La Varde Dolmen, on Guernsey’s North Coast, is the largest megalithic structure surviving on Guernsey, dating back between 4000 to 2500 BC! It is well worth a visit with kids of all ages.
Location
La Varde Dolmen is located on L’Ancresse Common, on Guernsey’s North Coast. There is ample parking by the Beach House cafe behind Pembroke Beach. La Varde is only a few minutes’ walk from the parking area.
The Walk to La Varde Dolmen
Exit the parking area and with the beach behind you, walk along the gravel footpath to the left of the road. After a minute on the footpath you will see a sign on the right hand side for the path to La Varde Dolmen.
Follow the grassy path up to the Dolmen, which is on the highest point of L’Ancresse Common.
There are a number of routes to get to La Varde, but as L’Ancresse is home to a golf course you must be very careful, especially with young children, not to wander onto the golf course. This route is the easiest way to get to the dolmen without fear of getting hit by a golf ball! It is possible to also get to the dolmen on the next path along from the path that is signposted. This is a gravel path with a bench just before you reach the dolmen.
La Varde Dolmen
Las Varde is Guernsey’s oldest passage grave which is bottle shaped in plan, with a narrow entrance (adults will have to duck their heads to get in) leading to a wider chamber. It was built during the Neolithic period between c 4000-2500 BC and was in use until the late Bronze Age C1000 BC. The site was excavated in 1837, with a stone pillar inside showing the date 1898.
We enjoy a walk to La Varde as the views are amazing, our girls enjoy running inside the dolmen and marveling at being ‘in a cave’! There are no lights in the Dolmen so you can take a torch but as there is a gap in the stone ceiling by the entrance, it is not completely dark like Dehus Dolmen!
The Millennium Stone
Close to La Varde stands the Millennium Stone, dragged with considerable difficulty from the beach at L’Ancresse where it had lain for years and erected in the middle of L’Ancresse Common in 1999, as part of the 2000 celebrations.
Beautiful Views
The views are stunning from the high points on L’Ancresse Common, with benches dotted around to give you chance to have a sit and take in the views.
World War II Fortifications
Near La Varde there are some WWII fortifications to explore…
Facilities
By Pembroke beach (and the parking area) there is a cafe, beach kiosk and toilets which makes it a great choice for families.
Pembroke Beach Kiosk (open in the summer) serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams. Along from the kiosk is the Beach House, a relaxed and informal beach cafe overlooking Pembroke Beach with ample seating inside and out. With a range of food and drinks available including hot and cold lunch options, cakes, snacks and ice cream. They also offer a take-away option so food/ drink can be enjoyed on the beach and it is open year-round (usually taking a break in January).
Pembroke & L'Ancresse Beach
For all the information you need about this beautiful beach, check out our write-up HERE.
Address
L’Ancresse Common, Pembroke, Vale, GY3 5BY
Bus Route
91, 92
