Guernsey

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Guernsey advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Guernsey, Channel Islands, Europe.

File:Sark Window in the Rock view towards Herm.jp
The view from the "Window in the Rock" on Sark towards Herm and Guernsey



  • Air quality: 3 / 5
  • Bus connections: 4 / 5
  • Train connections: 3 / 5
  • Hitchhiking: 3/ 5
  • National parks: 3 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 3 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 3 / 5
  • Safety: 3 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$80- $300
  • Budget per day: US$50 - $250

Responsible Travel

Guernsey is a small island nation which is present in the English channel off the coast Normandy where every year so many tourists pay a visit as this island nation is very beautiful. Tourists will face some difficulties while traveling to the island of Guernsey as the transportation facilities of this island are not so much developed, but they will definitely enjoy their trip to the island of Guernsey. When tourists are on trip to the island of Guernsey then they should definitely try to travel green and follow all the guidelines which are beneficial for the environment of this island and they should not harm the environment of this island in any way. Tourists should not do smoking in public places as it will put a very negative impact on the nearby people, tourists should also not drink alcohol in public places.


Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality of the island Guernsey is not so good and it can be very lethal for the sensitive groups, sensitive groups should definitely use pollution masks if they are going out of their homes as they might face respiratory problems later on. The pollution rates in the island of Guernsey are also increasing day by day because of the increasing vehicles in this island, the local people of this Island are trying several methods to control the rates of pollution but nothing is working. For improving the air quality and decreasing the rates of pollution in this area the local people have to follow all the green measures so that everything goes in the favour of the environment. The local residents of the island Guernsey can use the air purifiers which have the capability of purifying the air which is entering inside the houses, air purifiers filter all the harmful chemical compounds which have the tendency to cause so many health problems.


Respect the Culture

Tourists who are visiting the island of Guernsey will get to see so many cultural programs which are being held in the island of Guernsey, tourists should definitely try to attend the cultural programs being held in this island as this will help them to understand the culture of this island better. There are so many guidelines on respecting the culture of the island Guernsey and tourists should definitely respect the cultural beliefs and moral values of this island, they should say anything against the culture of this island. The local residents of the island Guernsey are extremely conscious and particular when it comes to their culture, they will not tolerate or hear anything which goes against the culture of this island so tourists must be very careful when they are saying anything about the culture of this island.


Top 10 Places to Visit

The island of Guernsey is a very popular tourist attraction spot where every year more than a million people pay a visit to this island so as to see all its fascinating places, names of top 10 places which tourists should definitely visit in this island are mentioned below

  • German Naval Signals HQ - German Naval Signals HQ is a museum consisting of information regarding the German people specially the Nazis which is present in the region of Bailiwick of the island Guernsey. This museum has a very eye catching interior which shows how nicely this museum is maintained.
  • Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum - Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum is a museum where so many different shipwrecks are kept for public display which is present in the region of Bailiwick of the island Guernsey, the ticket price is very affordable and the visitors will definitely enjoy at this place.
  • Castle Cornet - Castle Cornet is a very beautiful island castle which is present in the island of Guernsey, visitors will not face much difficulties to reach this castle as they can reach very easily by using boats.
  • Candie Gardens - Candie gardens are one of the most preferred places to visit for the tourists who are on a trip to the island Guernsey which has a museum, this garden also has a library where people can sit and read books.
  • Victoria Tower - Victoria Tower is the most ancient and historical landmark which is present in Arsenal of the region Bailiwick of the island Guernsey, this tower is very heighted and also is in very good condition as it is maintained very nicely by the local staff.
  • La Vallette Underground Military Museum - La Vallette Underground Military Museum is a memorabilia of both the World War 1 and World War 2 which is present in the region of La Valette of the island Guernsey, this museum is maintained very nicely and the interior of this museum is also very beautiful.
  • Fort Hommet - Fort hommet is another very beautiful ancient and historical landmark which is present in the island of Guernsey, this fort was constructed so mnay years ago but still it is in a very good shape.
  • Vale Castle - Vale Castle is a very old castle which is present in the region of Bailiwick of the island Guernsey, the former name of this beautiful castle was Le Chateau St Michel and later it's name was changed.
  • Jerbourg Kiosk -. Jerbourg Kiosk is one of the most popular tourist attraction spots which is present in the island of Guernsey, this place is very picturesque and is a very good place for doing nature photography as the views which are visible from this place are very fascinating.
  • Bordeaux Harbour - Bordeaux Harbour is a very popular fishing port from where the fishes are sent to the nearby food markets which are present in the island of Guernsey, water transportation is also a way through which people can visit this island and from this harbour ships for the various regions are available.
Castle Cornet


Explore

There are so many places which are available in the island of Guernsey for the exploration of the tourists and for having a wonderful trip they should definitely try to explore as many places as they can in this island. The more the tourists will explore the more they will get to gain information regarding the places that they can visit during their trip to the island of Guernsey, tourists can take help from the internet and they can also seek help from the local residents of this island. It is impossible to cover all the places which are present in the island of Guernsey in one single trip but the tourists can try to cover as many as they can during their trip. Tourists can visit the various city parks which are present in the island of Guernsey as the city parks will help them to relax their minds and remove tiredness which is caused because of the trip.


City Parks

City parks are one of those places which are thickly covered by the trees and greenery, this greenery is very beneficial in relaxing the mind and reducing the levels of stress, there are various city parks which are present in the island of Guernsey, names of some of the city parks of this island are mentioned below

  • Saumarez Park - Saumarez park is one of those parks where everyday hundreds of visitors pay a visit due the pleasant atmosphere this park has, this park has a very large surface area for the kids to play and for the adults to walk. The maintenance of this park is very appreciable as this park is very neat and clean, the fountains present in this park are also very beautiful.
  • Delancey Park - Delancey park is a perfect place for the childrens to visit as there are so many slides and rides for them to do, the large surface area of this park helps children to play whichever game they want to play.
Saumarez Park


National Parks

National park is a place which is a restricted and protected area where different species of flora and fauna are kept away from the human interaction, there are various national parks or nature reserves which are present in the island of Guernsey, names of some of them are mentioned below

  • Guernsey state park - Guernsey state is one of those phenomenal places where the visitors have so many options of adventurous activities to do like hiking, camping, cycling, boating, this recreational park is a heaven for both the adventure and nature lovers.
  • Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden - Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden is a place where so many wide varieties of plants and trees are kept away from human interaction, this botanical garden is present in the region of Route de Saumarez of the island Guernsey.
Guernsey state park


Beaches

Beaches are one of the favorite destinations to visit during the summer and the winter season where people can sit alongside the water and relax, there are so many beaches which are present in the island of Guernsey, names of some of the beaches of this island are mentioned below

  • Portelet Beach Guernsey - Portelet Beach Guernsey is one of the most popular and also one of the most visited beaches which is present in the region Torteval of the island Guernsey, this beach is perfect for the people who love to do outdoor activities as here they can do so many outdoor activities.
  • Pembroke Beach - Pembroke beach has a very large surface area which is present in the region Bailiwick of the island Guernsey, a lot of people at a time can stay here because of its large size.
Pembroke Beach


Landmarks

Landmarks are one of those historical and ancient places which depicts the past of the place at which they are present, in the island of Guernsey also there are so many historical and ancient landmarks, names of some of the landmarks of this island are mentioned below

  • The Little Chapel - The little chapel was opened for public display in 1914 by brother deodat and still it is in very nice condition as this place is maintained very nicely by the local staff of this place.
  • Sausmarez Manor - Sausmarez Manor is a very beautiful manor house which is present in the region of Route de Sausmarez of the island Guernsey, this place has a very big park where people can walk very conveniently.
Sausmarez Manor


Museums

Museum is an ideal place to visit for the young kids where they will get to know so many new things and they will get to gain so much information, in the island of Guernsey there are so many informative museums, names of some of the museums of this island are mentioned below

  • Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery - Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery is a very informative museum which is present in the region of Bailiwick of the island Guernsey, this museum has some very unique art collections with some historical apparels and architectural finds.
  • German Occupation Museum - German Occupation Museum is a museum where people will get to gain so much information about the Nazis, this museum also consists of various artifacts on various topics and this museum also has a cafe inside.


Eat

Tourists who are on a trip to the island of Guernsey should definitely consume the traditional and local food which is consumed by the local people of this island, tourists can consume them over the various traditional and local restaurants which are present in the island of Guernsey. List of traditional dishes which are very popular and tourists should definitely consume during their trip are mentioned below

  • Guernsey gâche
  • gâche mêlaïe
  • cassoulet of pork
  • Apple pudding
  • Bean jar
  • Conger soup

There are so many good local restaurants which are present in the island of Guernsey where both the local people and the tourists can consume traditional dishes, names of some of them are mentioned below

  • Le Nautique Restaurant
  • Copenhagen Bar and Grill
  • The Beach House


Drink

The local people of the island Guernsey are very particular and precise when it comes to their nightlife, they prefer to have a good nightlife which includes various kinds of drinks whether it be alcoholic drinks or non alcoholic drinks. They also prefer to have good music and good food in their nightlife which helps them to relax during the weekends after a very busy week because of work. Names of some of the most common drinks which are consumed by the local people of this island are mentioned below

  • Rocquette cider
  • Randalls
  • White Rock

There are so many bars and pubs which are present in the island of Guernsey where tourists can visit and consume the traditional drinks of this island, names of some of the bars are mentioned below

  • Golden Lion
  • The Crows Nest Bar & Brasserie


Tap-water

The tap water which is available for the usage of the local people of the island Guernsey is considered to be as safe for consumption, the tap water of this island has been tested so many times and all the times this tap water was tested safe for consumption. The tap water coming out from the tap in this island is totally free from any of the harmful chemical compounds and microorganisms which can cause so many health complexities in the local people of this island. The local people of the island Guernsey use water purifiers so as to purify the tap water from traces of chlorine as some people face health issues because of the traces chlorine which are present in the tap water.


Activities

There are a lot of activities both for the local people of the island Guernsey and also for the tourists to do in this island, adventure lovers will definitely enjoy their trip to this island as for them there are so many adventurous activities to do. People can do adventurous activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and many more at very reasonable prices and the equipment they get to do such adventurous activities are also in very good condition. People can also rent a bicycle and go on long bicycle rides over the cycling tracks which are available in the island of Guernsey, people have to run the bicycles over very challenging tracks which makes their rise full of adventures.


Accommodation

Everyone wants an ideal accommodation for themselves to live and if any tourist is planning a trip to any place in this world then he/she should search for an ideal mode of accommodation at that place. In the island of Guernsey also there are so many modes of accommodation which are available for both the local people and also for the tourists, people should choose an accommodation on the basis of their budget, number of family members, needs and requirements. There are three main modes of accommodation which are available for the choice of the tourists in the island of Guernsey, names of three main modes of accommodation of this island are mentioned below

  • Hotels
  • Guest houses
  • Apartments


Green Hotels

The numbers Green hotels which are present in the island of Guernsey are very less right now but their numbers are increasing gradually, green hotels are very beneficial for the environment as they do not cause any harm to the environment. The food products used to cook food in these green hotels are also organic which are free from any kind of harmful chemical compound, organic food products are very beneficial for the human health as they do not cause any harm to the human body after consumption. There are various green hotels which are present in the island of Guernsey, names of some of the green hotels of this island are mentioned below

  • The Duke Of Richmond Hotel
  • Best Western Hotel de Havelet
  • Best Western Moores Central Hotel
  • The Old Government House Hotel & Spa


Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels are one of those accommodations which do not have so many facilities to provide to their visitors but still they are opted by the students who want to study in a particular region or a country. There are no hostels in the island of Guernsey so this mode of accommodation is not available for the students who want to study in this Island.

Guest houses are very effective mode of accommodation which are available for the tourists and the visitors in the island of Guernsey, there are so many guest houses which are present in the island of Guernsey, names of some of the guest houses of this island are mentioned below

  • Grisnoir Guest House
  • El Tabora Guest House
  • Marton Guest House
  • Le Vieux Clos Guest House


Apartments

Apartment is another very convenient mode of accommodation which is present in the island of Guernsey, this mode is accommodation is mostly opted by the local middle class and lower middle class people of this island. There are various apartment renting agencies which are present in the island of Guernsey which provides their apartments on rent to the people who want to rent an apartment at very reasonable prices. In the apartments people get all sorts of privacy and a large room to live and the facilities which people receive in these apartments are also quite similar to the facilities which are provided by houses. Names of apartment which are present in the island of Guernsey are mentioned below

  • Swallow Apartments
  • Swoffers
  • Cooper brouard


Couchsurfing

Couch surfing is one of those budget friendly practices which are extremely common in the island of Guernsey, couch surfing is a practice in which tourists or the visitors visit their local friend's or relative's house for residing throughout their trip. Couch surfing is a very beneficial practice for the tourists as this practice makes their trip very easy and convenient, tourists don't need to spend any money over accommodation, tourists also don't need to spend any money over the food, they can also seek help from the local people of this island in case if they face any kinds of difficulties. Tourists can ask the local people of this island about the various places which are present in the island of Guernsey which they should definitely visit so as to make their trip ideal.


Camping

Camping is a very interesting and adventurous activity to do and tourists can also practice it at the various camping centres which are present in the island of Guernsey, these camping centres provide all the necessary commodities which are required while camping. Camping is basically a group activity which is mostly practiced with the group of people but because of these camping centres this activity has become so easy and convenient that even a single person can do it very easily without anyone's help. The local people of the island Guernsey are also very fond of camping and they do it whenever they get a holiday or vacation.


Regions

Cities

Getting There and Moving Around

Guernsey is the second largest territory in Channel Islands. Being a part of the common travel area, it host significant amount of passenger traffic with a well developed transportation system. It is a part of passport free travel from the United Kingdom to Jersey while the Non EU citizens might need a valid visa. It is extremely easy to get to Guernsey. The means of transport here are affordable, functional and well-set up. Though there are various modes of transportation using public vehicles as a means to ferry across the city is a more ideal, budget friendly and desirable option. Taxis could also be a more private and comfortable mode of transportation but it effectively fails in terms of economic disabilities when you are low on your vacation budget.


Air

Air transportation is fairly well-received among the passengers traveling to Guernsey regularly or on vacations. Located 3 miles southwest of St. Peter Port, Guernsey Airport is a major airport in its area. There are various services operating to and from Aurigny and Blue Islands. Apart from that, Alderney Airport has scheduled flights from and around SouthHampton and Guernsey. Both these airports provide private aircraft facilities as well as public air transportation. Many seasonal flights operate to Guernsey from other cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and NewCastle.

Guernsey Airport


Bus

CT Plus Guernsey operates the bus transportation network in Guernsey under the brand name buses.gg. The buses are modeled and designed after the buses in the UK. Owing to the narrowed roads of the islands, the construction design of buses is narrow and streamlined in a way to make it easier to traverse across the island. The most striking part of the bus transportation in Guernsey is that each bus has a fixed fare amounting to € 1 irrespective of every distance travelled. You can also get yourself bus passes to travel anywhere around the island at any time. Tourists can always hire private coaches or undertake various coach tours from major names like Islands Coachways and Intransit.

CT Bus


Train

There are no specific railway services in Guernsey. Instead there is a nearby railway system, Alderney Railway which provides a railway link of 2 miles. This railway line stands among the oldest railways stations in the British Isles. Although the railway services in Guernsey are not established, still there are several other modes of transportation ferrying people across the territory along with other modes of luggage and baggage.


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is an outstanding way to travel across the territory and make a good adventure journey. Being an island there are restricted pathways in and across this territory out of which some are accessible by certain vehicles and some are not. Therefore, getting a lift to any place you are visiting might be an excellent option for you. Along the part of your journey you can also make awesome friends and enjoy yourselves.


Others

There are several other modes of transportation accounting for your travel journey in Guernsey. There is a regulated, well serviced licensed taxi system in Guernsey. It involves a three tank taxi system, one at St. Peter’s Port, St. Sampsons and at Guernsey Airport. One can easily phone the cab drivers or book a taxi via the online website of Guernsey. Not only this, there are accessible taxi services that can accommodate a wheelchair passenger along with specific lighting criteria for ferrying him or her across the territory. Throughout the summer months there is another transportation mode in St. Peter’s Port that involves the use of a Petit train also known as Victor.

Guernsey has well constructed cycling lanes alongside the main roads. This not only promotes eco-friendly transportation but also encourages good health among the residents as well as the tourists. Sark is amongst the popular cycle friendly islands. If you are going on vacation to Guernsey, you should be well aware of the designated cycling rules and requirements. Since it is an islands water transportation seems as an potential mode of transportation along the British islands. Condit ferries are amongst the major operators in Guernsey and nearby islands. Isles of Sark connects the transport services to Sark while Sea link remained a main operator from many decades.


Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable Shopping promotes customer satisfaction and environmental welfare. The overall motive of shopping sustainably is to encourage the use of products that are minimally harmful to the environment as well as consumers. Apart from that sustainable goods are known to be useful in the long run. There are numerous Eco-shops that have been set up in Guernsey that promote positive environmental impact and consumer health at a greater level. If you are a responsible traveller try your best to avoid any plastic bags and other products that are non biodegradable. You should also be considerate towards effective segregation of waste into organic, inorganic, biodegradable and non biodegradable products.


Recycling

Waste

Guernsey waste strategy is focused upon reducing the overall waste production and emphasizes more on recycling. Recycling enables you to take maximum advantage out of the finished goods and materials that cannot be reused. Every house has a separate collection bin for recyclable products and waste. Residents have to simply put their number and addresses on the list and you receive outstanding recycling services. All the locals have to pay an annual waste disposal authority bill. You could also choose the pay on the go stickers to pay the money on the spot. There are several recyclable products namely clear bags, blue bags, glass bags, etc.Guernsey is known to have one of the highest recycling rates in the world. The overall statistics suggests that 73% of household waste was recycled previous year. Guernsey had passed its overall goal of exceeding the recycling rates to more than 70%. The recycling strategies of Guernsey are highly superior and appreciative which align directly with environmental safety standards and reduce land pollution. Further the recycling rates have tremendously increased since the previous decade. The household waste and recycling center have become a major hub in recycling of the waste produced.


Work and Study Abroad

The main reason people are rushing towards Guernsey is that it provides ample opportunities to the international students to work and earn part time along with continuing their studies in the territory. They not only allow them to supplement their income but enable them to act independently. They can easily find a job in Guernsey and handle their living costs purely on their own. Apart from that people can also apply for a work visa to drive their career on a more professional front with international standards at par.

There are many work and study abroad opportunities provided to the international immigrants. You can also test your luck in applying for AU Pairing and cultural exchange programs. Apart from that, students can also apply for various internship programs in Guernsey that can benefit them both in professional as well as personal front. The most interesting part of working in Guernsey is that there are no specific instructions. One can easily work in Guernsey if they have a valid work permit visa to carry out the part time as well as long time job. Therefore, you can explore various work and study abroad options in Guernsey.


Exchange Student

If anyone is thinking to study as an exchange student in Guernsey then there are certain things you need to know first. But before that it is important to assess the educational status and international student ratio in Guernsey. Though none of the universities in Guernsey make it in the list of times higher education world rankings. Still the availability and management of student resources make it a favorable pick for this willing to pursue a foreign education. The core objectives that influence the international student ratio and interest in Guernsey are teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.


There are few universities and colleges in Guernsey that stand up to the world education standards and provide ample opportunities to the foreign students to furnish their skills and hands on the international knowledge resources. The faculty is well-educated and trained raising the quality education bar in the nearby territories. Therefore, if you are planning to study abroad in Guernsey make sure you carefully analyze, plan and execute your decision to study in Guernsey.


Au Pair

AU Pairing is amongst the best forms of cultural exchange programs. AU Pairs are given the opportunity to extend their services in return for monetary support or financial assistance. Here you could work in a local house as a housekeeper, chef or nanny and in return they can provide you with necessary funding and accommodation service. Many people tend to work as nanny to take care of the children belonging to the sponsoring family. You could negotiate the AU Pairing pattern with them and decide upon the allowances that you would like to have. Some people are known to work for the native people of Guernsey to help them in repairs and assist them in their day to day life in return to their adventurous stay at Guernsey.

AU Pairing is specifically a better option than volunteering since you don’t have to be financially effluent to work in the foreign country. All you need is to be perfect at your skills to be sponsored by the local family in Guernsey. They could help you in elongating your stay at the place and give you necessary means of financial assistance. You can also be provided with certain amenities like water, food, a renting vehicle, accommodation among other things. All this can be a part of your negotiation deal. If anyone is thinking to study as an exchange student in Guernsey then there are certain things you need to know first. But before that it is important to assess the educational status and international student ratio in Guernsey. Though none of the universities in Guernsey make it in the list of times higher education world rankings. Still the availability and management of student resources make it a favorable pick for this willing to pursue a foreign education. The core objectives that influence the international student ratio and interest in Guernsey are teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

There are few universities and colleges in Guernsey that stand up to the world education standards and provide ample opportunities to the foreign students to furnish their skills and hands on the international knowledge resources. The faculty is well-educated and trained raising the quality education bar in the nearby territories. Therefore, if you are planning to study abroad in Guernsey make sure you carefully analyze, plan and execute your decision to study in Guernsey.


Volunteering

Guernsey has emerged as a new and advancing territory supporting volunteering efforts. Guernsey has an online portal address Guernsey.gg that supports and encourages the volunteer effort made by people. This includes regular funding, charitable trusts, occasion fund raising weeks via various activities. Guernsey enlists its various long term and short terms opportunities for the volunteers. Those interested in the volunteering activities can directly register themselves as a volunteer and support various causes of national as well as social interest. This involves education imparting, working as a nanny, participation in a science and research week or project. Many people also come forward to support various community service activities that pave the way for social welfare.

You can work in social awareness campaigns, educational weeks, seminars and other activities at an international level. This allows you to flourish your skills and techniques in a way they are put to best use. Apart from that you will get a great exposure of community life in this territory, functioning of political systems, social stigmas and intermingling opportunities. Volunteers from around the world love to grant their help and services for propagation of volunteering efforts in the region. All you have to do is look for the online volunteering applications or the ongoing volunteer programs and participate in them.


Guernsey has emerged as a new and advancing territory supporting volunteering efforts. Guernsey has an online portal address Guernsey.gg that supports and encourages the volunteer effort made by people. This includes regular funding, charitable trusts, occasion fund raising weeks via various activities. Guernsey enlists its various long term and short terms opportunities for the volunteers. Those interested in the volunteering activities can directly register themselves as a volunteer and support various causes of national as well as social interest. This involves education imparting, working as a nanny, participation in a science and research week or project. Many people also come forward to support various community service activities that pave the way for social welfare.

You can work in social awareness campaigns, educational weeks, seminars and other activities at an international level. This allows you to flourish your skills and techniques in a way they are put to best use. Apart from that you will get a great exposure of community life in this territory, functioning of political systems, social stigmas and intermingling opportunities. Volunteers from around the world love to grant their help and services for propagation of volunteering efforts in the region. All you have to do is look for the online volunteering applications or the ongoing volunteer programs and participate in them.


See Also