We really enjoy a stop-off at Vale Castle because, for the kids, it’s a real-life castle play area!
Location & Parking
Siuated in Vale, past The Bridge, Vale Castle sits high above Castle Road. With ample parking opposite the castle and around the corner at Bordeaux (by Woodies Kiosk).
There are a number of paths that lead up to the castle, the main being a wide concrete path leading from Castle Road, opposite the parking area. There are other access points dotted around the castle, most involving quite steep flights of cobbled steps.
Vale Castle Entrance
The main entrance of the castle is through an arched doorway situated at the top of the large concrete path. There is also another way in and out of the castle on the other side, it’s a small set of steps and my girls think it’s made only for kids!
Vale Castle Lower Level
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 the girls think is a stage, so they always dance on it (I dread to think what actually took place on this raised area!).
The lower level is a great spot for a picnic and there are also a few other areas to explore on this level…
The Upper Level
Now this is why our girls love this place. They always rush to the upper level and have great fun running around the top of the castle.
Please note that the upper level is not suitable for young children who are not being closely monitored. There are many places where it would be easy to fall over the edge.
The upper level allows you quite a unique experience because you can walk around the top of the castle, taking in the scale of it and the beautiful views of Herm.
Reminders of World War II
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 (we enjoy looking at them too).
Castle Grounds
Vale Castle doesn’t have large grounds outside of the castle however, it is possible to walk round the outside of it where you’ll find another fascinating structure from World War II to explore.
We thoroughly recommend and stop-off at Vale Castle when you’re in the north of the island. It’s the kind of place that you can make work for you, you could visit for 15 minutes and let the kids have a run around or you could take a picnic and kids will be entertained there for quite a while.
Address
Vale Castle, Castle Road, Vale, Guernsey, GY3 5TX
Bus Route
11, 12, 91, 92
Opening Times
Open all year except when closed for private parties.
Cost
Free!
