When the sun is shining, it’s hard to beat the beauty of Guernsey and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to great picnic spots. Whether you want a sea view, picnic tables or just a large grassed area for a picnic rug and the freedom for kids to have a run around, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top places for a picnic in Guernsey, and if you want to know more, click on the links for each location for a full review. Happy picnicing!
Saumarez Park, Guernsey’s largest public park, is most likely up there on everyone’s list of top Guernsey picnic spots. Whether you prefer to throw down a picnic blanket on the large grassed area, or sit at one of the picnic tables within the play area, it has something for everyone. With good parking, toilets and a café, it is a great picnic choice for families, and kids will not be short of things to keep them entertained.
For more information about Saumarez Park CLICK HERE.
We always enjoy a stop-off at Vale Castle as it’s a real-life castle play area for kids and it is right at the top of our list of favourite picnic spots. Situated in Vale, past The Bridge, Vale Castle sits high above Castle Road, with ample parking nearby. 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. There are no picnic benches, but the lawned area is a great contained picnic spot and fun for kids to have a run around and explore the castle which dates back to the 15th Century. At the far side of the lower level is a set of concrete steps that give you access to the second level. This raised level gives you quite a unique experience because you can walk around the top of the castle ruins, taking in the scale of it and the beautiful views of Herm, however as there is no guard rail so extra care needs to be taken with young children. Note that there are no facilities at Vale Castle, the nearest being at Bordeaux, a few minutes drive away.
For more information about Vale Castle, read our full review HERE.
Rousse (Overlooking Port Grat Bay)
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. Rousse Headland has lots to offer with stunning views of the fishing boats bobbing in the water, the Rousse Tower and Battery to explore, a footpath leading you round the coast, great swimming off the stone wall and the perfect picnic spot to the right of Port Grat beach. Port Grat is a beautiful horseshoe shaped beach and the elevated position of the picnic table gives 360degree views of the whole area.
Rousse kiosk is a 5-minute walk from the picnic spot offering ice creams, hot and cold drinks and snacks and there is also a toilet block a short walk from the kiosk.
For more information about Rousse Headland and Port Grat Beach CLICK HERE.
Les Vardes Quarry, located on Guernsey’s North West coast, is a hidden gem of a picnic spot. This 2k trail is a lovely walk for children of all ages and a must for fans of lorries and trucks! The trail starts with an initial section in the trees, which leads to a gravel path around the top of the quarry. From here the views into the quarry are amazing, on our first visit we couldn’t believe how high up we felt. After a while the trail turns into a dirt path within a more wooded section, this leads to a grassed area with picnic tables. This is a fabulous spot for a picnic as the views out to sea are beautiful however, there is only 1 picnic table, so it does require a bit of luck to get it. We always pack a picnic blanket just incase the table is already taken, but thankfully we have never had to use it. Note that there are no public toilet facilities at the quarry, the nearest are by the Rousse Kiosk, only a few minutes drive away.
For more information about the Quarry Nature Walk CLICK HERE.
Delancey Park, located in the North of Guernsey in St Sampson’s, has a great selection of play equipment for children of all ages and is a firm favourite with my girls, to the point, they never want to leave. There are a number of picnic tables situated on the higher ground behind the play area, each with stunning views over Herm and Sark. If you would prefer to picnic on the grass, there is a large grassed area and with public toilets and easy parking around the park, this is a great choice for a quick picnic or a stay for a few hours.
For more information about Delancey Park CLICK HERE.
Bordeaux
Just passed Bordeaux Harbour, on Guernsey’s North East coast, is another hidden gem of a play area with a few benches, picnic tables, plenty of parking and stunning views. This secluded area is located off Rue du Bordeaux, on Les Petils, a small dead-end gravel lane with a parking area at the end. A gravel footpath leads from the parking area along the coast with beautiful views of small boats bobbing in the water and Herm in the distance. There are picnic tables along the grassed area to the left of the footpath. Look out for the concrete steps on the left bank that lead up to the wooded area with a number of rope swings. This is a great spot for a picnic with plenty of benches and picnic tables, however, there are no toilets. The closet toilets are by the Woodies Kiosk a few minutes drive away.
For more information about Bordeaux including location map, overview and pictures CLICK HERE.
Fermain
Fermain Bay is located on Guernsey’s east coast in the parish of St Martin, just south of St Peter Port, at the bottom of the picturesque Fermain Valley. Behind the beach is an elevated section with the Fermain Beach Cafe and beyond the cafe is a grassed and cobbled section with a selection of small picnic tables on it. This is the perfect tranquil place for a picnic whilst taking in the views of Fermain Bay.
For more information about Fermain Bay and how to access this beautiful beach CLICK HERE.
Chateau des Marais, otherwise known as ‘Ivy Castle’ is a hidden area of tranquillity in a residential area in St Peter Port. There are a few signs for it nearby however, it is in such an unexpected area that you really need to be on the look-out for it. There is a large grassed area surrounding the castle walls, making it a nice place for a peaceful stroll and there are benches for those wanting a sit. To access the castle ruins, you need to go through a stone archway which is clearly visible, this takes you into the inner section. Here there is another large grassed area, an old stone building and the roof of the German bunker which my girls have fun climbing on! Despite not having picnic tables, Ivy Castle is a great place for a picnic thanks to all the contained open space.
For a full review of Ivy Castle including location map, overview and photos CLICK HERE.
St Germain Nature Reserve
Situated behind Castel Primary School on Rue St. Germain, the St Germain Nature Reserve is a great spot for a picnic and a run around. The nature trail skirts round the base of the raised grass area and is nice for a gentle stroll. The raised lawned area has some large rectangular stones which are great for sitting on if you don’t want to sit on the grass. With excellent views across Vazon and Le Guet, this is the perfect relaxing picnic spot. There are no facilities however access is easy and there are nine parking spaces for the nature trail.
Located on the site of the Styx Community Centre, this small playground offers swings, climbing area, see-saw and spinning chairs, plus some adult exercise equipment, picnic tables and a small lawned area. The beauty of Styx is that it is a contained area so you can have a picnic on one of the tables or on the lawn and let kids have the freedom to explore/ play without worrying that they can escape. There are toilet facilities in the community centre and a number of onsite parking spaces making this an easy choice for a picnic, especially with younger children.
For more information about the Styx Playground CLICK HERE.
We always enjoy a visit to Lihou as it’s a great adventure for kids, from the causeway to get to this small uninhabited island through to the amazing rock climbing, Venus pool and sense of freedom that you feel. Lihou is only accessible during low tide so you must check the causeway opening times prior to planning a trip, check the opening times HERE.
The causeway to Lihou is on the L’Eree Headland and is signposted off Les Sablons coast road, follow the lane all the way to the end where you’ll come to a parking area. The causeway changes from cobbled stone, to pebbles, back to cobbled stone etc and in places the water is deep enough to cover a kids foot. The views are beautiful and it is amazing to think the walkway is underwater for most of the day. Once on Lihou Island, you have Lihou House infront of you, and the only benches on Lihou and the only place for a picnic if you don’t want to be sat on grass/ a rock. A footpath leads around the whole island and you will find that the landscape changes slightly in different parts of the island, with grassy sections, pebbles, small rocky area and a stretch walking through longer plants. The views throughout are beautiful and it is the perfect place for a picnic, however, note that there are no facilities on Lihou so make sure kids go to the toilet before you set off!
For more information about Lihou, including details of the parking, causeway, top tips and lots of photos CLICK HERE.
