Victoria Tower is a monument in the heart of St Peter Port, erected in honor of a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the island in 1846. The tower still stands today and is open to the public to climb the 99 steps inside, to be rewarded with a panoramic view of Guernsey’s capital at the top. Best of all, this unique Guernsey experience is FREE!
Location
The Victoria Tower is located in St Peter Port on Arsenal Road, opposite Guernsey’s Fire and Rescue Service. There is on-street parking surrounding the tower, however, these are hard to come by and you may be best parking in one of the town centre parking areas and walking to the tower which will take about 10 minutes.
Finding The Key To Unlock The Tower
The Victoria Tower remains locked and can only be accessed by picking up the key from nearby Guernsey Museum, which is located in Candie Gardens. Ask the person on the reception desk and they will let you sign out the key for 30 minutes. It is FREE to borrow the key, you just need to leave your name and phone number and there is the option to buy a leaflet for £1 which gives lots of info about the tower. For more details about the Guernsey Museum at Candie CLICK HERE.
Walking From Candie Gardens to the Victoria Tower
Once you have the key, exit Candie Gardens from the back left gate, then cross the road and take the first left onto Monument Road, once on this road you will see the Victoria Tower ahead of you. You will need to cross the road once you get to the end of Monument Road to enter the grounds surrounding the tower.
The Tower
Entrance to the Victoria Tower is through a large black door at the front and off the entrance hall is a narrow spiral staircase of 99 steps which takes you to the top of the tower and the viewing platform. The steps are stone most of the way, ending with a wooden section to get you to the top. There are 2 floors off the steps which are good rest areas if needed, however, one was shut for maintenance when we visited.
Panoramic Views
The tower stands 100 feet high and offers spectacular panoramic views of St Peter Port from the viewing platform that circles the top section of the tower. The thick stone sides of the tower are higher than my 8 year old’s head and there are metal panels covering the open sections so it feels completely safe, though you might not think so if you are afraid of heights!
What Goes Up Must Come Down!
The steps felt a lot steeper on the way down, and they are so winding that I felt a bit sick when I got to the bottom!!
Gardens Around The Tower
Victoria Tower is set in a peaceful garden with a path around the tower and benches to take in the relaxing atmosphere. Two 13.5cm K 09 German guns are on display in the gardens, after being buried as the Second World War approached in 1940, so that the invading German forces wouldn’t think the island was fortified. They were excavated in 1978 and are back on display in the garden.
Don't Forget To Lock Up!
After your visit, don’t forget to lock the tower and return the key to Guernsey Museum at Candie.
We really enjoyed our visit to the Victoria Tower and for children it is a real adventure. Having to pick up the key and find the tower added to the excitement. 30 minutes hire of the key doesn’t sound long, but it’s all the time you need as it doesn’t take long to walk up the steps inside the tower and it still gives you plenty of time to take in the view. Great also that’s it’s free!
Address
Arsenal Road, St Peter Port, Guernsey
Bus Routes
41, 42, 51, 52, 61, 62, 71, 81
Opening Times
The Victoria Tower key needs to be picked up from Guernsey Museum at Candie so it is only possible to enter the tower when the museum is open. For opening times CLICK HERE.
Cost
It is FREE to enter Victoria Tower.
