Guernsey, Channel Islands

The Islands of Guernsey are made up of five beautiful Islands with a French twist, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Lihou. Guernsey is the perfect base from which to explore the Islands on foot, by bicycle or even horse and cart on Sark.

A location some 112 kms from the south coast of Britain but only 40kms from the coast of France makes the Channel Island of Guernsey an ideal location for cruise calls. St Peter Port has been a popular port of call for many years and is capable of handling at least two large cruise liners at any one time with a high turnover of between 90 and 100 calls per year.

Guernsey’s cruise liner passengers disembark at a dedicated cruise pontoon 600 metres from the town centre. During a short tender transfer from the liner into St Peter Port harbour (5–10 minutes) our visitors admire the beautiful panoramic views, which include Guernsey’s sister Islands of Herm and Sark. On a clear day passengers may also see Alderney to the north and south to Jersey.

CruiseGuernsey has a disability awareness team to assist visiting cruise passengers. The team have undergone Hidden Disability Training, alongside enhancing the existing welcome teams to support anyone in need of a rest on a hot day or requiring additional assistance before boarding the return tenders

Set on a hillside watching over the gateway to Guernsey, is St Peter Port town. The delightful pocket-sized capital of Guernsey is a vibrant mix of hustle and bustle with a distinctly continental atmosphere. St Peter Port is unquestionably served by one of the most picturesque harbours in Europe. Whilst only 40 square kms in size, Guernsey offers stunning scenery, historic buildings, fascinating museums, 480kms of country lanes, and some of the best beaches in Europe. All of these different ingredients, combined with the friendliness of the people, come together to create the unique atmosphere that makes Guernsey the Island of choice.

Top Five Facts About Guernsey

1. During WW2 the islands were invaded and occupied by the German army and occupied for five years.  Many families were separated during this time and reminders of the occupation can still be seen around the island today.
2. French author and poet Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile in Guernsey from 1855 and the island provided the inspiration for many of his fine works, including Les Miserables and Toilers of the Sea. Hauteville House, his home during his exile is open to the public.
3. The south coast cliffs provided inspiration for French Impressionist painter, Renoir. Moulin Huet bay was depicted in one of his works.
4. The Albion Pub is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the closest pub to a church in the British Isles due to the proximity of a gargoyle on the North East wing of the Town church.
5. All post boxes in Guernsey are blue except for one post box in St Peter Port’s Union Street which is painted in its original red dating from 1853. It’s also the oldest surviving cast-iron pillar box still in daily use in the British Isles.