Regardless of being only a brief flight or ferry trip from the UK, the Channel Island by some means keep below 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 novel 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 proper simple getaway.
Seashores
With curving sweeps of pale sand and the clearest turquoise water, you possibly can fortunately spend most of your vacation on the seashore – there’s a complete part on the finest seashores in Guernsey on the vacationer board’s web site however listed below are a number of household favourites to start out you off.
On the shoreline of Guernsey alone, there are a complete string of beautiful seashores the place children can construct sandcastles, swim within the sea, go rockpooling, or participate in varied water sports activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Cobo Bay is considered one of Guernsey’s hottest family-friendly seashores, with smooth white sand, crystal clear waters, and rock swimming pools at low tide. The seashore is definitely accessible by way of a slipway and has a variety of facilities close by, together with a restaurant, chip store, pub, and tearoom.
Not far-off horseshoe-shaped Port Soif seashore has calm waters that are nice for households, with sand dunes sheltering the seashore itself. There’s a kiosk to get meals plus bogs right here.
Or Vazon Bay is the biggest seashore in Guernsey and one other common 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 services round right here as properly, together with locations to eat.
For a barely extra peaceable and secluded expertise, Petit Bot is a beautiful sheltered bay that’s good for teenagers of all ages to swim in its calm waters – it’s price realizing that there’s a rocky part main right down to the shore, and it does get busy in summer time, so get there early. There’s a restaurant right here with bogs too.
For those who’re visiting Herm, Shell Seaside and close by Belvoir Seaside each have little cafes with bogs and water which might be straight from the Caribbean. Belvoir Seaside is down a set of steps, however they’re each simple to achieve and strolling distance from the harbour.
La Vallette Bathing Swimming pools
For youthful kids and fewer assured swimmers, the La Vallette Bathing Swimming pools on the east coast of Guernsey provide a safer various to swimming within the open sea.
The distinctive man-made swimming pools date again over 150 years and are naturally crammed by seawater throughout excessive tide. The rock partitions provide safety from sturdy currents and waves, whereas there are additionally shallow areas the place smaller kids can safely paddle and play within the water.
The swimming pools are utterly free to make use of, with loads of newly-built services together with bogs, altering rooms, freshwater showers, and a year-round cafe.
Kayaking
Among the finest methods to benefit from the coast of Guernsey is from the water, with kayak excursions to get you out onto the water with Outside Guernsey.
They’re appropriate for age 4+, with double kayaks and child-size paddles and life vests, and the corporate chooses one of the best place to go to based mostly 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 historical rock formations, and watching the ocean birds (in addition to a number of patches of white water from a secure distance).
Count on to get moist, but it surely’s a implausible approach to spend a few hours absorbing the peace out on the waves.
You can too rent kayaks and SUPs, in addition to attempting a few of their different actions, from rise 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 provide browsing a attempt, with loads of beginner-friendly surf breaks and heat water through the summer time months.
Vazon Bay is Guernsey’s hottest surf spot, particularly amongst freshmen. Right here you’ll discover Guernsey Surf Faculty, which gives personal lessons, household classes, and varied vacation/summer time camps for kids aged 4+.
When you’re feeling extra assured, you may as well try extra superior surf spots on the island, like close by Portinfer and Perelle, the place you’ll discover stronger swells and greater breaks.
Go island hopping
Whereas there’s lots to maintain you on Guernsey itself, it additionally makes an amazing base to discover a number of the smaller islands which make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Herm
Herm is without doubt one of the best: a 20-minute boat trip with Journey Trident ferries from Peter Port to Herm’s harbour, with every part 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 Seaside and Belvoir Seaside 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 attempt right here as properly, however half the pleasure is stress-free and having fun with the sweetness.
Alderney
Alderney is additional to achieve – you may get connecting flights which take simply quarter-hour, in addition to the 90-minute ferry which runs two-three instances per day. Alternatively, you’ll be able to ebook varied water taxis and constitution companies if you happen to want.
The island is house to the Channel Islands’ solely working railway, the Alderney Railway and a Roman fort, in addition to a lighthouse and Second World Struggle remark tower. You can too 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 instances a day between April and October, or you may as well constitution boats to take you there.
Automobiles are banned on the island, so other than tractors, you’ll solely discover horse-drawn carriages and bikes as an alternative choice to strolling. An identical measurement to Alderney, it’s good if you happen to love getting outside – there’s kayaking, coasteering, wild swimming and strolling paths galore. You possibly can even attempt a donkey stroll!
Island RIB voyages
Some of the 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 completely different experiences to attempt however the Herm Explorer wildlife voyage – which we tried – is without doubt one of the finest for households to start out with. Only a brief distance over to Herm, you’ll be able to spot puffins (if you happen to’re fortunate!) between round April and June, and generally see dolphins as properly.
You’re virtually assured to see seals lounging on the rocks round Herm, trying 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 number 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 find out about 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 properly, with family-friendly strolling routes in addition to extra critical mountain climbing.
The VisitGuernsey app has a lot of completely different routes to attempt, with the choice to filter them by island in addition to simple and family-friendly choices, plus trails on the opposite smaller islands too.
There’s every part from walks via St Peter Port to assist uncover extra of the island’s historical past and a straightforward 2-mile stroll alongside the coast round Port Soif, to longer routes.
Hold 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 Seaside, get their title due to their form or discover the Fairy Ring within the far west of the island – you’ll be able to stroll it from Portelet Harbour.
You can too be part of one of many every day guided walks round St Peter Port which depart at 10.30 from the vacationer workplace, in addition to following your individual self-guided tour on a cellphone.
We stayed on the beautiful Fermain Valley Lodge, round a five-minute drive from St Peter Port, and an amazing base to discover the island
Citadel Cornet
Considered one of Guernsey’s important 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 massive citadel and its sprawling gardens are good 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.
Kids may even love the Noonday Gun too, which is fired daily at noon by two guards in nineteenth century costume, typically adopted by dwell re-enactments of tales from Guernsey’s previous.
Citadel Cornet can be house to 4 museums; the Story of Citadel Cornet; 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum; Royal Guernsey Mild Infantry Museum and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum, which all have themed exercise sheets to maintain little ones engaged.
Hold an eye fixed out for Citadel Nights through the summer time as properly, with dwell music – carry a picnic, and the night-time concert events are free to get pleasure from.
Guernsey Museum
Additionally situated 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 great 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 kids 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 displays, retro video games, and conventional toys. The room additionally has a role-play space known as The Timewarp, which is modified every year to show children a couple of completely different time interval in a enjoyable and immersive method.
Candie Gardens
When you’ve completed on the Guernsey Museum, head simply outdoors to discover the encompassing Candie Gardens.
The attractive public gardens are set on a hillside with implausible views down over St Peter Port, and are full of 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 muffins within the centre.
Victoria Tower
For among the best views in Guernsey, head to the Victoria Tower, which seems to be 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 method 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 wished to see what the Channel Islands have been actually like.
Sausmarez Manor
For an additional family-friendly slice of historical past, Sausmarez Manor is a stately house in Guernsey that’s identified for its child-friendly points of interest 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 kids may additionally get pleasure from a number of the historic home’s spookier tales on the nightly ghost excursions.
The home’s grounds additionally characteristic a tea room, kids’s play space, slightly ride-on practice, 9 gap pitch and putt, and a sculpture park full of numerous artworks. Most outside actions are solely accessible between Easter and the top 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) because of his political opinions.
After his ebook of poems, Les Contemplations, grew to become 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 house so there’s lots for older children to understand, as you discover from the shadowy floor ground to the glass-roofed room on the highest ground. Look out for decorations impressed by The Hunchback of Notre-Dame as you discover.
Entry to the home have to be prebooked, though you may as well go to the backyard with out reserving.
The Little Chapel
The Little Chapel is without doubt one of the most well-known vacationer points of interest 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 this planet. Lined with intricate mosaics, seashells, and vibrant items of china, its magical, fairytale-esque environment is certain to spark kids’s creativeness.
Batterie Mirus
The Channel Islands have been the one a part of the British Isles to be occupied through the Second World Struggle, part of historical past which was typically little-known outdoors the islands themselves – not less than till The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society topped the bestseller lists.
And you may nonetheless see and go to a number of the gun emplacements, bunkers and tunnels constructed by the Germans through the Nazi occupation. Because the westernmost Channel Island, Guernsey was significantly strategically essential, and was fortified extensively through the five-year occupation.
Batterie Mirus is without doubt one of the 4 important 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 big gun itself (taken from a First World Struggle dreadnought) is lengthy gone, you’ll be able to nonetheless see pictures 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 youths who can recognize the historical past, you’ll be able to nonetheless see authentic paintwork on the partitions of the bunker, together with Nazi symbols – chilling, however a novel approach to perceive extra of this era of historical past.
You can too go to the German Underground Hospital, additionally used as an ammunition retailer, the biggest Second World Struggle construction within the Channel Islands
German Occupation Museum
For older kids with an curiosity in historical past, the German Occupation Museum gives extra perception into life in Guernsey through the Second World Struggle too.
The brief video at the beginning of the museum is a useful introduction to the Nazi occupation, if you happen to don’t know an amazing deal about this period of historical past, plus there’s a shocking array of displays and authentic artefacts within the small museum, relationship 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 amazing deal that’s interactive, and the subject material means it’s not superb for youthful children, so I’d solely counsel this for teenagers and older tweens although.
For teenagers with a specific curiosity on this interval of historical past, the German Naval Indicators HQ museum is about in an authentic bunker, and likewise 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 identified to locals because the “cup and saucer” because of its uncommon form.
The fort’s central tower is house 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 full of 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 via graveyards.
There’s sufficient problem at Pirate Bay Journey Golf to maintain everybody on their A sport, however you possibly can additionally come away with a few holes in a single. A really enjoyable approach to spend half an hour or so.
A part of Golf 19, there’s additionally a correct 18-hole course with classes on provide in addition to the junior academy in case your children wish to transfer from loopy golf to the actual factor.
Mini golf at Oatlands
In case your children need greater than 12 holes, there’s one other enjoyable mini golf course at Oatlands – considered one of a number of family-friendly points of interest 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 varied difficult (and infrequently fiendish) obstacles to get round.
For those who’re visiting Guernsey with toddlers and youthful children, try 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 implausible muffins (together with vegan choices) and nice breakfasts.
Guernsey Candles candle-making
Unleash your artistic streak with a personalised hand-carved candle at Guernsey Candles – select your individual color scheme, dip the wax after which carve your candle to complete.
There’s assist readily available to get an amazing end result, with folds, dribbles and color blends. Virtually too good to burn!
The candle-making workshop is on the correct as you head in to the complicated, plus you should buy pre-made candles too.
Feed the Guernsey gold goats
This uncommon breed of goat is as eye-catching because the title suggests – you’ll be able to spot them chewing away fortunately of their discipline simply off Route des Sages.
Or you’ll be able to cease in to feed them as properly. Head to Golden Guernsey Goats Cheese the place you’ll be able to decide up some feed within the farm store for a pound (in addition to some cheese, in fact, and different treats).
Up climbing indoor climbing
Head to Up Climbing for one more enjoyable possibility for Guernsey within the rain with children – or if in case you have eager indoor climbers who wish to practise their abilities.
You don’t want any earlier expertise, with periods supervised by an teacher for teenagers (and induction periods for adults), together with a Traverse Wall that you just climb sideways – whereas it’s 2.4m excessive, you don’t should be greater than 30cm off the bottom if you happen to’re not eager on heights.
There are additionally 9 excessive ropes partitions , that are 5-7m excessive, in addition to bouldering partitions to attempt. There are even toddler periods for age 2+.
Prebooking is strongly advisable, particularly in case you are a novice, to make sure there’s an teacher free for the session.
Iris & Dora artwork studio
Create your individual good memento of Guernsey on the Iris & Dora artwork studio on Ruette Braye, simply outdoors central St Peter Port, by portray your individual piece of pottery.
Kids are welcome, and there are a few choices together with acrylic paint – superb if you happen to don’t have time to attend in your pottery to be fired (or your children can’t wait to take their creation house). Prebooking is advisable throughout college holidays or on wet days, though you’ll be able to 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 seashore kiosks and cafes for a relaxed snack or meal. These are a number of of our different favourites:
The Rockmount
Referred to as The Rocky to locals, the pub is simply a brief distance from Cobo Bay, with some implausible 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 advisable – The Rockmount is a good measurement, however unsurprisingly common. 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.
For those who don’t fancy a crepe, there are additionally muffins and ice cream, plus charcuterie and cheese boards in addition to sandwiches.
The Kiln
Considered one of our favorite locations for brunch or breakfast, The Kiln additionally has scrumptious muffins (together with vegan choices) whereas lunch choices embrace burgers, sandwiches and salads.
There’s a kids’s menu as properly, 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’d like 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 considered one of my very own private favourites, however is certainly a preferred possibility.
Seafront Sundays
For those who’re visiting Guernsey between Might and August, preserve an eye fixed out for Seafront Sundays – the seafront closes on sure Sundays with market stalls arising alongside the waterfront, in addition to meals stalls.
We noticed every part from Thai and paella to pizza and burgers, plus there was dwell music and varied 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 points of interest listed above, and paid for others myself. All opinions about one of the best 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 submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee.
Photos: Little Chapel/climbing wall courtesy of Depositphotos, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels