Welcome to Guernsey Guernsey, is a British crown dependency that comprises part of the Channel Islands. With its breathtaking historical sites, preponderance of English speaking natives and overabundance of festivals, Guernsey is a little out of the way, but offers a learning vacation not that far from home. History Guernsey was merely the tip of a cape jutting into the English Channel, when it and other newly-formed surrounding islands broke off around 6000 BC. Neolithic farmers took up shop in the area, and created three menhirs (Breton for 'long stone'; also known as a monolith) that still stand today. Known as 'Sarnia' to the Romans, Guernsey still uses this term to describe the area in their festivals, business names, and celebrations. But much of the Roman way of things, which had been constant for centuries, changed around 933, when the Duchy of Normandy annexed the islands from the Duchy of Brittany. By the 15th century, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney were put under a Governor's control, which eventually changed to Lieutenant Governor, which remains to this day. Geography In the English Channel, northwest of France, sits the island of Guernsey. The 78 square kilometers that Guernsey composes is actually the measurement of the island, with all of the other, smaller islands surrounding it - Herm, Sark, Alderney, Burhou, Jethou, Brechou, Little Sark and Lihou (attached to Guernsey by a walkway only during low tide). Its actual coastline only measures 50km in total, with a very level general geography, except for some lower hills in the southwest. Guernsey can be found on a map at 49 28N, 2 35W, just off the coast of Western Europe. There are two ports in Guernsey (St. Peters and St. Sampsons) and two paved airports as well (Guernsey and Alderney). Getting There Flying to Guernsey shouldn't be a chore, since there are several airlines who provide services to the area, of which you can fly in and out of the Guernsey International Airport, just located three miles southwest of St. Peter's Port. There are also several ferry services that provide services to the area: Emeraude Jersey Ferries only explores the trip from Jersey to St, Malo and back, whereas Condor Ferries stops in Portsmouth, Poole, Weymouth, Cherbourg, Guernsey, Jersey and St. Malo. If you decide that you want to visit the island of Sark while visiting Guernsey, you'll need to hop on the Isle of Sark Shipping Company's ferry. Also, not that Sark has outlawed all motorized transport, so the only ways to get around are by foot, bike, or horse carriage. Local Transportation Guernsey has an excellent local bus system that is accessible online, although most travelers prefer walking or biking along the countryside instead. The bus costs 50 pence for a one-way ride, although trips around the island on Routes 7 or 7A are two single fares of 50 pence each. Bus stops can be found by looking at the painted indicators on the road, or by the street signs. You may also hail a bus, if it's not in the town or bridge areas, by waving your hands; if it is safe, the driver will stop for you. There is also a taxi service, run by the local government, which normally has ranks at the following locations: St. Peter's Port at the top of Smith Street, Quay Albany, and the States Office. If there are no taxi's available when you come into the Harbor, there is a free phone within the terminal to call one. Attractions Guernsey has a great number of ancient monuments available for the viewing public. The island is literally covered with works left over from Neolithic man, such as menhirs and dolmens. Basically, these are burial chambers that were built above ground, and have surprisingly weathered thousands of years exceptionally well. The largest of these monoliths still standing is La Varde Dolmen, which stands close to the 17th green of L'Ancresse golf course. More can be found at Hougue de Dehus, Le Creux de Feies (the Fairies' Grotto), La Varde, Les Fouillages, and Le Trepid. Bendinat golf Even more plentiful than the ancient formations still on the island, Guernsey is also host to many historical forts, mansions and museums. Castle Cornet is one of these amazing remnants. Built in 1250 just off to the side of St. Peter's Port, it was originally intended to defend against any French invasions. Now, it sits adjoined to the harbor by a man-made walkway. The Castle was then occupied during World War II by the Germans, and a lot of the historical items related to that time have also been preserved in the castle. The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery was built on the same site as the original Victorian bandstand it was created to look like, and is located at Candie Gardens. There is also a Postal Museum, a German Military Underground Hospital, a Telephone Museum, a Folk Museum, and the German Occupation Museum to check out. But the most intriguing of them all is the la Vallette German Underground Museum, which is housed in a maze of tunnels originally built by the Germans to store fuel for U-Boats. The Pleinmont Observation Tower overlooks the entire southwest side of Guernsey, built as a set of towers for the Second World War Since its revitalizations, visitors can now see the tower in all of it's original glory. Guernsey has also kept a lot of its old world charm by encouraging artisans to make shop along its streets. A walk around town can make you feel like you've taken a track back in time, with the woodcarvers (La Rue de Issues), Le Tricoteur (The Knitter; famous for the Guernsey sweater, along La Rue du Catrioroc), pottery, pearl stringing, flower growing (one of Guernsey's main exports), and clockmakers. Festivals Guernsey is a relatively quiet island, although during the summertime things perk up a bit, and the locals celebrate in style. The Battle of the Flowers is the must-see event for the North Show. The North Show, along with it's sister events the South and West Shows, host a range of entertainment styles and beckon a party-like atmosphere from both islanders and visitors. The Guernsey Floral Show and Viaer Marchi, both less exuberant events that display various aspects of life on the island, are interesting finds for those who captivated by yonder years. And St. Peter's Port completely closes down for its annual party, which combines street revelry with remembrance services. Of the parties and events that occur in Guernsey, only one is a yearly event: Liberation Day. On May 9th all shops and offices are closed for the holiday, celebrating the day Guernsey was freed from German occupation. Accommodations around the Channel Islands * Almorah Hotel Jersey * Sarum Hotel Jersey * The Beau Rivage Hotel Jersey London Real Estate - Aberdeen Real Estate - Bristol Real Estate - Cambridge Real Estate - Cardiff Real Estate - Dundee Real Estate - Edinburgh Real Estate - Glasgow Real Estate - Guernsey Real Estate - Inverness Real Estate - Manchester Real Estate - Orkney Real Estate - Stirling Real Estate - Yorkshire Real Estate