St Peter Port Guernsey Walking Tour
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, please see our Terms & Conditions page.
St Peter Port is the main town on the British Island of Guernsey. On any given day, its bustling waterfront is crowded with fishing boats, ferries, yachts, and cruise ships. One block back, neat and narrow cobblestone streets connected to the quays hum with energy. Use our St Peter Port Guernsey free walking tour to see the town’s charming lanes, historic castle, and lighthouse.
Our St Peter Port walk begins at the Guernsey Information Center (a short distance from the ferry terminals and cruise docks). The trek winds through Guernsey’s shopping district taking in High Street and Market Square. Then, we leave downtown’s Regency-style buildings to tour the waterfront, historic Castle Cornet, and the lighthouse. A walking tour of St Peter Port is one of the best things to do in Guernsey.
ST PETERS PORT GUERNSEY WALK DETAILS
Distance: 2.2 mile (3.6 km)
Duration: The walk as outlined would take about 1 hour if trekked straight through. However, plan for a half day outing with 2-3 hours to tour Castle Cornet, the lighthouse, and to shop.
GPS: Follow our Google map of the route. If you get lost, GPS the name of your next stop and follow the suggested route.
Dress: Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the cobblestones.
WHERE IS GUERNSEY
Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands. It is located about 30 miles off the coast of France, and 70 miles off the coast of England in the English Channel. The small island has an area of approximately 24 square miles. St Peter Port lies on the east coast of Guernsey.
A BIT ABOUT ST PETER PORT GUERNSEY
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency consisting of six main islands. Guernsey is the largest island in the bailiwick (territory). The parish of St Peter Port is Guernsey’s capitol. As a dependency of the British Crown, Guernsey has its own parliament, laws, and currency (linked 1:1 with the British pound).
St Peter Port is an inviting port town with tidy blocks of two-story buildings decorated with window boxes and colorful buntings. In town, visitors will find a variety of restaurants, pubs, and independent shops. Guernsey’s main industries are finance, tourism, and agriculture.
ST PETER PORT GUERNSEY TOURS
Our walk of St Peter Port works well in the morning or afternoon (most shops are open between 9am and 5pm). Pair our walking tour with another Guernsey tour:
ST PETER PORT GUERNSEY HOTELS
If you are staying in Guernsey overnight, we suggest accommodations in St Peter Port where you can walk to many shops and restaurants without the need for transportation. Here are a few well-reviewed Guernsey hotels:
ST PETER PORT GUERNSEY WALKING TOUR MAP
ST PETER PORT GUERNSEY WALKING TOUR ROUTE
Guernsey Information Center
(FF47+RR8, N Esplanade, Guernsey GY1 2LQ, Guernsey)
Begin your walk at the Guernsey Information Center. The information center is near St Julien’s Pier where the ferry and cruise docks are located.
Exiting St Julien’s pier, turn left at the roundabout and walk along North Esplanade until reaching the Information Center. Look through the brochures before continuing on.
Back on North Esplanade, continue in the same direction past the Ship and Crown Restaurant. Along this stretch, trek past the beautiful Victoria Marina. As you walk you will pass the striking Albion Hotel and Victor Hugo Bronze Bench. After the bench, round the corner and walk toward the Town Church.
Town Church
(Church Sq, Guernsey GY1 2JU, Guernsey
The Town Church (aka the Parish Church of St Peter Port) is a working Protestant church. There has been a church on this spot since 1020. The current church was completed in 1466. Services at this house of worship are offered throughout the week. The church is free to tour when services are not in session.
From the Town Church cross the street and enter Market Square. The pedestrianized shopping space has stone walkways with lots of benches and tables for alfresco dining. The square and associated Market Place building are full of cool cafes, juice bars, and unique boutiques.
Leaving Market Square where you entered, continue along High Street. Walk past the Mark & Spenser Department Store (take a few minutes to peruse the wares). When you reach the “Y” in the road by Pollet Street, veer to the left up Smith Street.
Follow Smith until you reach the Sunken Gardens and the Prince of Wales Restaurant and Bar. Explore the Sunken Gardens area before continuing your walk down Forest Lane to The Pollet.
When you reach The Pollet, turn right. Follow Pollet back to High Street (thus creating a loop). Retrace your steps along High Street until you arrive once again in Market square. At this juncture, we suggest a sustenance break. Across the street from Market Square look for the Terrace Garden Café,
Terrace Garden Café
(Cornet St, Guernsey GY1 1BZ, Guernsey)
This unique Thai restaurant has a variety of dishes, including vegan. The big draw, though, is the terrific outside dining overlooking Guernsey Harbor. The funky sculptures and artwork adorning the picnic area only adds to the great atmosphere.
Back on the walking route, head to the waterfront. Take South Esplanade until reaching Castle Pier. Stroll along the pier taking in the working port. Trek past the Fish Quay, marinas, dive services, Yacht Club, and Castle Cornet. Eventually, the walkway will narrow. At the end, arrive at the Castle Breakwater Lighthouse.
Castle Breakwater Lighthouse
(FF3G-X6, Guernsey)
The granite lighthouse was erected in the 1880s to defend against a possible invasion from Napoleon. The structure has a horn that sounds in bad weather. The lighthouse is a popular local fishing spot. Check out the anglers and the great views of St Peter Port, and its neighboring islands, before heading back down the walkway.
Castle Cornet
(Guernsey GY1 6JN, Guernsey)
Stop and tour the 800 year old Castle Cornet. Built to protect St Peter Port, today the Castle Museum provides insight into the history of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands. The complex is arranged in four different museums and four gardens.
Onsite, visitors can walk the battlements around the castle for excellent views of town and the surrounding islands. There is one admission price for all of the attractions. A free guided tour is conducted daily at 10:30am.
After touring Castle Cornet, walk Castle Pier back to town. At the end of the pier, there is a ramp that leads down to a beach (when the tide is low). If the tide cooperates, spend some time on the sandy expanse. To end our Guernsey walking tour, walk the waterfront along South Esplanade until you reach the Octopus Restaurant.
Don’t forget to have a cup of Guernsey cream tea before you say goodbye, Laura and Randy
For more information on UK travel, read our travel blog articles on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
Comments