72 Hours In Guernsey: Where To Swim, Snack & Soak Up Sea Views On The Charming Channel Island

Just a breezy 45-minute flight from London, Guernsey is the kind of place that feels like a secret – a pocket-sized paradise with windswept beaches, clear waters and a (perhaps surprisingly) exciting food scene. Luckily for me, it is the place I call home, and I love to chat to anyone who will listen about what still feels like a hidden gem.

From sea swims and sauna sessions to tasting menus cooked on an open fire, this charming Channel Island delivers big on natural beauty, laid-back luxury and small-town soul. Here’s how to spend a perfect long weekend in Guernsey... 

DAY 1

Check In To... The Treehouse at Fermain Valley Hotel. Nestled high in the treetops, this dreamy escape comes with ocean views, yoga mats and a hot tub on the terrace. A welcome break from reality.

Grab Lunch At... Saltwater for ultra-fresh seafood with harbour views to match. The Guernsey Crab Linguine is a must!

Stroll Around... St Peter Port, taking your time as you explore the cobbled lanes, mostly independent shops and hidden stairways leading to secret lookouts. Two boutiques in particular are worth a detour. Indica is a beloved family-run store that’s been part of the island’s fabric for 25 years. Owner Fleur (who has a great eye for design), curates a joyfully eclectic space filled with jewellery, textiles, homewares and more. Then just around the corner, you’ll find Evie & Me, a beautifully laid-back interiors and gift store that champions local artists, offering unique design pieces and thoughtful, design-led treasures. Whether you’re after a one-of-a-kind print or a perfect present, it’s impossible to leave empty-handed.

Catch The Sunset At... Cobo Bay. Head there for golden hour and pick up fish and chips from the beloved Cobo Chippy before finding a spot to sit back and relax. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and bottle of something cold to enjoy as you watch the sun sink into the sea.

Grab A Drink At... La Reunion. Perched above the beach, this relaxed spot does great cocktails and stunning views – with even better vibes on the terrace. 

DAY 2

Start Your Day At... La Valette Bathing Pools. Join the early risers for a bracing sea dip, followed by coffee with a view. (Bonus points if you spot a puffin!)

Then Warm Up In... Hot Haus Sauna. Just steps away, this waterfront sauna is the ultimate way to defrost and recharge after a dip, with panoramic windows looking out across the sea.

Get Your Culture Fix At... Victor Hugo’s house (otherwise known as Hauteville House). The famed author of Les Misérables lived here during exile, and the interiors are as dramatic as his prose.

Secure A Reservation At... Vraic. Opening on 23 July, this is the reservation to lock in. Michelin-starred chef Nathan Davies is bringing his fire-led cooking and foraged flavours to Guernsey’s North Shore. Expect a bold tasting menu that heroes local seafood, seaweed and smoke – all served in an intimate, design-led space.  

DAY 3

Start Your Day With... A wild swim at Marble Bay. Only reachable on foot, this hidden cove is worth the short hike – think calm waters, zero crowds and the exhilarating hit of uncovering a hidden oasis.

Tuck Into A Post-Swim Brunch At... Good Rebel. A local favourite for a reason. Be sure to order the Super Beetroot Latte and Sweetcorn Fritters. Perfect fuel for the rest of the day.

Cycle To... Renoir Tea Garden. Hire a bike and pedal your way here (it also makes a great pit stop if you fancy another refreshing swim at one of Guernsey’s most beautiful bays, Moulin Huet). Set in the landscape that inspired many of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s 1883 paintings, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque spot for a breather. Settle in for craft teas, homemade snacks and a slice of Guernsey’s famous gâche (a traditional fruit loaf), all while soaking up the views that once captivated the French Impressionist himself. 

Book Dinner At... Auberge Du Val. For a truly local experience, skip the tourist trail and head to this restaurant favoured by islanders in the know. Tucked away in a charming country setting, the focus here is on honest, beautifully cooked food made with the finest local ingredients (many of which are grown in the restaurant’s own garden). Ordering the seafood is a must – scallops, crab, lobster, bass, turbot and more, all fresh off the boat and cooked to perfection.

Order A Nightcap And Cheeseboard At... Rouge. A cosy gem that’s equal parts wine bar and shop. Settle in with a post0dinner wine from their excellent by-the-glass selection or let the friendly, knowledgeable staff guide your choice of a bottle from the shelves (corkage is just £12). Add in a cheese board to round off the evening. 

Got More Time? 

Hop Over To... Herm Island. Just a 20-minute Travel Trident ferry ride from Guernsey, Herm is a tiny, car-free paradise and one of the sunniest spots in the British Isles: all white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and windswept coastal trails. Spend the day kayaking in the sea and soaking up the island’s heat-trap microclimate before ending with a pint at The Ship Inn. No cars, no stress – just pure, off-grid bliss.