Ready for a flash tour of Guernsey in Writing?
Places of Interest
Guernsey is ripe with historical landmarks, all of which are accessible via a bicycle and are well worth a visit. The island was occupied numerous times, most famously by the Germans during WWII as one of the only pieces of British soil to be captured under the Nazi regime. You can see the various bunkers and I would suggest visiting the 'Occupation Museum' and 'Castle Cornet' (built to keep out the French and part of our Civil War) whilst you are here.
Another good landmark to go and see is the Millenium Monument which is a piece of stone lifted from the sea floor which now stands proudly on the common.
Around the Island
The best way to see the entire island is to follow the main coastal road around, it should take you three or four hours depending on your pace but you can see the amazing views that the island has to offer. It has been described by some as the best bits of Wales and Scotland put together. Along the coast you have a large number of car parks and cafes you can pull into which often serve hot chocolates, coffees and teas, ice cream and of course cake!
If you want to be more adventurous then I would suggest taking the lanes around the South/South West of the island, they are often clear of heavy traffic but you do need to watch for tractors and mud on the roads. The lanes are the best for hills (both ups and downs) and the Reservoir is a brilliant places to stop off.
Some Further Advice
The islanders are usually friendly and should help you if you ever get lost. The roads are normally fine, and most drivers shall give plenty of clearance when over taking.
If you decide to go to Lihou Island, double check the tides and if you go swimming then watch out for strong currents in some areas.
Climate
Climate is decent, at the moment we have been having baking sun so make sure you drink lots of water. The rain has been held back for the past couple fo weeks so you should be fine.
A Few Pictures
I would suggest visiting the cliff routes for the best photos, and the architecture in town isn't bad. If you love Macro then you shall certainly love the lanes, wild flowers grow on the roadside so you should be able to snap a few beautiful pics. Sunsets are also one to look for! Here are a few of my own:
The Beaches and Places to Relax
The beaches are some of the cleanest in the British Isles and the sea is generally warm at the moment. Cobo is the most popular and so is often busy, you can however visit some more secluded ones around the South East of the island. In the North you have your more pebbly beaches and your common/grass land which is a nice place for walks (although watch for the shooting range and golf course).
The island has a couple of parks, Saumarez being the main one. In the South West you have a nice place for a picnic along the Pleinmont headland (see the cliffy picture) which offers fantastic views.
If you decide to eat out, St. Peter Port (town and main harbour) is your best option however there are several nice restaurants around the island.
Well, that's the flash tour. Maybe I shall see you cycling around?
And if you significant other wants to release her 'inner fairy' then there are always the Fairy Rings down the hill from Pleinmont (just go to the Imperial Hotel in the very bottom South West corner of the island!)
They are a stone age monument, or you can visit some of the islands dolmens.
Where about are you staying?
Quick Fact
We have the oldest working letter box in the British Isles!
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