When the sun shines and the skies are blue there is no better way to eat than alfresco, and on Guernsey we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh food and wonderful picnic spots to enjoy a sunny afternoon.

So here’s our guide to gathering the most delicious [and local] picnic food and choosing the best picnic spot on Guernsey, whether you want a sandy beach, rugged cliffs, colourful gardens or small intimate bay as a backdrop.

The food should be simple but delicious – let our fantastic views and locations do the rest – so find a local bakery for some crusty French bread, pick out a delicious local cheese [thank you Guernsey cows], buy some wonderfully fresh Guernsey tomatoes and fruit from a hedge veg stall [and don’t forget the wine and local cider...], then head off to choose that perfect picnic spot. And if you should find you’ve forgotten [heaven forbid!] the ice cream there are beach kiosks dotted all over Guernsey ready to come to the rescue.

Guernsey Kiosk

Whether you are in the market for a romantic picnic for two, or planning a huge family gathering on a sandy beach – picnicking in Guernsey is a delightful way to spend a leisurely hour, or four! And we’ve picked our favourite spots for picnics which, like summer, feel as if they could last for days. So spread out a rug and enjoy:

Lihou Island

Remote Lihou Island

Just a ten minute walk across the causeway at low tide and you will find a remote picnic spot away from the rest of the word, where you can imagine Enid Blyton’s Famous Five scrambling around the paths before enjoying a cool ginger beer. For post-picnic exploring there’s also a ruined priory, ancient signs of past explorers and beautiful views of the Guernsey coast – just be sure to check the tide times before you venture out.

Candie Gardens

Explore the restored Victorian gardens at Candie Gardens

Why not try alfresco dining in the historic and colourful Candie Gardens that boast the largest palms in the British Isles and also enjoy stunning views of our sister Islands Herm and Sark. And for those looking for a picnic with a swing, there is Sunday afternoon jazz to be enjoyed in the Victorian bandstand.

Grandes Rocques

A perfect BBQ spot on Grandes Rocques

Any one of our 27 bays make a great spot for outdoor eating, and we’d recommend finding a sheltered spot by the sand dunes at Grandes Rocques to watch the tide rise and the sun set. It’s a favourite for locals who are skilled at identifying the wind direction of the day and thus the best shelter to set up base.

Moulin Huet Bay

Renoir’s favourite, this bay is a small intimate cove for those who prefer a more secluded location. Romantic, scenic and peaceful; perfect for those who want to chill out and discover what the master painter found so inspiring

Castle Cornet

Castle Cornet

The jewel in Guernsey’s crown; for 800 years Castle Cornet has stood at the mouth of the harbour – through war, revolution and invasion! Explore the historic walls, towers and gardens, then stretch out on a picnic blanket to savour some good food and views, and for some extra culture sample the outdoor theatre throughout the summer.

Bordeaux Harbour

Vale Castle overlooking Bordeaux Harbour

A perfect spot for people watching! Bordeaux Harbour, nestled on the north coast, is overseen to the south by the medieval Vale Castle. The fishing bay is a popular haunt for those stopping off for morning coffee or afternoon tea, and if you fancy a refreshing dip in the sea, why not swim from the pier that looks out towards Herm Island.