Guernsey
Travel Guide > Europe > Guernsey
In this Article
- Introduction
- Brief History
- Geography
- Parishes
- Cities and Towns
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Red Tape
- Money
- Work
- Study
- Language
- Eat
- Sleep
- Drink
- Health
- Safety
- Keep Connected
Quick Facts
[edit]
- Local name
- Guernesey
- Capital
- St. Peter Port
- Government
- British Crown Dependency
- Population
- 65,228
- Languages
- French, English
- Religions
- Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)
- Currency
- Pound Sterling
- Calling Code
- +44-1481
- Time Zone
- GMT
- Daylight Saving
- UTC+1
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Introduction
Located in the English Channel close to Normandy, Guernsey is smaller and less touristy than Jersey, but still offers a wonderful holiday destination. Sunsets and sunrises are rendered stunning against the Guernsey backdrop. St Peter Port, the capital and largest town, is a laidback, sunny spot alongside a peaceful bay. The town highlights Guernsey's cultural makeup, which is a combination of English and French influences.
Though it is geographically closer to France, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown dependency. It is not part of the UK, nor of the EU. The UK is responsible for its defence and external relations. English is the only official language, although a French dialect known as Guernésiais is spoken by a minority. For native English-speakers, this makes Guernsey a good option for those in search of an island destination with cultural and historic interest.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey also includes Alderney, Sark, and a few other islands.
Brief History
Geography
Parishes
Guernsey is divided into 10 parishes
- Castel
- Forest
- St. Andrew's
- St. Martin's
- St. Peter Port
- St. Pierre du Bois
- St. Sampson
- Saviour's
- Torteval
- Vale
Sights and Activities
Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet is a big castle that is a former tidal island, which is now on the breakwater for the capital's harbour. The tidal island was originally fortified between 1206 and 1256 with a castle. With the invention of gunpowder and cannons the castle was upgraded between 1545 and 1548. The castle was the official residence of the governor until 1672 when a disaster happened. A lightening bolt struck the magazine storage area causing an explosion that killed the governor, his mother, wife and a large number of staff. Today the castle incorporates several museums.
Vale Windmill
Vale Windmill is a gracious 5 storey tower windmill that was constructed in 1850. The Germans converted the windmill during World War II into an artillery observation tower, which gave the windmill a three storey extension. This makes the mill tower a total of 21 m (88 ft) high.
Casquets Lighthouses
The Casquets Lighthouses has been lighting the way fro sailors since 1724. The three stone lighthouses were built to give a distinctive light so they would not be confused with French lighthouses. The lighthouses have gone there several incarnations and at present have been converted to electric lights instead of the original coal and natural gas. Today the highest lighthouse is 37 m above average sea level and flashes five times every 30 seconds. The light house can be seen from 24 nautical miles (22 km) away in clear weather!
Other Sights and Activities
- Sark Windmill - Visit this 16th century windmill on the island of Sark.
- Victoria Tower - Go see this wonderful stone tower in the capital.
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Guernsey Airport (GCI) is the only airport in Guernsey. Aurigny Air Services, a state airline, is based here and has flights to and from Alderney, Bristol, Dinard, Jersey, London and Manchester. Blue Islands flies to Alderney, Bournemouth, Geneva, Isle of Man, Jersey, Paris, Southampton and Zurich. Flybe has flights to Birmingham, Exeter, London, Manchester, Norwich and Southampton. Seasonal flights from the Netherlands are also available from Lufthansa and VLM Airlines.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Red Tape
Money
Work
Study
Language
Eat
Sleep
Drink
Health
Safety
This is version 14. Last edited at 18:42 on Jun 23, 08 by Lavafalls (+13). 6 articles link to this page.
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Guernsey Travel Sites
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Visit Guernsey - Official Site
The site of the Guernsey Channel Islands' Tourist Board provides an excellent guide to the islands' attractions and history.
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