water, you may fortunately spend most of your vacation on the seaside – there’s an entire part on the finest seashores in Guernsey on the vacationer board’s web site however listed below are a couple of household favourites to begin you off.
On the shoreline of Guernsey alone, there are an entire string of pretty seashores the place children can construct sandcastles, swim within the sea, go rockpooling, or participate in numerous water sports activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Cobo Bay is one in all Guernsey’s hottest family-friendly seashores, with mushy white sand, crystal clear waters, and rock swimming pools at low tide. The seaside is definitely accessible through a slipway and has a spread of facilities close by, together with a restaurant, chip store, pub, and tearoom.
Not distant horseshoe-shaped Port Soif seaside has calm waters that are nice for households, with sand dunes sheltering the seaside itself. There’s a kiosk to get meals plus bogs right here.
Or Vazon Bay is the biggest seaside in Guernsey and one other widespread spot for households. There’s loads of area for little ones to play on the sand and splash within the waves, whereas older children can benefit from the big vary of watersports, together with browsing. There are many amenities round right here as effectively, together with locations to eat.
For a barely extra peaceable and secluded expertise, Petit Bot is a beautiful sheltered bay that’s excellent for teenagers of all ages to swim in its calm waters – it’s price understanding that there’s a rocky part main all the way down to the shore, and it does get busy in summer season, so get there early. There’s a restaurant right here with bogs too.
Should you’re visiting Herm, Shell Seashore and close by Belvoir Seashore each have little cafes with bogs and water which might be straight from the Caribbean. Belvoir Seashore is down a set of steps, however they’re each straightforward to achieve and strolling distance from the harbour.
La Vallette Bathing Swimming pools
For youthful youngsters and fewer assured swimmers, the La Vallette Bathing Swimming pools on the east coast of Guernsey supply a safer various to swimming within the open sea.
The distinctive man-made swimming pools date again over 150 years and are naturally stuffed by seawater throughout excessive tide. The rock partitions supply safety from sturdy currents and waves, whereas there are additionally shallow areas the place smaller youngsters can safely paddle and play within the water.
The swimming pools are utterly free to make use of, with loads of newly-built amenities together with bogs, altering rooms, freshwater showers, and a year-round cafe.
Kayaking
The most effective methods to benefit from the coast of Guernsey is from the water, with kayak excursions to get you out onto the water with Out of doors Guernsey.
They’re appropriate for age 4+, with double kayaks and child-size paddles and life vests, and the corporate chooses the perfect place to go to primarily based on the climate and tides, so it’s much less strenuous than sea kayaking may be.
We headed out from Petit Bot for a paddle across the coast, visiting a few small caves, discovering extra in regards to the historic rock formations, and watching the ocean birds (in addition to a couple of patches of white water from a protected distance).
Count on to get moist, but it surely’s a unbelievable solution to spend a few hours absorbing the peace out on the waves.
You can even rent kayaks and SUPs, in addition to attempting a few of their different actions, from get up paddleboard outings and coasteering to land actions corresponding to archery and excessive ropes.
Browsing
Whereas not as well-known as different browsing locations, Guernsey is a good place for the entire household to offer browsing a strive, with loads of beginner-friendly surf breaks and heat water throughout the summer season months.
Vazon Bay is Guernsey’s hottest surf spot, particularly amongst inexperienced persons. Right here you’ll discover Guernsey Surf College, which affords non-public lessons, household classes, and numerous vacation/summer season camps for youngsters aged 4+.
When you’re feeling extra assured, you too can take a look at extra superior surf spots on the island, like close by Portinfer and Perelle, the place you’ll discover stronger swells and larger breaks.
Go island hopping
Whereas there’s a lot to maintain you on Guernsey itself, it additionally makes an incredible base to discover a number of the smaller islands which make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Herm
Herm is likely one of the best: a 20-minute boat journey with Journey Trident ferries from Peter Port to Herm’s harbour, with the whole lot on the island in strolling distance. You may get round the entire island in about two hours, though you shouldn’t resist the temptation to amble and sit on the seashores.
Shell Seashore and Belvoir Seashore are two of the loveliest, however there are additionally views to take in, wildflower-lined clifftop paths to wander, the Rosaire steps to stroll down, a zen backyard to search out and St Tugual’s Chapel to discover. There are excursions and outside actions to strive right here as effectively, however half the pleasure is stress-free and having fun with the sweetness.
Alderney
Alderney is additional to achieve – you will get connecting flights which take simply quarter-hour, in addition to the 90-minute ferry which runs two-three occasions per day. Alternatively, you possibly can ebook numerous water taxis and constitution providers for those who want.
The island is dwelling to the Channel Islands’ solely working railway, the Alderney Railway and a Roman fort, in addition to a lighthouse and Second World Conflict statement tower. You can even spot wombles on the island’s museum. It’s round twice the scale of Herm however nonetheless solely three miles lengthy.
Sark
One other ferry runs to little Sark, round 45 minutes from Guernsey, which runs a number of occasions a day between April and October, or you too can constitution boats to take you there.
Automobiles are banned on the island, so aside from tractors, you’ll solely discover horse-drawn carriages and bikes as a substitute for strolling. An identical dimension to Alderney, it’s excellent for those who love getting open air – there’s kayaking, coasteering, wild swimming and strolling paths galore. You possibly can even strive a donkey stroll!
Island RIB voyages
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Guernsey with children, this made my daughter’s prime three from our most up-to-date journey to the island.
There are numerous totally different experiences to strive however the Herm Explorer wildlife voyage – which we tried – is likely one of the finest for households to begin with. Only a brief distance over to Herm, you possibly can spot puffins (for those who’re fortunate!) between round April and June, and generally see dolphins as effectively.
You’re nearly assured to see seals lounging on the rocks round Herm, wanting as inquisitively over to the boats because the passengers are to them, plus seabirds galore, and little towers dotted within the sea. In between the wildlife recognizing, there are a couple of adrenaline thrills thrown in, so that you’re assured to complete with an enormous smile in your face.
Sark Coasts and Caves will take you a bit additional afield, whereas there’s an opportunity to study pirates and smugglers on the Legends of the Coast journey, amongst different choices.
Strolling on Guernsey
Away from the coast, there’s some lovely countryside to discover on Guernsey as effectively, with family-friendly strolling routes in addition to extra severe mountaineering.
The VisitGuernsey app has numerous totally different routes to strive, with the choice to filter them by island in addition to straightforward and family-friendly choices, plus trails on the opposite smaller islands too.
There’s the whole lot from walks by St Peter Port to assist uncover extra of the island’s historical past and a simple 2-mile stroll alongside the coast round Port Soif, to longer routes.
Maintain an eye fixed out for a number of the island’s quirky landmarks as you discover too. Monkey and Camel rocks, not removed from Cobo Seashore, get their identify due to their form or discover the Fairy Ring within the far west of the island – you possibly can stroll it from Portelet Harbour.
You can even be part of one of many day by day guided walks round St Peter Port which go away at 10.30 from the vacationer workplace, in addition to following your personal self-guided tour on a telephone.
We stayed on the pretty Fermain Valley Lodge, round a five-minute drive from St Peter Port, and an incredible base to discover the island
Citadel Cornet
One among Guernsey’s predominant landmarks, the 800-year-old fortress of Citadel Cornet in St Peter Port is a enjoyable place to discover with children and get a glimpse into Guernsey’s previous.
The large citadel and its sprawling gardens are excellent for a household time out, with self-guided children trails, common craft occasions, and even a dressing up room filled with medieval costumes which you could borrow throughout your go to. Count on wax figures bringing the historical past alive, whereas we additionally discovered video games tucked away in a single stone room.
Youngsters can even love the Noonday Gun too, which is fired each day at noon by two guards in nineteenth century costume, typically adopted by stay re-enactments of tales from Guernsey’s previous.
Citadel Cornet can be dwelling to 4 museums; the Story of Citadel Cornet; 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum; Royal Guernsey Gentle Infantry Museum and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum, which all have themed exercise sheets to maintain little ones engaged.
Maintain an eye fixed out for Citadel Nights throughout the summer season as effectively, with stay music – deliver a picnic, and the night-time live shows are free to get pleasure from.
Guernsey Museum
Additionally positioned in St Peter Port, Guernsey Museum and Artwork Gallery is a enjoyable place to search out out extra in regards to the historical past, tradition, and artwork of Guernsey and its individuals, in addition to being a very good place to go to in Guernsey within the rain.
The museum has loads of interactive and hands-on studying experiences for guests of all ages. Themed household trails and exercise sheets can be found to assist youngsters work together with the galleries and shows – throughout our first go to, there have been some spectacular Lego creations on show.
The Discovery Room is a devoted area for households, with particular reveals, retro video games, and conventional toys. The room additionally has a role-play space known as The Timewarp, which is modified annually to show children a couple of totally different time interval in a enjoyable and immersive approach.
Candie Gardens
When you’ve completed on the Guernsey Museum, head simply outdoors to discover the encircling Candie Gardens.
The gorgeous public gardens are set on a hillside with unbelievable views down over St Peter Port, and are stuffed with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and winding pathways – plus a statue of Victor Hugo!
The gardens have a number of small ponds the place children can watch the fish and feed the geese. There’s additionally loads of open garden area to get pleasure from a picnic on a sunny day, with a small cafe serving drinks and truffles within the centre.
Victoria Tower
For the most effective views in Guernsey, head to the Victoria Tower, which appears like an enormous stone chess piece, not removed from the Guernsey Museum and Candie Gardens.
You may get the important thing from the museum throughout opening hours and let your self in to climb the 99 steps as much as the viewing platform which stretches the entire approach across the tower, to look out throughout St Peter Port to the ocean and inland.
In-built 1848 to commemorate the go to of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert two years earlier than, it was the primary go to by a reigning monarch to the island – apparently the Queen had an sudden free day and ordered the royal yacht to Guernsey as she needed to see what the Channel Islands had been actually like.
Sausmarez Manor
For an additional family-friendly slice of historical past, Sausmarez Manor is a stately dwelling in Guernsey that’s recognized for its child-friendly sights in addition to its subtropical gardens and lengthy historical past.
One household has owned the property for over 800 years, and you’ll hear tales from over the centuries on a guided tour of the manor home. Older youngsters may additionally get pleasure from a number of the historic home’s spookier tales on the nightly ghost excursions.
The home’s grounds additionally function a tea room, youngsters’s play space, just a little ride-on practice, 9 gap pitch and putt, and a sculpture park stuffed with numerous artworks. Most outside actions are solely accessible between Easter and the tip of October.
Hauteville Home
Victor Hugo spent 15 years of his life on Guernsey, after being banished from France in 1851 (then additionally expelled from Belgium and Jersey) due to his political views.
After his ebook of poems, Les Contemplations, turned a best-selling hit, he purchased Hauteville Home after falling in love with the island. It’s on Guernsey that he wrote Les Miserables, in addition to different works, and you’ll nonetheless see inside the home which he adorned, designed and furnished himself.
Whereas it won’t enchantment to toddlers, the eccentric author had an equally memorable dwelling so there’s a lot for older children to understand, as you discover from the shadowy floor flooring to the glass-roofed room on the highest flooring. Look out for decorations impressed by The Hunchback of Notre-Dame as you discover.
Entry to the home should be prebooked, though you too can go to the backyard with out reserving.
The Little Chapel
The Little Chapel is likely one of the most well-known vacationer sights in Guernsey. It was constructed by Brother Déodat within the early 1900s as a miniature model of the well-known Lourdes basilica in France.
The tiny chapel is believed to be one of many smallest church buildings on the earth. Coated with intricate mosaics, seashells, and vibrant items of china, its magical, fairytale-esque ambiance is bound to spark youngsters’s creativeness.
Batterie Mirus
The Channel Islands had been the one a part of the British Isles to be occupied throughout the Second World Conflict, part of historical past which was typically little-known outdoors the islands themselves – no less than till The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society topped the bestseller lists.
And you’ll nonetheless see and go to a number of the gun emplacements, bunkers and tunnels constructed by the Germans throughout the Nazi occupation. Because the westernmost Channel Island, Guernsey was notably strategically necessary, and was fortified extensively throughout the five-year occupation.
Batterie Mirus is likely one of the 4 predominant gun websites on the island, and you’ll solely go to it on a tour – Amanda Johns runs each private and non-private excursions. Whereas the large gun itself (taken from a First World Conflict dreadnought) is lengthy gone, you possibly can nonetheless see images of it being transported and put in, and the large bowl of the gun battery.
However past that, there are a string of tunnels and barracks, in addition to rooms used to function the gun battery – from storing ammunition to the machines required. Higher for tweens and teenagers who can recognize the historical past, you possibly can nonetheless see unique paintwork on the partitions of the bunker, together with Nazi symbols – chilling, however a singular solution to perceive extra of this era of historical past.
You can even go to the German Underground Hospital, additionally used as an ammunition retailer, the biggest Second World Conflict construction within the Channel Islands
German Occupation Museum
For older youngsters with an curiosity in historical past, the German Occupation Museum affords extra perception into life in Guernsey throughout the Second World Conflict too.
The brief video in the beginning of the museum is a useful introduction to the Nazi occupation, for those who don’t know an incredible deal about this period of historical past, plus there’s a stunning array of reveals and unique artefacts within the small museum, courting again to the Nineteen Forties.
There’s even a recreation of an occupation-era road, with life-sized fashions and scenes depicting life on the island throughout German occupation. There’s not an incredible deal that’s interactive, and the subject material means it’s not very best for youthful children, so I’d solely recommend this for teenagers and older tweens although.
For teenagers with a specific curiosity on this interval of historical past, the German Naval Alerts HQ museum is ready in an unique bunker, and in addition price a go to
Fort Gray & the Shipwreck Museum
Sitting on the western coast of Guernsey, Fort Gray is a historic coastal fortress that’s recognized to locals because the “cup and saucer” because of its uncommon form.
The fort’s central tower is dwelling to the Shipwreck Museum, which tells the tales of those that tragically misplaced their lives at sea and shows many objects recovered from native wrecks.
The museum has children trails, exercise sheets, and enjoyable quizzes. There are additionally “Discovery Sacks” accessible to mortgage from the store, that are stuffed with objects together with a pair of binoculars, a compass, a magnifying glass, and pirate equipment.
Pirate Bay Journey Golf
There’s an added problem to this enjoyable 12-hole mini golf course – pulling your self throughout the water on rafts, in addition to dodging volcanoes and placing by graveyards.
There’s sufficient problem at Pirate Bay Journey Golf to maintain everybody on their A recreation, however you may additionally come away with a few holes in a single. A really enjoyable solution to spend half an hour or so.
A part of Golf 19, there’s additionally a correct 18-hole course with classes on supply in addition to the junior academy in case your children need to transfer from loopy golf to the true factor.
Mini golf at Oatlands
In case your children need greater than 12 holes, there’s one other enjoyable mini golf course at Oatlands – one in all a number of family-friendly sights on the website.
A number of the 18 holes are themed round different video games – dodging bowling pins at Fortunate Strike, for instance – or have numerous difficult (and sometimes fiendish) obstacles to get round.
Should you’re visiting Guernsey with toddlers and youthful children, take a look at Oaty & Joey’s Play Barn on the identical website, one other good possibility for a wet day in Guernsey with children. Don’t miss a go to to The Kiln both, with some unbelievable truffles (together with vegan choices) and nice breakfasts.
Guernsey Candles candle-making
Unleash your inventive streak with a personalised hand-carved candle at Guernsey Candles – select your personal color scheme, dip the wax after which carve your candle to complete.
There’s assist available to get an incredible end result, with folds, dribbles and color blends. Nearly too good to burn!
The candle-making workshop is on the best as you head in to the complicated, plus you should purchase pre-made candles too.
Feed the Guernsey gold goats
This uncommon breed of goat is as eye-catching because the identify suggests – you possibly can spot them chewing away fortunately of their subject simply off Route des Sages.
Or you possibly can cease in to feed them as effectively. Head to Golden Guernsey Goats Cheese the place you possibly can decide up some feed within the farm store for a pound (in addition to some cheese, after all, and different treats).
Up climbing indoor climbing
Head to Up Climbing for an additional enjoyable possibility for Guernsey within the rain with children – or in case you have eager indoor climbers who need to practise their abilities.
You don’t want any earlier expertise, with classes supervised by an teacher for teenagers (and induction classes for adults), together with a Traverse Wall that you just climb sideways – whereas it’s 2.4m excessive, you don’t need to be greater than 30cm off the bottom for those who’re not eager on heights.
There are additionally 9 excessive ropes partitions , that are 5-7m excessive, in addition to bouldering partitions to strive. There are even toddler classes for age 2+.
Prebooking is strongly beneficial, particularly if you’re a novice, to make sure there’s an teacher free for the session.
Iris & Dora artwork studio
Create your personal excellent memento of Guernsey on the Iris & Dora artwork studio on Ruette Braye, simply outdoors central St Peter Port, by portray your personal piece of pottery.
Youngsters are welcome, and there are a few choices together with acrylic paint – very best for those who don’t have time to attend on your pottery to be fired (or your children can’t wait to take their creation dwelling). Prebooking is beneficial throughout college holidays or on wet days, though you possibly can simply drop in – and there’s outside portray if the solar shines.
The place to eat in Guernsey with children
The islands are usually very family-friendly so that you received’t be wanting locations to eat in Guernsey with children, together with loads of seaside kiosks and cafes for a relaxed snack or meal. These are a couple of of our different favourites:
The Rockmount
Referred to as The Rocky to locals, the pub is barely a brief distance from Cobo Bay, with some unbelievable meals – there’s seafood galore (from a Guernsey crab sandwich to mussels, seafood sharing plates and extra) plus a children’ menu, conventional pub favourites and a few very tempting desserts.
Reserving is beneficial – The Rockmount is a good dimension, however unsurprisingly widespread. There are additionally outside tables, though they’re on the highway.
Crepe Maison
A enjoyable place to seize a chew to eat in St Peter Port, there are conventional Breton galettes in addition to crepes, with each candy and savoury choices on the menu at Crepe Maison.
Should you don’t fancy a crepe, there are additionally truffles and ice cream, plus charcuterie and cheese boards in addition to sandwiches.
The Kiln
One among our favorite locations for brunch or breakfast, The Kiln additionally has scrumptious truffles (together with vegan choices) whereas lunch choices embrace burgers, sandwiches and salads.
There’s a youngsters’s menu as effectively, plus some outside tables for when the solar is shining. Nice to mix with a go to to the play barn or mini golf course too.
Crabby Jacks
If you need a assure of family-friendliness, virtually everybody in Crabby Jacks had children with them once we visited. TV screens performed Coco and Lilo & Sew, there’s a children’ menu plus it’s proper close to Vazon Bay.
Higher with youthful children, it wasn’t one in all my very own private favourites, however is unquestionably a preferred possibility.
Seafront Sundays
Should you’re visiting Guernsey between Could and August, preserve an eye fixed out for Seafront Sundays – the seafront closes on sure Sundays with market stalls bobbing up alongside the waterfront, in addition to meals stalls.
We noticed the whole lot from Thai and paella to pizza and burgers, plus there was stay music and numerous treats from doughnuts to ice cream on sale.
Disclosure: My most up-to-date go to to Guernsey was courtesy of Go to Guernsey – I acquired free entry into a number of the websites and sights listed above, and paid for others myself. All opinions about the perfect issues to do in Guernsey with children are my very own (and my daughter’s) and I’ve been a confirmed fan since my first go to to the island. This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee.
Photographs: Little Chapel/climbing wall courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels