Guernsey with Kids

Rousse Tower and Battery

Rousse Headland is home to a fully restored loop-hole tower & battery that was originally built in the 19th Century, and still houses 5 cannons today.  Aside from the tower and battery the headland has lots to offer with stunning views of the fishing boats bobbing in the water, a footpath leading you round the coast, great swimming off the stone wall and a welcoming kiosk.

Location

Rousse forms part of Le Grand Havre Bay on Guernsey’s Northwest coast, just on from Port Soif and Port Grat.  There is parking dotted along Le Grand Bavre Bay with plenty of parking at Rousse, at the end of Les Dicqs (past the Peninsula Hotel) and past the Rousse kiosk. 

GWK Rousse Headland Parking
Parking At The End of Les Dicqs
GWK Parking Past Rousse kiosk
Parking Past The Rousse kiosk

Rousse Tower and Battery

Rousse Tower and Battery are uniquely combined in a single fortification. In 1816 the battery had three 24 pounder cannons and two nine pounder cannons with replicas of these guns at the site today.  We only found the battery recently and had great fun exploring it. We couldn’t get in the tower but it is possible to get in the battery, see the guns and the stunning views.  In the battery there is a sign with a panoramic view of the coast highlighting what you can see from there, it’s amazing what you can see from the elevated position.  

GWK Rousse Tower
GWK Rousse Tower
GWK Rousse Battery
GWK Stairs Leading to Rousse Tower
GWK Information Sign at Rousse Tower & Battery
Sign Showing What to Look Out For at Rousse Battery

Rousse Kiosk

Rousse Kiosk always seems to be open! A great stop-off for fresh sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. With benches and picnic tables to enjoy the view. 

GWK Rousse Kiosk
Rousse Kiosk

Footpath

You can follow the footpath around the Rousse Headland and along the coast. We actually found Rousse by accident after parking at Port Grat Bay and following the footpath round to Rousse.  If you haven’t been to Port Grat then we highly recommend it.  It is an absolutely stunning horseshoe bay with soft white sand and clear turquoise water, and unlike many of Guernsey’s beaches, Port Grat is perfect for a swim at high tide and is nearly always quiet.  For more information about Port Grat beach CLICK HERE.

GWK Rousse
Rousse Footpath
GWK Port Grat Beach Guernsey
Port Grat Beach
GWK Port Grat Beach Guernsey
Crystal Clear Water at Port Grat

Le Grand Havre Bay

La Grand Havre Bay encompasses a number of beaches aside from Rousse, these include Le Picquerel, a small sheltered sandy beach, Les Amarreurs, a picturesque small harbour with a playground behind the beach and Ladies Bay and Chouet, which are beautiful adjoining family-friendly beaches. With excellent facilities across the bay from kiosks, restaurants, lots of parking and a footpath that links the whole bay, Le Grand Havre is well worth a visit.

For more information about Le Grand Havre Bay CLICK HERE

GWK Le Picquerel
Le Picquerel Beach
GWK LES AMARREURS
Les Amarreurs
GWK Ladies Bay
Ladies Bay
GWK Chouet Beach
Chouet Beach
Rousse Headland is a great place to visit whether you fancy a stroll or a serious walk, a look at a battery, a cuppa and a bench with a view, or a swim in crystal clear water. With lots of parking and good facilities we highly recommend it. 

Address

Rousse Headland, Les Dicqs, Vale, Guernsey

Bus Routes

31, 32, 91, 92

Dogs on Le Grand Havre Beaches

Dogs are welcome on all Le Grand Havre beaches year-round.