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Nestled in the bay of St Malo, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is made up of five islands, each with their own character and charm.
Belonging to the British Isles, although not part of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland we are self governing and have been influenced by not only our British heritage, but also our connections to Normandy in France, and our history from our occupation during the Second World War.
Guernsey is the largest island within the Bailiwick, home to a population of around 63,000 people over an island of 24 square miles. Surrounded by around 30 miles of coastline and beautiful beaches, Guernsey has miles of scenic coastal cliff paths and tidal ranges which make outdoor pursuits and sea swimming to be popular and exciting pastimes across the breadth of the local community. Guernsey has a vibrant town called St Peter Port, full of historical intrigue, delicious food with a view, boutique shops and restaurants. Guernsey’s economy is served by an internationally successful financial services sector, along with the more traditional sectors of tourism and agriculture.
The second largest of our islands, Alderney is home to historical sites, golden beaches and rich wildlife. Alderney sits around 20 miles north east of Guernsey and only around 10 miles west of the French coast. With 30 miles of winding lanes and trails you can explore the award-winning museum, the Channel Island’s only railway and the renowned birdwatching. The capital, St Anne, is filled with excellent restaurants, showcasing a huge range of homegrown produce. Alderney is just one and a half miles wide by three and a half miles long and is home to just over 2100 people. The island is serviced by daily flight and ferry options from Guernsey, the UK and France.
The third largest of our islands, Sark, is considered the crown jewel of the Channel Islands, and is a wonderful place to escape to. With no cars and unpaved roads, you can step back in time to unspoilt landscape and explore by bike or horse drawn carriage. Sark is the world’s first Dark Sky Island, with low light pollution and lack of street lights contributing to spectacular starry nights. A 35-50 minute ferry ride away from Guernsey, and only one and a half miles wide by three and a half miles long, there are around 500 permanent residents on Sark with the population rising significantly due to its popularity as a tourist destination during the summer months.
The tranquil island of Herm is just a 20 minute boat ride from St Peter Port across perfectly blue water, where you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins. With long stretches of white sand, cliff paths with views to the French coast and its own microclimate make Herm an oasis in the Channel and one not to be missed. Herm is just under one and a half miles long by a half a mile wide, and is home to around 60 permanent residents who service the island’s only industry of tourism.
Lihou is the fifth and final island within the Bailiwick where it is possible to stay overnight. Across a cobbled causeway from Guernsey, exposed only at low tide, you will find Lihou Island. Offering a real adventure, you can explore ruins, the tidal Venus Pool and RAMSAR wetlands and marine reserves. Lihou is a birdwatching paradise with over 150 species to observe, and is ideal for rock pooling. Perfect for a day trip or for a group overnight stay at Lihou House.
