The cost of entertaining kids can easily mount up however, there are lots of great things to do for FREE in Guernsey. We’ve pulled together a list of 12 things to do in Guernsey that cost nothing but will be great fun for all the family. The list is in no particular order…
1. Le Guet
Le Guet is a well-kept secret that took us over a year to find. This small pine forest is located behind Cobo Community Centre on Guernsey’s west coast. The collection of century old Monterey pine trees makes Le Guet feel like no other place in Guernsey. The trees shade a large area of land leading down to the Cobo Coast Road. There are lots of logs for kids to climb on and a number of rope swings hanging from the trees.
On the right-hand side of the forest is a small path that leads up to the Napoleonic watch-house that was built in 1780. The path is a little steep but it is well worth the walk up because the elevated position from the top gives stunning views of the west coast and several miles out to sea. There are a few benches past the watch-house that give the most breathtaking view of Cobo Bay and beyond. There are railings around the edge but care must be taken with small children because there is a steep drop beyond the railings.
There is parking at Le Guet, but no toilets, the closest facilities are at Cobo Community Centre and Mim’s Kiosk by Cobo beach.
FOR MORE INFO INCLUDING LOCATION MAP, PARKING INFO AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE.
2. Rock Climbing at Pembroke
One day we were out exploring the north of the island and we discovered a real gem on the footpath from Pembroke Beach to Fort Pembroke, an amazing natural playground with ‘real’ rock climbing for all ages. It is easily accessible from the parking area at Pembroke Beach (by the Beach House Cafe). Take the footpath to the left of the parking area and follow it out to the headland and Fort Pembroke (a small closed fort). The rock formations by the fort are amazing, and a large number of them are not on the edge of the footpath making them safer to climb without fear of a big drop. With little climbs for little legs, and more challenging climbs for older children (and adults), it’s a place for people of all ages and if the tide is out there are even more rocks to explore.
FOR MORE INFO, INCLUDING LOTS OF PHOTOS CLICK HERE.
3. Bordeaux Rope Swings
This is another hidden gem of a play area. We lived in Guernsey for 2 years before we realised it existed. The rope swings are located just passed Bordeaux Harbour on Les Petils (look out for the green Ruettes Tranquilles sign at the start of the lane). Les Petils is a dead-end with lots of parking at the end of the lane, note there are no facilities here, the nearest toilets are at the nearby Woodies Kiosk.
A gravel footpath leads from the parking area along the coast with beautiful views of small boats bobbing in the water and Herm in the distance. Look out for the concrete steps on the left bank that lead up to the wooded area, rope swings and benches with stunning views. At the far end is a wooden swing tied to a tree which my girls say makes them feel like they are flying!
FOR MORE INFO INCLUDING LOCATION DETAILS AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE.
4. Lihou Island
We always enjoy a visit to Lihou as it’s a great adventure for kids, from the causeway to get to this small uninhabited island, through to the amazing rock climbing and sense of freedom that you feel.
The causeway to Lihou is on the L’Eree Headland and is signposted off Les Sablons coast road. Follow the windy road all the way to the end where you’ll come to a parking area. Once parked, you need to walk down the slipway which leads to the causeway. CLICK HERE to check out the causeway opening times as they vary daily depending on the tide.
The causeway changes from cobbled stone, to pebbles, back to cobbled stone etc and in places the water is deep enough to cover a kid’s foot (Lottie is always keen to test this out). The views are beautiful and it is amazing to think the walkway is underwater for most of the day. It usually takes us about 20 minutes to get across the causeway and at the end you will see Lihou House on higher ground ahead of you.
There is a path that takes you around the island (which is a designated Ramsar wetland site) and you can go in either direction with the landscape changing slightly in different parts of the island, with grassy sections, pebbles, a small rocky area and a stretch walking through longer plants, however, wherever you are on the island, the views are beautiful.
Things to look out for are the remains of the Lihou Priory and The Venus Pool, a large rock pool with crystal clear blue/green water, it’s freezing, but every time we go there seem to be people brave enough to swim in it!
5. St Saviour's Reservoir Walk
Tucked away in St Saviour’s is the Millennium Walk, a nature trail around the St Saviour’s Reservoir that is like nowhere else in Guernsey. It takes you through lots of woodland, over a dam, over a few bridges and down some country lanes and is always an hour enjoyably spent.
The nature trail is 3km long and can be joined from any of the 3 parking areas that are dotted around the reservoir, on the following roads; 1) Rue des Annevilles, 2) Rue A L’Or, 3) Rue du Moulin.
The highlight for us of this walk is the dam wall because the view from the wall is something else. It shows the scale of the reservoir, but also how high up you are, with the St Saviours Water Treatment Works looking so far below you.
The Millennium Walk is the perfect place to get away from it all because it’s so peaceful and kids can explore for the majority of the walk away from any cars. The trail is relatively flat (except the road section), however, there are a lot of tree roots across the path so it isn’t really buggy friendly. It is however suitable for the whole family, even dogs can join, though they must be kept on a lead at all times.
FOR MORE INFO WITH A MAP, PARKING, PHOTOS AND DETAILS OF THE TRAIL CLICK HERE.
6. The Little Chapel
The Little Chapel is really special and maybe not what you might consider as a kids attraction, however, it is always on our list of places to take visitors with kids. Even being called the Little Chapel cannot prepare you for how small the chapel is, to the point that you cannot believe it is big enough for people to fit inside! It is the miniature size of the chapel, alongside it’s beautiful decoration, that makes it fascinating for children (and adults).
The Little Chapel is situated in the parish of St Andrews, off Les Vauxbelets road (on the site of Blanchelande College) with ample parking. It is breathtaking when you first see it, measuring only 16ft (5m) x 9ft (3m) and decorated with seashells, pebbles and broken china. Once inside, the biggest surprise is seeing a tiny staircase leading down to the lower level. This is my girls’ favourite part, they think they look like stairs from a fairy tale castle!
I’d be amazed if anyone only goes into the chapel once when they visit. The first walk through highlights the beauty and uniqueness of the place, and then when you know what to expect, you can really look at the detail and appreciate it on a second walk through.
FOR MORE INFO, INCLUDING A MAP AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE.
7. Les Vardes Quarry Nature Trail
This 2k walk on Guernsey’s North West coast road (Route des Pulias), takes you around the Ronez Quarry with amazing views into the quarry (you won’t believe how deep it is) and over the west coast.
The path is mainly gravel for the first part, then it changes to a dirt track before you come to a grassy area with 2 picnic tables (with fantastic views) and a bench. This walk is a must for fans of lorries and trucks and if you visit during the week you will see the quarry operating and dogs don’t need to miss out as they are welcome on the trail, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
FOR MORE INFO INCLUDING A MAP, PARKING INFO, PHOTOS AND DETAILS OF THE TRAIL CLICK HERE.
8. Walk From Portelet Harbour to the Fairy Ring
This walk has it all…a beach, German bunker, a fort with cannons, trees to climb, a meeting place for fairies and the most stunning scenery in all directions. With plenty of benches to take in the view, and ample places to have a picnic, no wonder it’s so popular with families. The walk starts at Portelet, where there are a number of parking spaces (beyond The Imperial Hotel). A wide tarmacked path will take you along the coast, after about 10 minutes you will get to Fort Pezeries, a small fort to explore with 3 cannons, and the Fairy Ring, a place our kids love to visit because they love the idea that fairies live there!
FOR MORE INFO INCLUDING LOTS OF PHOTOS, A MAP AND DETAILS OF THE ROUTE CLICK HERE.
9. Vale Castle
We really enjoy a stop-off at Vale Castle because, for the kids, it’s a real-life castle play area on 2 levels. Sitting high above Castle Road, there is ample parking opposite the castle, with a number of paths leading up to the entrance.
When you walk through the main entrance you are greeted with a large grassed area which is enclosed on all sides by a large stone wall. The earliest parts of the castle that remain today, date back to the 15th Century, and when you’re in the castle you get a feeling that so much has taken place there. At the far side of the lower level is a rectangular concrete area that my girls think is a stage, so they always dance on it (I dread to think what actually took place on this raised area).
The upper level allows you quite a unique experience because you can walk around the top of the castle remains, taking in the scale of it and the beautiful views of Herm and it’s definitely the highlight for my girls.
During the Second World War, the German occupying forces fortified the castle with four concrete machine-gun positions, three 5cm mortar positions, trenches, four torbruk pits and personnel shelters. They remain at the castle, and make great talking points with the kids (I always enjoy looking at them too).
FOR MORE INFO INCLUDING A MAP, PARKING AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE.
10. Victoria Tower
Victoria Tower is a monument in the heart of St Peter Port, erected in honour of a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the island in 1846. The tower still stands today and is open to the public to climb the 99 steps inside, to be rewarded with a panoramic view of Guernsey’s capital at the top. Best of all, this unique Guernsey experience is free.
The Victoria Tower is located on Arsenal Road, opposite Guernsey’s Fire and Rescue Service, with parking on the surrounding roads. It remains locked and can only be accessed by picking up the key from the reception desk at the nearby Guernsey Museum at Candie.
Once you have the key, exit Candie Gardens from the back-left gate, then cross the road and take the first left onto Monument Road, once on this road you will see Victoria Tower ahead of you.
The tower stands 100 feet high and offers spectacular panoramic views of St Peter Port from the viewing platform that circles the top of the tower. There are metal panels covering the open sections so it feels completely safe, though you might not think so if you are afraid of heights!
Don’t forget that what goes up, must come down and the steps felt a lot steeper on the way down, and they are so winding that I felt a bit sick when I got to the bottom! After your visit, you must lock the tower and return the key to the Guernsey Museum at Candie.
FOR MORE INFO INCLUDING A MAP, PARKING AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE.
11. Guille-Alles Library - Children's Library
The Guille-Alles library in the heart of St Peter Port is a library like no other, and one of our favourite places to visit. In 2018 it was transformed into a magical world where children can learn, have fun and be inspired, thanks to staircases only big enough for children, raised walkways leading to secret shelves and reading nooks, the beautiful tree centrepiece covered in fairy lights, circular reading bench and the artificial grass covering the floors. And if that wasn’t enough, the Children’s Library is home to more than 15,000 books!
There are FREE activities taking place throughout the summer holidays from Baby Social for little ones under one, to Chatterbooks, a book club for 8-12yr olds, along with the ever popular Summer Reading Challenge. All events are free though some require booking. CLICK HERE to visit our What’s On Calendar with all the info.
12. Playgrounds
I’ve grouped all these great parks together that are perfect for a short visit or a longer stay with a picnic…
Beau Sejour Playground (Cambridge Park)
Fantastic playground with play equipment for children of all ages and the nearby Jubilee Skatepark makes it a great place for families of all ages. Situated behind the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre. FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE.
Delancey Park
Great park with lots of fun play equipment for children of all ages, along with a large lawned area, ramps for bikes and skateboards and an exercise area. FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE.
Les Amarreurs Playground
Great playground offering a good selection of play equipment for children of all ages along with a kiosk, benches, picnic tables and pubic toilets. FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE.
Saumarez Park
The largest public park in Guernsey and our favourite for combining bike riding, feeding ducks, climbing trees and playing in the huge playground. FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE.
