Guernsey with Kids

La Varde Dolmen

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.  

GWK Pembroke Beach car park
Parking to the right of the Beach House Cafe
GWK Pembroke Cafe
Beach House Cafe, Pembroke

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.

Pembroke Guernsey
La Varde Guernsey

Follow the grassy path up to the Dolmen, which is on the highest point of L’Ancresse Common.

La Varde Dolmen Guernsey
Path to La Varde Dolmen

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. 

Alternative footpath leading to La Varde Dolmen

La Varde Dolmen

Entrance to 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!

La Varde 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. 

The Millenium Stone Guernsey

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. 

Stunning Views from La Varde Dolmen

World War II Fortifications

Near La Varde there are some WWII fortifications to explore…

World War II Fortification L'Ancress Common Guernsey

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).

GWK Pembroke Beach Kiosk
Pembroke Beach Kiosk
GWK Pembroke Cafe
Beach House Pembroke

Pembroke & L'Ancresse Beach

For all the information you need about this beautiful beach, check out our write-up HERE.  

GWK Pembroke Low Tide
Low Tide at Pembroke Beach Guernsey

Address

L’Ancresse Common, Pembroke, Vale, GY3 5BY

Bus Route

91, 92