Although it’s only three hours by ferry from Poole, and a 45-minute plane ride from Gatwick, Guernsey feels like it’s a world away. In a place where English and French cultures mingle on this island of only 63,000 residents, you’re sure to find the inspiration you’re looking for.
If you and your partner are looking to take a relaxing and rejuvenating honeymoon, Guernsey is the perfect choice. Because the island offers world-class gastronomy, breathtaking landscapes and ocean views, and events that attract both visitors and locals alike, you’ll always have something to do. And once you step foot on Guernsey, you may never want to leave.
So what, exactly, makes Guernsey such an inviting honeymoon destination?
Beaches
If you’re getting married in the summer, you’re in luck. Guernsey is home to over a dozen beaches, and the warm Channel air wafts through them from June through August. Visit the beach at Petit Port for remarkable white sands in a secluded inlet. If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the beaten path, Cobo Bay is home to a lovely stretch of sand located on a seaside town, and is considered one of Guernsey’s best beaches.
Events and Activities
In the summer, you can visit St. Peter Port for Seafront Sundays, an event that goes from May through August and offers different themes every weekend. If you’re lucky, you might catch a weekend where you can watch traditional cooking demonstrations and sample the local fare for free. Don’t forget to check out St. Peter Port’s Saturday Concert series, where they feature Guernsey musicians who perform free live music. It’s a romantic way to spend a peaceful afternoon.
St. Peter Port also features an event called “Castle Nights” in July and August. Bring a picnic and relax in the courtyard of the medieval Castle Cornet as you watch the sun set and listen to lovely acoustics or watch vibrant dances and plays.
Planning a honeymoon in autumn? You’re in luck. That’s when the island holds the Guernsey International Food Festival in St. Peter Port. Try a variety of dishes, all of which you can be certain are sourced from fresh, local ingredients.
If you visit Guernsey in September or October, be sure to check out their Walking Festival. With easy, moderate, and strenuous walks available, the two of you will be able to choose your preferred difficulty. These guided walks wind through seaside towns and pastoral landscapes, allowing you to experience everything the slow, laid-back Guernsey lifestyle has to offer.
Accommodation
Most hotels on Guernsey are small and hospitable, and each has its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for something that’s understated and charming, like Fleur du Jardin Hotel, or indulgent, like the glamorous Old Government House Hotel and Spa, you’re sure to find something that fits your tastes. Guernsey also has a few B&Bs. For a truly inviting environment, you can’t go wrong with Les Cotis, a modern guesthouse on twelve sprawling acres overlooking the harbour at St. Peter Port.
For more privacy than a hotel gives you, try the breathtaking Mille Fleurs Cottages, one of several self-catering options on the island which can be booked through Guernsey Travel. Located in the heart of the Guernsey countryside, this old country home is practically overflowing with gardens. If you and your partner enjoy cooking for one another, you can’t get anything better than this. Mille Fleurs allows you to harvest fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs straight from their gardens when they’re in season.
Relax and Unwind
Because weddings are so stressful, your honeymoon should be used as a chance to relax and unwind from the planning and preparations that have undoubtedly left the two of you exhausted. After a honeymoon in Guernsey, you can be certain you’ll return home rejuvenated and ready for married life.
