Guernsey Beside the Seaside

From Renoir to Kate “GMTV” Garraway, Guernsey’s sun-kissed shores have proved a big draw for generations of holidaymakers, famous and otherwise.

Renoir's "Beach Scene, Guernsey" (1883)

With 27 beaches to choose from and summer temperatures averaging 26 degrees, the appeal should come as no surprise.

Add to this the fact that Guernsey, with over 2000 hours of sunshine per year, is one of the sunniest places in Great Britain, is safe, welcoming and offers lashings of good, honest family fun, and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for seaside holidaying “like it used to be”.

There’s something marvellously magical about the thought of waking up to sea views, grabbing a towel and running down to the beach a la Famous Five. And on Guernsey, you’d be hard pushed to find a residence that doesn’t tick this box.

Le Seaside Chic C’est Magique!

If the thought of the British seaside leaves you cold, take comfort in this little Channel Island’s proximity to the Continent…
Guernsey has a romantically Gallic air, relaxed pace of life and distinctly subtropical feel. So ditch the kiss me quick hat, say ‘Adios’ to the amusement arcade, pack your bucket and spade and prepare yourself for some traditional seaside pursuits. In the words of Jenny Bond, Guernsey “feels like being abroad”.
Get into the summer spirit with the following celebration of Seaside, Sandcastles, Crab Sarnies and Seashells… (I can almost hear the seagulls):

Take a dip

It wouldn’t be summer if we Brits didn’t don our bathers at the first sight of water. On Guernsey you’re spoilt for choice for seaside plunges – opt for Pembroke on the north coast for gently sloping sand, Cobo to the west for surfing and snorkelling and Petit Bot on the south for rock pooling.

You needn’t opt for full immersion…simply arm your little urchins with a fishing net and bucket, and hours of entertainment will ensue as they scour the rocks for scuttling and slimy sea life from seaweed to crabs, barnacles to urchins (of the sea variety).

Eye Spy something beginning with S…

The Little Chapel

Scenery! Moulin Huet beach appears in 15 of Renoir’s landscapes that he painted on the island in the summer of 1883. Unsurprisingly it was a famous resort for artists in the 19th Century (guide books singled MH out as the island’s finest scenic attraction).

Sunsets! You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate the views and stunning sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Then of course there’s Seagulls, Seashells…and “possibly” the Smallest Chapel in the World, which is in turn decorated with seashells, pebbles and colourful pieces of glass.

Sandcastles R Serious Business

Take the annual Sandcastle competition on Braye Beach, Alderney, for example. Contestants are separated by age, from three and under up to 18 and over, and given from one to three hours to complete their masterpiece. Points are assigned by a panel of judges based on quality, imagination, and whether the sand sculpture incorporates the theme of the week. The Rocquaine Regatta in August also includes a sandcastle competition – alongside the ‘bathing beauty’ contest and ‘mini-macho’ showdown.

Le Pic Nic

Anyone who has visited Guernsey will know that food is also a serious business. Take advantage of the glorious weather and delicious local food for an unbeatable al fresco dining experience. Simply grab some French bread, cheese or crab and enjoy some sumptuous sarnies, washed down by Guernsey cider.
For a slap up cream tea head to one of Guernsey’s numerous beach kiosks, which offer a-whole-nother world of gastronomic goodies. Now-legendary Fermain Beach Cafe has evolved from a mere kiosk to an award winning seafood bistro. Booking is advisable!

Howzat!

The X Box won’t be required with such plentiful outdoor pursuits, from beach cricket to volleyball, extreme Frisbee (yes, really) to bouldering. Outdoor Guernsey even runs organised Adventure Days during the school holidays if you want to take your Onions to the next level (that’s Graham, of course).

If splashing about appeals more than team sports then body boarding or kayaking can also be arranged. The sea kayaking around Guernsey is some of the best in the world, and a great way to see the coast and wildlife from a different perspective.

Zzzzz

If all that sounds just too strenuous, there’s much to be said for a blanket, a good book and a beach for an afternoon of pure Guernsey heaven. Don’t forget to leave room for some ice cream.