Guernsey with Kids

Bordeaux Harbour

What was once a busy fishing harbour, is now more commonly used as a beach which is good for swimming and snorkelling at high tide. With excellent facilities and stunning views of Herm and Sark, it’s good for a stop-off, rather than a day at the beach.

Location

Bordeaux Harbour is located on the north-eastern tip of Guernsey, off Rue du Bordeaux, with lots of parking behind the beach in 2 parking areas.  

GWK Bordeaux Parking
GWK Bordeaux Harbour

The Beach

GWK Bordeaux Harbour
Mid-Tide At Bordeaux Beach

Bordeaux is a predominantly pebble beach, with beautiful crystal-clear water which is great for swimming and snorkelling at high tide, however, swimming outside of the harbour entrance is not recommended due to the strong currents.  The beach is popular with dog walkers because, unlike some of Guernsey’s beaches, dogs are welcome on the beach year-round. 

Bordeaux is not the prettiest of beaches, however, it makes up for it by being a place which can relax you due to the stunning views of Herm and Sark (which are surprisingly close) and the sight of little fishing boats bobbing in the water.

GWK Bordeaux Harbour
GWK Bordeaux

Low Tide

At low tide there can be little water left in Bordeaux which is the reason it is not the place for a swim at low tide.

 

GWK Bordeaux Harbour
Low Tide At Bordeaux

High Tide

There is still a little beach on show at high tide and whatever the tide, it’s always a lovely place to sit and admire the view.

 

GWK Bordeaux
Bordeaux Harbour at High Tide
GWK Bordeaux
High Tide at Bordeaux Beach

Facilities

Woodies Kiosk is located in the car park behind Bordeaux beach, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.  The kiosk is always busy with people taking their food/drink and sitting on the benches and picnic tables behind the beach.   There is also a toilet block next to the kiosk.

GWK Woodies Kiosk Bordeaux
Woodies Kiosk At Bordeaux

Footpath

Beyond Woodies Kiosk is a gravel footpath that follows the coast, giving lovely views of Bordeaux, Herm and Vale Castle.

GWK Bordeaux Footpath
GWK Bordeaux Footpath
GWK Bordeaux Footpath
GWK Vale Castle

Vale Castle

This 15th century castle is a real life castle play area for kids, and somewhere we really enjoy visiting.  This free attraction has 2 levels and due to the fact it was fortified during World War II, there’s so much to explore. 

GWK Vale Castle
GWK Vale Castle
GWK Vale Castle
GWK Vale Castle
GWK Vale Castle
GWK Vale Castle inside
GWK Vale Castle
GWK Vale Castle
Bordeaux is not a beach that we would head to to spend family time on the beach, however, we do visit Bordeaux fairly frequently.  We park at the Bordeaux car park when we visit Vale Castle and it’s always a good choice for an ice cream because Woodies kiosk always seems to be open!

Address

Bordeaux, Rue du Bordeaux, Vale, Guernsey

Bus Routes

11, 12, 91, 92

Dogs On Bordeaux Beach

Dogs are welcome on Bordeaux beach year-round.