Online Exhibition: retro travel posters

1955 Brochure Cover

We recently discovered an amazing archive of vintage VisitGuernsey travel posters in a dusty corner of a cupboard here at VisitGuernsey HQ. We decided it was only fair to share our haul with fans of Guernsey and with all those retro-enthusiasts out there.

We have loved flicking through the pages and spotting the fitted swimsuits, beehive hairdos, quiffs and smart tailored shorts our visitors used to wear during their time on the island.

Popular activities of the era included cliff walks, days on the beach, cream teas,rock-pooling and fish & chips for supper. Guernsey may have moved onto modern pastures new since then but lots of these activities are still popular with people who visit to the island today, particularly for those who have young families.

We recently wrote a blog with about the recommended traditional activities in a post called Timeless Guernsey. We also carried out some research about the kind of activities holiday-makers enjoy during their getaways, and even we were surprised with the results. Find out more here.

Vintage Travel Poster Exhibition

To find out what holidays to Guernsey were like in the 1950′s, 1960′s and 1970′s, we’ve launched an exclusive online exhibition of retro brochure images . You can view the full collection below or view a slideshow on our Flickr page.

Guernsey: Past and present

Our nostalgic trip down memory lane has inspired us to find old Guernsey holiday snaps. To help, members of our Facebook community have kindly donated some great images of their childhood holidays. From the pictures we have seen,  it is clear that many of the activities popular then are still popular on island today. Here is a selection of our favourite activities that are still available on the island today:

1. Having family days out to The Little Chapel

The Little Chapel in 1956 and 2010

An afternoon visit with the family to The Little Chapel is a must-do on the island. Let the kids explore and admire the intricate, quirky details of the chapel. Don’t forget to take your picture outside it! Find out more and plan your visit by taking a look at the Little Chapel website.

2. Days out to the beaches and bays

Picnic on Fermain bay in the 1950's, and Fermain bay in 2010

In the 1950′s, a deckchair, the local paper, jam sandwiches and a beach towel was all you needed to spend the day in the sunshine. Not much has changed!

3. Explore the town at St Peter Port

Shopping in St Peters Port in the 1950's and in the high street in 2010

After sunning yourself on the beach, visitors like to pop into town at St Peter Port to pick up locally produced supplies for supper and visit the boutique shops.

4. Water babies: Get involved!

Aboard a water float in the 1950's and a family kayaking in the waters around Guernsey in 2010

When taking a dip just isn’t enough, there are lots of watersports on the island to get involved in. Things have evolved a little since the ’50s however. Find out more about water sports in Guernsey.

5. Visiting local heritage sites

Outside a fort in the 1960's and Fort in 2010

There are a number of dissused bunkers, barriers and fortifications around the island of Guernsey that have been restored so that visitors can explore and find out more about the islands past.

If you visited Guernsey as a child, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!

Photos  are owned and were submitted by Stewart Rothwell. You can see his full collection of old Guernsey photos by visiting here.