Guernsey with Kids

Pattie Cakes
Business Name
Overview
Wedding, birthday, christening, corporate, Christmas, anniversary, cup cakes. Home made cakes made to order. Children’s birthday cake orders always welcome!
Business Phone Number
07781 405131
Business Phone Number
07781104058
Business Contact Email
Business Address
Seasons. Barras Lane. Vale Guernsey, GY6 8EJ
Peacocks
Business Name
Overview
Peacocks offer a great range of baby clothing, childrenswear, shoes and accessories at fabulous prices. Peacocks is located within the Alliance supermarket just off the Braye Road in St Sampsons. Opening times are: Mon-Sat 7.30am-7.30pm Sun 10am-3.30pm
Business Phone Number
01481 246827
Business Address
Braye Road, Vale, Guernsey, GY3 5XB
Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay to Fort Le Marchant Walk
Overview
A beautiful walk from Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay on an easy-to follow footpath taking in a Loophole Tower, Fort Le Marchant, German Fortifications and with lots of rocks to climb it’s a favourite with our family.
Business Address
Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay, Pembroke, Vale, GY3 5BY
Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay
Category
Overview
Situated on the most northern tip of Guernsey, this beautiful sweeping bay is home to the largest expanse of sand on the island. With crystal clear water, lots of parking, 2 kiosks and a café plus fantastic walks in both directions, it’s a great choice for a family beach day.
Long Business Description

Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay is a beautiful large sweeping bay situated on the most northern point of Guerney. With the largest expanse of sand on the island and crystal clear water, it is a great choice for families year round.

Location

Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay is situated in the parish of Vale, on the northerm tip of the island.

There is ample room for parking behind the beach, to the left and the right of the Beach House cafe.

It is also easily accessible by bus, with 3 bus routes servicing the area.
The Beach

Pembroke and L’ancresse bay is a real beauty. I find it confusing that there are 2 names for the beach, it appears that the left half is Pembroke Beach and the right is L’Ancresse Beach, however, there is no distinction between the 2.
The left side of the bay is Pembroke Beach
The right side of the bay is L’Ancresse Beach
The soft sand and a gentle slope into the sea make it great for paddling/ swimming and playing games on the beach. Due to the large expanse of sand and the depth of the beach, Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay can be enjoyed during both high and low tide. Note that at low tide it can feel like you need a bus to actually get to the waters edge! Also, we do find the beach rather exposed and it can feel very windy in a northerly breeze!
Enjoying drawing in the sand on Pembroke Beach
Dogs on Pembroke and L’Ancresse Beach
Most of Guernsey’s beaches are dog friendly during the summer months, however, there are 7 beaches where dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September and Pembroke and L’Ancresse is one of those beaches.
Enjoying winter dog time on Pembroke Beach
Facilities
With a cafe, beach kiosks, toilets and ample parking, Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay is a great choice for a day on the beach.

There are 2 beach kiosks, Pembroke beach kiosk and the L’Ancresse beach kiosk at the other end of the bay. Both serve hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Beach House Cafe
Beach House, Pembroke Beach
The Beach House is 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.

Lottie is particularly keen on the babyccino’s and chocolate cake!

The Beach House is open year round aside from Christmas Day through to late Jan. In the summer (June to Sept) they are open everyday from 9am to 8pm.
Outside seating at the Beach House, this would be full in the summer!
Footpath

There is a family friendly gravel footpath that sits behind Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay leading to Fort Le Marchant to the right and Fort Pembroke to the left. The footpath is great for a leisurely walk or for bike riding.
Footpath to the right of L’Ancresse Beach
Looking back at Pembroke Beach from the footpath leading to Fort Pembroke
The footpath from Pembroke Beach to Fort Pembroke is one of my favourite places to go because of the amazing rock formations. Everytime we go the girls can’t wait to start climbing, a large number of the rocks are not on the edge of the footpath making them safer to climb without fear of a big drop and with little climbs for little legs and more challenging climbs for older children (and adults!) there is something for everyone. The screnery is also stunning and I love looking at the breathtaking views in all directions.

For more details of the Fort Pembroke footpath take a look at our recent blog post…
Vale: Rock Climbing as Nature Intended
Address
Pembroke, Vale, GY3 5BY
Bus Route
12, 91, 92
Dogs on Pembroke and L’Ancresse Beach
Dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September.
BBQs on Pembroke and L/Ancresse Beach
Beach bbqs can be lit between 5:00pm and midnight. Permission is required for beach bbqs to be attended by more than ten people. Beach barbeque Application Forms can be downloaded from https://www.gov.gg/beachbbq

Beach barbeques should be lit well below the high tide mark and away from coastal dune or grassland vegetation.
Beach House Cafe
Beach House is open all year aside from Christmas and New Year. Opening times and the menus can be found on their website https://www.beachhouseguernsey.com/

Business Address
Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay, Pembroke, Vale, GY3 5BY
Pembroke Beach Kiosk
Overview
Kiosk located behind Pembroke Beach (with the car park) offering hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Business Address
Pembroke, Vale, Guernsey, GY3 5BY
Pembroke Beach to Fort Pembroke Walk
Overview
We absolutely love this short walk. Follow the footpath at the far end of Pembroke beach and you’ll end up at Fort Pembroke, the headland is an amazing natural playground with ‘real’ rock climbing for all ages and the most stunning views.
Business Address
Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay, Pembroke, Vale, GY3 5BY
Peninsula Hotel
Business Name
Overview
A large hotel and restaurant, recently refurbished, offering great food and a children’s menu. With a large heated pool which offers dip ‘n’ dine in the summer months.
Business Phone Number
01481 248400
Business Address
Les Dicqs, Vale, Guernsey, GY6 8JP
Pete’s Castles
Business Name
Overview
Pete’s Castles offer a hire and delivery service of children’s bouncy castles and inflatable slides. Sumo suits, boxing and gladiator are also available on a daily or weekly hire.
Business Phone Number
07781 106287
Business Address
Rue de la Villette, St Martin, Guernsey, GY4 6QD
Petit Bot Bay
Business Name
Category
Overview
Petit Bot is a favourite with families and its easy to see why…large expanse of soft white sand (at low tide), crystal clear water, rocks to climb and a cave to explore.
Long Business Description

Petit Bot is a picturesque beach on Guernsey’s south coast and it’s a great choice for families. With a large expanse of sand, great paddling, rocks to explore, plus good facilities, it’s a must when visiting Guernsey.
Collecting Seaweed on Petit Bot Beach
Location

Petit Bot is located in the parish of Forest at the base of 2 wooded valleys.

The bay can be reached by driving down a small lane off Forest Road (opposite Forest Stores). Look out for the signpost on the main road. Drive down the lane all the way to the end where you’ll find a small one-way loop around the tearoom and you’ll see the beach ahead of you.

A small number of parking spaces line the road around the tearoom, however, it can be tricky to find a park in the height of summer.
Parking around the tearoom

If you’d prefer a walk to Petit Bot, it is on the coastal path. I’ve once parked at icart and walked to Petit Bot and it was incredibly beautiful but not something my girls would probably manage because it took a few hours and was a steep walk down to the bay. If you have older children then it could be something to consider.
Footpath from icart to Petit Bot
The Beach
Petit Bot beach is a tale of 2 halves, it is an absolute stunner at low tide with a mass expanse of white sand, however, the beach is non-existant at high tide!
Petit Bot Beach Mid Tide
The beach is accessed via a sloped stone slipway off the main road. This leads to a stoned section of the beach that needs to be walked over to get to the beauftiful soft white sand, this makes it a little harder to access for those with mobility issues.

During the summer months, Outdoor Guernsey have a number of kayaks on Petit Bot beach to hire. If you are interested you need to call or text Outdoor Guernsey on 07781130403 to check availability in the morning of your chosen day.
Low Tide
Low Tide at Petit Bot
Petit Bot is a beautiful place to be at low tide and it’s easy to see why this beach is so popular with families in the summer. The scenery is beautiful with magnificant views in all directions and the high cliffs that shelter the bay make it a sun-trap.
High Cliffs Shelter Petit Bot Beach
A sandcastle makers paradise! The sand at Petit Bot is wet and compact (thanks to it being under water at high tide) making it perfect for sandcastles and ball games.

The beach is also a top spot for paddling/ swimming in the sea, however, it is quite a walk to the water’s edge at low tide!
Enjoying the water at Petit Bot
Along with playing in the sand and swimming, Petit Bot also offers a cave to explore and rocks to climb (the rocks make for a great drying rack for wet clothes!).
Drying swimwear on the rocks!

We also love visiting Petit Bot in the winter, wrapped up warm, it’s a great place for the kids to run off some steam.
High Tide
High Tide at Petit Bot
Can you believe this is all that is left of Petit Bot Beach at high tide, just some pebbles!!

It is hard to comprehend that the tidal change is so vast, which is why it’s important to check tide times before planning a day on Petit Bot beach.

The best time to get to the beach is a few hours after high tide so you can watch as the beach opens up and you won’t be chased off the beach by the tide.
Benches With A View
To the right of the beach entrance are steps which lead up to a grassed viewing area.

The benches provide the most stunning view over Petit Bot Bay and the loophope tower. The Napoleonic loophole tower was built over 200 years ago to protect the beach from potential invasion.  The tower (Tower 13) is open to the public, free of charge, on a daily basis from March to October.
Tower 13 at Petit Bot Bay
Facilities
Petit Bot Tearoom is situated behind the beach and offers hot and cold meals, snacks, ice creams and drinks. There are toilets on the ground floor of the tearoom and a lovely courtyard out front. PLEASE NOTE: The tearoom was closed down in 2019, hopefully it will be up and running again this year.
Petit Bot Tearoom
Address
Petit Bot, Forest, GY8 0BP
Bus Route
11, 91
Dogs on Petit Bot
Dogs are banned on the beach at Petit Bot between 1st May and 30th September.
BBQs on Petit Bot Beach
Beach bbqs can be lit between 5:00pm and midnight. Permission is required for beach bbqs to be attended by more than ten people. Beach barbeque Application Forms can be downloaded from https://www.gov.gg/beachbbq

Beach barbeques should be lit well below the high tide mark and away from coastal dune or grassland vegetation.

Business Address
Petit Bot Bay, Forest, Guernsey, GY8 0BP
Petit Bot Tearoom
Business Name
Overview
Little tearoom located behind the gorgeous Petit Bot Beach offering ice creams, hot and cold drinks, alcohol, bacon sandwiches and snacks. Outside seating only and limited parking available.
Business Address
Petit Bot, Forest, Guernsey
Petit Bot to Le Gouffre
Overview
An absolutely stunning walk along the south coast cliff path. Quite a bit of up and down so be prepared but its definitely worth it. Takes us over an hour. Obviously you can do the walk in either direction.
Business Address
Petit Bot Bay, Forest, Guernsey, GY8 0BP
Petit Port
Business Name
Category
Overview
One of our favourite beaches in Guernsey because it’s an absolute stunner. With soft sand (at low tide), crystal clear water and thanks to the fact you have to conquer 270 steps to reach it, it’s always quiet! It’s a trek back up from the beach so not suitable for all.
Long Business Description

Petit Port beach is simply stunning, however, the only way to reach it is by walking down over 270 steps! We haven’t made it to the beach with our girls yet (they are 6 years old), however, plenty of our friends have and they have coped with the steps ok (just remember to take lots of yummy bribe food to keep motivation up on the way back!).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzc5fDK1Qlw
Location

Petit Port is located off La Route De Jerbourg in St Martin on the coastal footpath.

Access to the footpath is signposted from the main road, look out for a small sign a few feet off the ground (opposite the Doyle monument). By car, drive past the sign and there is parking at the top of the hill on the right hand side.

Petit Port can also be accessed from 2 directions on the coastal footpath, 1) from Jerbourg, 2) from Moulin Huet
View of Petit Port beach in the distance, photo taken from the Jerbourg footpath

Footpath from Moulin Huet

View of Petit Port from the footpath

The Steps
The 270 steps are not for the feint hearted and are not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. The steps zig-zag down the cliff, there is a handrail and a bench halfway down for a well earned rest.

270 steps to get to Petit Port beach

The bench provides a well earned rest

Steep Steps down to Petit Port beach

The Beach
Low Tide

There is something very special about Petit Port beach at low tide thanks to the soft white sand and crystal clear blue water. It is a beautifully sheltered bay with rocks to explore on either side and a vast expanse of sand.

Due to the effort required to get onto the beach it is never very busy and you may have the whole beach to yourself!

Petit Port is a great place for children to swim/ paddle because there are no rocks underfoot, just soft sand, and it slopes gently into the water.
Kayak fun on a summers day at Petit Port
High Tide
You need to be mindful of the tide when planning a visit to Petit Port because at high tide there is no sand visible on the beach, it is totally under water. It is a long way down the steps to find a small rocky bay at the bottom!

It is good to get to Petit Port after high tide, ideally midway between high and low tide to maximise your time on the beach.
High Tide at Petit Port
Tide coming in at Petit Port
Facilities
There are absolutely no facilities on Petit Port beach so you need to take everything with you, but remember, what goes down must go back up!!
Address
La Route De Jerbourg, St Martin, Guernsey

Business Address
La Route De Jerbourg, St Martin, Guernsey
Phoenix Tumbling & Gymnastics
Overview
The club is a fully registered British Gymnastics club and is run by head coach Bobby Montague offering sessions for reception age children (4+) up to adult gymnastics classes. Holiday clubs and kids parties also available.
Business Phone Number
07781 412471
Business Contact Email
Business Address
Unit 2, Barras Lane Industrial Estate, Vale, Guernsey
Piggy Paint Pamper Parties
Overview
Piggy Paint offer ‘Natural as Mud’ non-toxic, odourless, kid-friendly Children’s Pamper Parties! Contact Caron for further details.
Business Phone Number
07781 457788
Pirate Bay Adventure Golf
Overview
A fully interactive 12-hole adventure golf course, designed to be challenging, but fun for all ages. Featuring an erupting volcano, shipwrecks and plenty of treasure! With an excellent restaurant onsite.
Business Phone Number
01481 727039
Business Contact Email
Business Address
Golf19, Rohais de Haut, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1NT
Pleinmont Observation Tower
Overview
This restored five-story naval observation tower, built and used by German forces from 1942 to 1945, gives a fascinating insight into the occupation and Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. Only open April to October on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4.30pm. Adults £3.00, children £1.50.
Business Address
Pleinmont Headland, Torteval, Guernsey
Pomme de Chien Campsite
Overview
A peaceful family run campsite in Sark with camping pods and self-catering units available. Located in unique surroundings with sea views, blue-bell valley and flat playing areas for both young and old. Situated between the Avenue and Dixcart bay you can pop to the shops on your bike in 5 minutes or take the 10 minute relaxing woodland stroll down to Dixcart bay.
Business Phone Number
01481 832316
Port Grat Bay
Business Name
Category
Overview
A pretty horseshoe bay with soft white sand, clear water and rockpools to explore. Similar to Port Soif but, due to having limited parking and no facilities, it tends to be much quieter. A good spot for a walk because the beach is close to Rousse Tower, a fully restored and accessible loop-holed tower originally built in the 19th century.
Business Address
Port Grat Bay, Route du Port Grat, Saint Sampson, Guernsey
Port Soif Beach
Business Name
Category
Overview
A stunning sheltered bay with soft sand (at high tide) and crystal clear waters, you could be in the Caribbean! With plenty of parking and a great beach kiosk offering hot and cold food, drinks and ice creams. Port Soif is one of few Guernsey beaches that is best at high tide, at low tide the sea gives was to a carpet of rocks that makes it virtually impossible to reach the waters edge.
Long Business Description

We stopped off at Port Soif beach on our first family trip to Guernsey in May 2018 and fell in love with it, we felt like we were in the Bahamas! As with many place names in Guernsey I spent many months pronouncing Port Soif incorrectly, it’s Port Swoff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TumP_aBRpm4

Our first visit to Port Soif, May Bank holiday 2018
Location

Port Soif is situated on the west coast of Guernsey, just North of Cobo.
The Beach
Port Soif is a picturesque horse-shoe shaped beach with soft sand and crystal clear waters. The bank of rocks at the back of the beach provides really good shelter and also makes for fun rock climbing for the kids.

The 17 steps to go down to enter Port Soif beach

Fun climbing for kids

The beach is easy to access off the coast road (Portinfer Coast Road), with the beach café (Surfside) signposted from the road. There is plenty of parking next to Surfside and also at the end of the road giving great views over the beach and rocks.

Lane off the coast road with parking at the end

Rocky view from the parking area

Right turn leads to Surfside Cafe and the parking area
Effect of the Tide
The main thing to note is the effect the tide has on Port Soif beach. After visiting the beach, by chance, at high tide on our first visit, we made a second trip another day at low tide and there was no water in the bay just rocks!

Around high tide the beach is fantastic for kids, perfect for paddling with soft sand underfoot. For those wanting a swim the water quality is rated as excellent, as highlighted on the information board at the entrance to the beach.
Just after high tide at Port Soif beach
The bay is unrecognisable at low tide, the tide goes out so far that you would need to attempt a significant walk across the rocks to reach the water. Kids can still build sandcastles, collect shells, climb the rocks that provide the shelter at the back of the beach but just don’t promise a swim in the sea!

Low tide at Port Soif

Exposed rocks at low tide

The sea at low tide, all the way back to the parking area

Surfside at Port Soif
Surfside is up there amongst our favourite beach cafés, the food is always really good and reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly. There are a number of tables outside with umbrellas for those wanting shade.

The café serves hot and cold food and a selection of cakes and ice creams. The café also has a little shop selling beach goodies…buckets, spades, beach toys etc. The cafe is set back from the bay so you won’t get a sea view when you’re seated but it means it is very sheltered which is great on windy days.

There are toilets behind the café and a large sanded area which the girls love to play in whilst waiting for their food.
Port Soif sand pit!
There is a gravel footpath behind the cafe (beyond the sandpit), we haven’t walked along it yet but it looks like a lovely coastal walk with great views.
Port Soif footpath
We thoroughly recommend a trip to Port Soif whether you’re looking for a beach to spend the day on or quick stop off at Surfside Cafe and a look at the stunning views.
Address
Port Soif Coast Road, Grandes Rocques, Castel, Guernsey
Dogs on Port Soif Beach
Dogs are banned on Port Soif beach between 1st May and 30th September.
BBQs on Port Soif beach
Beach bbqs can be lit between 5:00pm and midnight on Port Soif beach. Permission is required for beach bbqs to be attended by more than ten people. Beach barbeque Application Forms can be downloaded from https://www.gov.gg/beachbbq

Beach barbeques should be lit well below the high tide mark and away from coastal dune or grassland vegetation.
Surfside At Port Soif
Surfside cafe is open (depending on weather) from April until October. More details on their Facebook page.

Business Address
Port Soif Coast Road, Grandes Rocques, Castel, Guernsey