Saumarez Park is the largest public park in Guernsey and our favourite for combining bike riding, feeding ducks, climbing trees and lots of playing.
Location
Saumarez Park is located in the parish of Castel, a few minutes drive inland from Cobo Bay. There are 2 on-site parking areas, one next to the playground (Route de Saumarez) and the other round the back nearer the pond (Saumarez Lane).
The playground car park is very small and gets full early so we always head for the parking on Saumarez Lane, however, this too can get full and there is an overflow car park on Home Farm Field opposite. There are always directions to the field parking when required and it is only a short walk out of the field, across the tiny lane, and into the car park.
Fun For Kids
Saumarez Park is such a lovely place to visit thanks to the large expanses of grass, duck pond with Japanese style pavilion, recently renovated children’s playground, café and The National Trust of Guernsey’s Folk and Costume Museum.
The beauty of Saumarez Park for kids with bikes/scooters is the tarmacked path which goes all round the edge of the park. We always turn left out of the car park (heading away from the playground and café) which takes you to the duck pond and the pavilion.
The girls love dumping their bikes and running onto the pavilion to feed the ducks. No matter how much food they have had they always seem very hungry ducks! The girls love seeing large carp coming up to the surface to take the seeds too (Please not that the pavilion is currently closed for refurbishment).
The girls always save some duck food to feed the ducks from the edge of the pond (a little further round on the path) where you can get closer to the ducks. Lottie is always determined to get a duck to feed from her hand, much to my pleading for her not to do it!
We then follow the path a little further to the girls’ favourite tree. The branches are really low and easy to climb, they would literally spend as long as we would let them playing on it. I just wish there was a bench near it for me!
From here the path will take you all the way to the playground or you can cut across the grass. At the far end of the grass, near the playground, there is a tree trunk that has been turned sideways and is always a magnet for kids wanting to climb and jump off it.
Playground
Saumarez Park has a fantastic playground for children of all ages and it is by far Tilly and Lottie’s favourite on the island. There are lots of bike racks next to the park so no worries leaving the bikes whilst the kids play.
The centre piece is a large pirate ship with a tall climbing section joining the two ends of the ship. Aside from this there is a whole host of things to play on from swings, slides, zip wire, swinging ropes to a lighthouse. The girls are never ready to leave and would happily stay here for hours!
Alongside all that Saumarez Park has to offer, there is also a nature trail that links the park with nearby Cobo Bay, we haven’t seen it yet and it is next on our list to explore.
Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden
Saumarez Park is home to The Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden which is a pretty garden maintained by an army of volunteers who cultivate fruit, vegetables, flowers and house plants. Visitors are welcome to view the garden and chat to the volunteers. There is also a small garden shop which is open every afternoon from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1pm. We have been to a few family events at the Walled Garden which have been great fun, keep an eye on our What’s On calendar for upcoming events.
Saumarez Park Cafe
When it’s time for refreshments there is a cafe a few minutes walk from the playground. It’s quite an eclectic place with flags from around the world and kids teddies hanging from the ceiling in the children’s end. There is a blackboard room (as it sounds, a room where the walls are painted with blackboard paint and there are often chalks left on the floor for kids to use), a large TV on the wall which is often playing a kids program and some coin operated machines, making the cafe a hit with children.
The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is reasonably priced. There are a number of tables inside and we have never struggled to get a table. In the summer months there is a courtyard outside the back of the cafe with lots of tables and a small bouncy castle.
Please not that dogs are not allowed in the cafe.
Events
Saumarez Park is host to a number of events throughout the year including the North Show and Battle of the Flowers, Viaer Marchi (celebrating Guernsey’s heritage), summer funfair, Annual Classic Vehicle Show, Halloween Event and a Christmas market, to name a few.
Saumarez Park is one of our favourite places in Guernsey because it has so much to offer. With so much open space, an amazing playground, great facilities and always lots going on, it’s a must-visit when in Guernsey.
Address
Saumarez Road, Castel, Guernsey, GY5 7UJ
Parking
2 carparks 1) off Route de Saumarez (playground carpark) 2) Saumarez Lane
Bus Routes
41, 42, 62
Dogs at Saumarez Park
Dogs are welcome at Saumarez Park as long as they remain on a lead at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the cafe.
Cost of Entry
Entry free of charge to the park and walled garden however there is a charge for the Folk & Costume Museum.
Opening Hours
The park is open all year round from dawn until dusk.
