Below are some of the most popular questions that we are asked... and the answers. Please do get in touch if you have a different question or would like more specific information. We are here to help!
Yes, we have plenty of on-site parking at both the Ellingham Cottages, St Martins and at the Ellingham Apartments, Bordeaux. Parking is free of charge.
Our check-in time is from 3pm at both complexes. However, we know you will be keen to start your holiday as soon as possible and so for guests who are arriving on-island earlier, we do try to provide an earlier check-in where we can.
Well, this depends on what kind of a family you are (and what the weather is up to)!
Ellingham Cottages, St Martins - you can drop into The Ellingham to say hello and drop off your bags, then a trip to the local Co-Op, M&S or Iceland would get you off to a great start! The online Guest Handbook, plus your booking confirmation letter contains information and a map showing you where the supermarkets are located in relation to The Ellingham Cottages. Alternatively, drop your bags and vehicle off at The Ellingham, then head off on cliff walk or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of our local pubs or restaurants.
Ellingham Apartments at Bordeaux - there is an unsecured area where you can leave your luggage should you wish. Maybe get organised and go to the Co-Op supermarket at the Bridge shopping area to stock up on your groceries for the week. Alternatively, take a walk to Bordeaux harbour or the coastal paths and start exploring straight away. If you fancy a coffee and snack looking out over the sea to the islands of Herm and Sark, Woodies Kiosk is only a few minutes walk away and has lots of picnic tables.
Our check-out is 10am, as we have very limited time to prepare the cottage for the next guests. You may leave your bags in the area outside the office at the Ellingham Cottages, or in the Guest Laundry room at the Ellingham Apartments whilst you go off and enjoy your last day. The online Guest Handbook provides further details. If you are planning on leaving earlier than 10am on the day of departure it is VERY helpful to know this, as we can adjust the housekeeping schedule accordingly. Thank you!
Yes. Although the cottages are bookable for a minimum of 7 nights, should you arrive a day or two later, or need to leave before the booked departure date, this is fine. Please do let us know. Alternatively, we do sometimes have availability for short breaks - particularly outside of the peak season. You can get in touch with the Ellingham Office to ask if we have the availability for a shorter stay.
Bedroom: All bed linen and dressing gowns. Hairdryer.
Bathroom: Bath towels and hand towels; bath mat; toilet roll; travel-size soap, body wash and shampoo.
Kitchen: Tea towel, oven gloves and an initial supply of cling film, tin foil, bin bags & recycling bags, kitchen roll, washing up liquid & cloths.
Consumables: Coffee, teabags, sugar, milk, bread, Guernsey Gache (fruit loaf), butter, cheese, tomatoes and/or fruit.
Please do bring your own beach towels.
Whilst a car will give you total flexibility, Guernsey is a small island served by a very good (and cheap) bus network. There are several bus stops close to both the Ellingham Cottages and to the Ellingham Apartments, which will take you all around the island, or into St Peter Port bus terminus where you pick up another bus to reach anywhere on the island. For more information, visit the Guernsey Buses website. If you decide on arrival that you would like a car, even just for a day or two, the car hire companies are based at the airport.
Ellingham Cottages, St Martins - the nearest beach is Moulin Huet bay which is roughly a 10 minutes walk away. There is a lovely beach cafe here also. Other beaches close to The Ellingham Cottages are Le Petit Port, Fermain Bay and Saints Bay.
Ellingham Apartments, Bordeaux - Bordeaux harbour is less than a minutes' walk away. Other beaches close to the Ellingham Apartments are L'Ancresse, Pembroke and Ladies Bay.
If you are travelling from the UK, you do not need a passport, but do need a valid form of photographic ID, such as a driving licence. Children also require photographic ID - which is typically a passport.
Guests from Europe or further away WILL need a passport. Since 'Brexit' any other form of ID is not sufficient.
Pets are not allowed to stay at The Ellingham Cottages, St Martins, except for registered assistance dogs (which must stay downstairs and not enter the bedrooms). We do consider pets at the Ellingham Apartments at Bordeaux (again, not in the bedrooms) but request that owners are considerate to other guests in respect to noise and litter and that dogs are always kept on a leash whilst outside within the complex. Bordeaux Harbour is a dog-friendly beach.
The Locations pages for St Martins and for Bordeaux provide a set of instructions on how to find us.
If you are arriving at Guernsey airport, there are usually quite a few taxis at the Taxi Rank operating outside - however, you may prefer to book one in advance (and they will wait if your flight is delayed). For a list of telephone numbers, click the below 'Taxi' button.
If you prefer to catch a bus, there are several options from both the airport and the harbour. For bus numbers, routes and further information, click 'Buses'.