The Islands of GUERNSEY

Start your trip in Guernsey, the hub of the Bailiwick, where fascinating heritage and breath-taking scenery sit alongside indulgent dining. From the picturesque St Peter Port harbour, with its cobbled walkways and bountiful floral displays, Guernsey’s sister islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney are all waiting to be discovered, only a short journey away.

Guernsey to Sark 

How far is Guernsey from Sark? Sark is fust over 10 miles away and a swift 55-minute boat ride from St Peter Port. This small, pretty island has a surprising array of things to do – all of course at the slow and relaxed local pace.

As a car-free haven, you can hire a bike or set off on foot to explore secluded bays and coastal paths with dramatic views, making sure to stop (and marvel) at the spectacular La Coupée causeway linking Sark to Little Sark. Horse-drawn carriages offer a less-strenuous way to tour the charming, dusty lanes, though however you travel, after a day of exploring, a plate of the infamous local lobster is always well-deserved!

For stargazers, an overnight stay is highly-recommended. When darkness falls, the island reveals the jewel in her crown as the world’s first ‘Dark Sky Island’, with a blanket of star-spun skies as far as the eye can see. Visit the Sark Observatory to hire out a telescope, or simply relax inside and watch the skies from the big screen, linked to the Astronomy Society’s own telescope.

How to get to Sark from Guernsey: The Isle of Sark Shipping Company provides a passenger service from the Inter-Island Quay at St Peter Port Harbour travels several times a day.

Visit Herm 

The sweeping golden sands of Herm are easily visible from Guernsey on a clear day, yet nothing quite prepares you for the wave of relaxation you feel when stepping off the ferry, just 20 minutes later.

Take a leisurely stroll from the harbour across the common, before making the difficult choice of which stunning beach to call your own. It’s hard to imagine a day more perfect than enjoying fresh crab sandwiches whilst watching the lapping waves in Belvoir bay.

For those who love to explore, Neolithic burial sites and stunning cliff paths beckon. But for most, a day in Herm is about the simple pleasures: relaxing and recharging in paradise. After a day in the sun, there’s just time for a refreshing dip at Shell Beach and a nip to the island gift shops for the obligatory souvenirs before catching your boat home. Staying for a night or two? Then the delights of dusky empty beaches, unspoilt starry skies and friendly taverns are still yours to explore.
How to get from Guernsey to Herm: The Travel Trident Ferry company departs several times daily from St Peter Port depending on the season.

Discover Alderney 

Although bigger than her neighbouring isles, Alderney is the perfect size to explore in a long day or two. After a short flight or boat trip from Guernsey, find yourself in this picturesque, friendly island that boasts wonderful wildlife as part of its unique charm. As a designated Ramsar site and home to two nature reserves, it is no surprise that Alderney is a nature-lover’s paradise. Where else in the world can you take a boat trip to spot puffins, visit a Gannet colony and go in search of rare animal species (such as the blonde-haired hedgehog) all before lunch?

After working up an appetite, head to the quaint St Anne’s to be spoilt for dining options or enjoy a picnic on one of the Island’s stunning beaches. Afternoons are best spent on long unspoilt coastal walks visiting historic forts scattered across the landscape or, in summer months, by taking a scenic train ride on the charming Alderney railway.

How to get from Guernsey to Alderney: You can fly to Alderney from Guernsey in 20 minutes using the Aurigny Air Services. Alternatively, you can travel by ferry from St Peter Port with the Little Ferry Company, offering a daily service in the summer, with a journey time of around 60 minutes.

Read our full guide to Alderney here.

Guernsey alone is a fantastic location, yet the islands really add to Guernsey’s charm with each of their unique qualities and appeal. Book your ferry over to Guernsey for a short break or holiday and discover the beauty of the islands for yourself.