Cruise on down to Guernsey
National Cruise Week takes place from Sept 19-26
Ship ahoy!
St Peter Port Guernsey is the number one British day port of call and to coincide with National Cruise Week we have put together a top 10 things to see and do as a cruise liner passenger.
Guernsey really enjoys welcoming cruise passengers to our beautiful town and really does offer a wealth of opportunities – from exploring our cultural heritage to sampling the retail therapy!
1) One good turn deserves another
Walking on South Coast
Many of our cruise liner visitors opt for one of the pre-organised tours through the cruise lines. Those tours offer excellent value for money as a pre-assigned coach takes you through the twists and turns of Guernsey roads and lanes. The tours, often themed, range from World War II Occupation to south coast cliff walking, kayaking to the literature of Victor Hugo and ‘Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’. Also including general island tours, coaches pick up and drop off guests from embarkation points close to the cruise liners.
2) Introducing a cornet of a different kind
Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet is an ancient castle with three museums and historic gardens. The noon-day gun is fired daily by soldiers in 19th Century costume. The museum is a gentle 15 minutes walk from the cruise liner landing jetty and affords beautiful views over Sark and Herm as it acts as the historic gateway to St Peter Port harbour.
3) You know your worth it
St Peter Port is home to a wealth of independent retailers offering everything from antiques to clothes, to jewellery. Most are concentrated around the High Street, Arcade, Smith Street and Pollet areas, but it is also worth visiting Guernsey’s newly rejuvenated Market Halls and the Old Quarter in and around Mill Street. Guernsey still celebrates a traditional Sunday and visitors will find some shops in St Peter Port closed on this day.
4) Lucky number 7
Many visitors who do not want to explore St Peter Port and have not opted for a guided coach tour will embark upon a coastal drive of the island on the Number 7 or 7A public bus. Journeys cost as little as £1 for the circular trip. Passengers are advised to check their re-embarkation times for their cruise liner before setting off. For those passengers who have a full independent day in Guernsey this option can provide a really good way of sampling a taste of island life.
St Peter Port's Smith Street
5) You will have such a good time you will be in stitches
Why not walk up Smith Street towards St James and visit the Guernsey Tapestry. Our fantastic tapestry depicts Guernsey’s history in 10 unique embroidered panels with audio interpretation. The work, love and labour that went into the tapestry was for one of Guernsey’s Millennium projects and really does give a fascinating insight into Guernsey over the ages.
6) bienvenue à la maison de Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo’s exquisitely ornate home during his exile in Guernsey is located in Hauteville. This museum, owned by the City of Paris, has been preserved as it would have been found in the eighteen hundreds and tells the story of Victor Hugo during his 15 years in the island. The museum does get busy in peak season but there is no need to book in advance. Subject to availability, tours are provided in English, French and German during the course of the day.
7) Trails, Trials and Tribulations of St Peter Port
2010 saw VisitGuernsey launch its St Peter Port Trails Map which offers five fantastic routes around our capital explaining the Town’s colourful history as you go. There are different walks for those who prefer a more gentle stroll to those who are more ambitious. On many days walking tours of St Peter Port are also offered from the Information Centre for Guernsey visitors.
Approach with Military precision
La Vallette Underground Military Museum
For those cruise line visitors who have a keen interest in WWII and Guernsey’s military history, La Vallette Underground Military Museum in St Peter Port offers an award winning and unique display of Guernsey’s military history housed in a German tunnel complex.
9) Recharge those batteries
Many of our cruise line passengers who choose to explore Guernsey independently are not fixed on one idea but choose to spend a relaxing day around the Town perhaps sample one og Guernsey’s 27 beaches and bays, take in one museum of choice, have alfresco coffee, a spot of retail therapy all being the general ambiance of our European flavoured Town. Guernsey is at your oyster.
10) A visit to paradise Island is only 20 minutes away
Fisherman's Beach on Herm
If the departure and return times for the Herm Trident fit with your schedule then why not take the 20 minute boat journey to the paradise island of Herm. If time allows, you may choose to walk all the way around Herm and experience the glorious Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay or alternatively stop at the picturesque quay, have coffee and admire the scenery.
More information on these and other options can be gained from the Guernsey Information Centre which is a short 5 minute walk from the Cambridge Berth to the North Esplanade. A Pocket Guide to Guernsey is handed to all visitors on arrival which clearly details places to visit in St Peter Port, the retail area and the Guernsey Information Centre.
