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.
I was born and raised on the island, living there until I was 18. Back then, I longed for more pace and possibility, so I moved to the UK, where I’ve lived ever since. But my heart never really left. My parents still live there, as do some of my closest friends, and every summer I return for a month – slipping happily back into the rhythm of island life.
It’s the kind of place you can spend a month (though it’s still a great weekend escape, if that’s all you have time for). Life in Guernsey is a welcome escape from the city bustle; there, life often revolves around the sea that laps all 360 degrees of its shores. The after-school swims from when I was a child remain a post-work summer ritual, and even in winter, we brave the icy water for the island’s annual Boxing Day dip – warming up afterwards with hot chocolate, wrapped in beach towels.
Everyone knows everyone in Guernsey – for better or worse – and that familiarity brings with it a rare kind of belonging. I still love watching my dad rock out with his band at the seafront gigs in the summer, surrounded by people I went to school with but haven’t seen for 20+ years, drifting up from the beach below. And this familiarity extends to all who visit – expect to feel welcomed, wherever you go.
And beyond the scenery, Guernsey has a rich and fascinating history. During WWII, it was occupied by German forces and became what was known as a “model occupation” – an eerie, layered chapter still felt in its underground bunkers and coastal defences dotted around the island, ready to be explored. It’s also been a muse to artists like Renoir and writers like Victor Hugo, who wrote part of Les Misérables here. For such a small island, it holds big stories.
More recently, it’s also become a quiet magnet for creative energy. The food scene remains refreshingly chain-free, the wellness community is growing, and the island’s wild beauty remains beautifully unspoiled.
So whether you’re into sea swims, clifftop hikes, long lunches or just watching the tide roll in with a glass of wine in hand, Guernsey has a way of dialling everything down – in the best possible way. For anyone craving a reset, it strikes that rare balance between laid-back and quietly luxurious. It’s wild in all the right places – and still blissfully under the radar.
Here’s how to spend a perfect long weekend on the island I’ll always be lucky enough to call home...
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. Three 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. Just around the corner, Evie & Me is 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.
And don’t miss Hope Store, a modern boutique with a proudly Guernsey soul. Founded by two locals who left the island and returned with a vision to create something special, Hope blends island heritage with contemporary design. Their exclusive prints, most of which are inspired by Guernsey’s coastline and culture, are already cult favourites, with limited runs that sell fast. This is the spot to pick up a piece of Guernsey you’ll treasure long after your trip.
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. Now open on Guernsey’s North Shore, Michelin-starred chef Nathan Davies’ latest venture is the reservation to lock in. There hasn’t been such an anticipated opening in years – everyone is flocking there for a special occasion; it’s a truly memorable moment for the island. Named after the Guernésiais word for seaweed, Vraic draws deeply on Guernsey’s rich produce, offering a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates its outstanding fish, shellfish and abundant seaweed. Expect fire-led cooking, inventive use of local ingredients, and a dining experience that feels both intimate and elevated. Highlights include a perfectly executed turbot course that’s already becoming a signature.
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... Fukku. A relatively new addition to Guernsey’s dining scene, this sleek Japanese restaurant comes from the team behind beloved local favourite HOOK. Kick things off with the indulgent Kimcheese Croquettes, then move on to some of the island’s best sushi. For the ultimate experience, order the Omakase Platter – a chef-curated selection served in a sushi boat, perfect for those who want a little bit of everything.
Order A Nightcap And Cheeseboard At... Rouge. A cosy gem that’s equal parts wine bar and shop. Settle in with a post-dinner 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.
