Guernsey has a rich and impressive cultural heritage. Due to centuries of islanders forging a living from the sea and land and being hostage in a relentless tug-of-war between England and France, Guernsey is awash with reminders of battles, industries and lifestyles of days gone by. For such a small island, there is astonishingly big history.
Guernsey is home to renowned attractions such as Castle Cornet which has guarded the harbour for 800 years. You can explore battlements, visit the museums and gardens and see the Castle gunners firing the Noonday Gun. Another fascinating site is the La Villette Underground Military Museum, housed within a German tunnel complex originally intended to be used as a refuelling station. Holding a treasure trove of military equipment, occupation posters, letters, newspapers and other memorabilia, it is a poignant way to learn more about Guernsey’s military history. Finish your journey into the recent past with a visit to the Military Underground Hospital.
Visit Hauteville House in St Peter Port and experience how Victor Hugo lived when writing Les Miserables. The house has been fully preserved from when Hugo lived there and exposes his exuberant and extraordinary creativity. Another highly decorated building is the charming Little Chapel, believed to be the smallest functioning chapel in Europe. Built by a monk and dazzlingly decorated with stained glass, broken china, seashells and pebbles, it is possible to explore the small rooms.
Guernsey also has a thriving cultural scene and regularly hosts concerts, orchestras and musicians in venues such as St James Concert Hall, Candie Gardens and Castle Cornet. During the summer, there is music, comedy and other performances on the street of St Peter Port and live gigs by the beach in Cobo. The family-friendly Vale Earth Festival is a great way to see a variety of bands in a unique castle setting, whilst the annual Sark Folk Festival attracts acclaimed musicians from across the globe. The Guernsey Literary Festival is must-see if you are visiting at the right time, with illustrious authors and poets visiting the island over its four-day duration.
