This Guernsey itinerary showed me an island I never expected to fall for.
Honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar.
Five days exploring Guernsey, with the option to hop over to nearby Herm or Sark, completely changed that.
There’s something about this place – turquoise waters, quiet lanes and little cafes where you actually want to linger.
It’s laid-back, full of character, and still somehow flying under the radar.
Then there are the beaches – pure postcard material. And let’s not forget the Guernsey cows – with their creamy milk and buttery ice cream. They’re basically local celebrities.
Over the next five days, you’ll see the highlights of the main island. You can add a trip to Herm or Sark if you want to explore even more hidden gems.
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Guernsey At-a-Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Language | English (with a French twist) |
| Currency | Guernsey pound – UK cash accepted too |
| Population | ~63,000 – small-community vibes |
| Best Time to Visit | May–September – calm seas, mild weather, flowers |
| Airports | Guernsey Airport – flights from the UK |
| Ferries | Poole & Portsmouth – plus Herm and Sark day trips |
| Driving | Recommended – narrow roads, passing places, short drives |
| Fun Fact | Spring arrives 4 weeks earlier than mainland UK |
5-Day Guernsey Itinerary Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of your five days on Guernsey, Herm, and Sark – the highlights without the detail.
▶ Click to View: 5-Day Guernsey Itinerary
Day 1 – St Peter Port & The Little Chapel
- Stroll through St Peter Port’s cobbled streets, pastel houses, and harbour.
- Explore Castle Cornet – walk ramparts, see cannons, enjoy museum rooms.
- Visit the mosaic-covered Little Chapel, tiny but unforgettable.
- Dinner at Octopus (marina views) or The Hook (seafood).
Day 2 – Moulin Huet & Postcard Beaches
- Morning at Moulin Huet – stroll the cove that inspired Renoir.
- Head to Vazon Bay for watersports – surf, paddleboard, or relax on the sand.
- Afternoon at Fermain Bay for peaceful swimming or lounging.
- Dinner at The Old Government House or La Fregate.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Herm
- Catch an early ferry to Herm (about 20 mins from St Peter Port).
- Walk the island’s coastal paths and explore white sandy beaches.
- Lunch at Herm Island Hotel or The Mermaid Tavern.
- Return to Guernsey for evening dinner at De La Mare.
Day 4 – Sark Adventure
- Ferry to Sark (about 55 mins) and explore by bike or on foot.
- See La Coupée, the dramatic isthmus, and La Seigneurie Gardens.
- Lunch at Creux Harbour Café.
- Return to Guernsey for dinner at White House Hotel or The Rockmount.
Day 5 – History, Hidden Gems & Farewell
- Visit Hauteville House, Victor Hugo’s former home.
- Explore the Underground Military Hospital for a dose of history.
- Final stroll along Vazon or Fermain Bay, grab lunch at The Old Court House.
- Sunset drink at The Fermain Beach Hotel bar before heading home.
Getting to Guernsey
Reaching Guernsey is easy whether you’re flying or coming by sea.
Direct flights run from several UK airports, including London Gatwick, Birmingham, Southampton, Manchester and Bristol, with Aurigny, Blue Islands and British Airways.
Flights take under an hour from most cities.
If you prefer to sail, Condor Ferries run routes from Poole and Portsmouth, with journey times from 3 to 7 hours depending on the service.
Once you’re there, the ferry network makes it simple to add Herm and Sark to your Guernsey itinerary. Both are under an hour away by boat from St Peter Port.
Getting Around Guernsey
Getting around is easy. The island’s compact size means nothing is too far.
The local bus network (run by CT Plus) is cheap and reliable — all routes start from St Peter Port. A day pass costs about £5.
If you’d rather explore at your own pace, hire a bike or e-bike to take on the coastal paths and narrow lanes.
Parking is free almost everywhere, and taxis are available but limited, so pre-book if you can.
To reach Herm or Sark, ferries run daily from St Peter Port harbour. Herm takes just 20 minutes; Sark around 55 minutes.
How Much Does 5 Days in Guernsey Cost?
Here’s a rough guide to help you budget your Guernsey itinerary:
| Category | Budget Traveller | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | £60–£100 | £120–£180 | £200+ |
| Food & Drinks (per day) | £25–£40 | £50–£80 | £100+ |
| Transport (5 days) | £20–£40 | £40–£70 | £80+ |
| Attractions / Activities | Mostly free–£15 | ||
| Total for 5 Days (approx) | £400–£700 | £800–£1,200 | £1,500+ |
Best Time to Visit Guernsey
Spring (April-June) brings mild weather, early flowers and fewer crowds.
Summer (July-September) is peak season – warm seas, buzzing harbours and long evenings.
Autumn (October-November) is quieter but still pleasant, while winter is peaceful and moody, perfect for coastal walks and cosy cafés.
For the best balance of sunshine, open attractions, and calm beaches, plan your Guernsey itinerary for May or September.
5-Day Guernsey Itinerary
Day 1 – St Peter Port & The Little Chapel
Start your trip in St Peter Port, the island’s charming capital. Here, you’ll find cobblestone streets, pastel houses, tiny boutiques, and cute cafés.
First, grab a coffee and watch the harbour come alive – ferries gliding in, fishing boats heading out, and seagulls overhead. It’s a perfect, relaxed start to your trip.
Then, don’t miss Castle Cornet, the fortress that’s been guarding the harbour for over 800 years. The views over the bay are stunning, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits just right. Plus, if you time it right, you can catch the daily cannon firing – quirky and loud!
Afterwards, head inland to the Little Chapel, one of Guernsey’s cutest gems. Tiny doesn’t even begin to describe it – you’ll have to duck to get inside. Meanwhile, take a moment to admire the walls, covered in mosaics made from broken china, shells, and glass. Small but unforgettable.
For dinner, you’ve got two excellent options. Start with Octopus, which overlooks the marina and serves fresh, seasonal dishes. Alternatively, try The Hook for seafood in a cosy setting. Either way, make sure to book ahead during summer or weekends.
Finally, end your day with a slow stroll along the harbour. With lights reflecting off the water and the smell of the sea in the air, it’s calm, pretty and the perfect first taste of Guernsey.
Day 2 – Moulin Huet & Postcard Beaches
Today is all about getting outdoors and exploring Guernsey’s stunning coastline.
Start the day at Moulin Huet, one of the island’s most beautiful spots. This cove even inspired Renoir, and it’s easy to see why – turquoise water, rugged cliffs, and soft light perfect for photos. Take your time wandering the shoreline, snapping shots, and soaking in the views.
Next, head to Vazon Bay, the hub for watersports. Whether you want to surf, paddleboard, or simply watch the action from the sand, it’s wide, sandy, and lively without feeling crowded.
For lunch, grab something simple at a beachside café or pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand – either way, the scenery makes it special.
In the afternoon, make your way to Fermain Bay. Smaller, tucked away, and peaceful, it’s perfect for a quiet swim or just lying back with a book, enjoying some calm after the morning buzz.
When evening comes, you’ve got two great dinner options. The Old Government House offers classic British dishes with a view, while La Fregate serves French-inspired seafood in a cosy, welcoming setting. Either way, it’s a satisfying end to a day of coastal adventure.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Herm
Catch an early ferry to Herm. The island is tiny, with no cars and just 35 residents who work there. So it’s all about peace, quiet, and turquoise beaches.
Once you arrive, start by walking along the white sandy shores. Then explore the coastal paths, taking in the views and stopping at Herm Island Hotel for a coffee or light lunch.
In the afternoon, wander the lanes lined with flowers, spot the tiny cottages, and soak in the calm. If you’re feeling adventurous, try kayaking – several local operators offer short trips along the coast.
Finally, head back to Guernsey in the evening. For dinner, I recommend De La Mare – relaxed, locally sourced dishes that hit the spot after a day of island hopping.
Day 4 – Sark Adventure
Take the ferry to Sark for a slower-paced day. With only bikes, horse-drawn carts, and about 500 residents, it feels like stepping back in time.
Begin with a stroll around La Seigneurie Gardens, bursting with colourful flowers and historic charm.
For lunch, head to The Creux Harbour Café – perfect for a sandwich or fresh seafood with a view.
In the afternoon, explore Sark’s coastal paths. The scenery is wild and dramatic, with cliffs dropping into turquoise water. Make sure to visit La Coupée, the narrow isthmus with incredible panoramas.
If you stay overnight in Sark, you can stargaze – Sark was the world’s first Dark Sky Island. For my full two-day Sark guide, read 2 Days on Sark: An Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors.
If you’re there just for the day, it’s time to head back to Guernsey in the evening.
Dinner suggestion: White House Hotel if you’re back early, or The Rockmount for seafood with harbour views.
Day 5 – History & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day uncovering hidden spots and soaking up history. Start at Hauteville House, Victor Hugo’s former home, full of quirky, colourful interiors that are a joy to explore.
Next, head to the Underground Military Hospital if you’re after something eerie yet fascinating. Carved into the rock during WWII, it’s a powerful reminder of Guernsey’s past.
For lunch, try The Old Court House in St Peter Port. Enjoy local dishes in a relaxed, friendly setting.
In the afternoon, wander the streets for last-minute souvenirs, revisit your favourite café, or take one final stroll along Vazon or Fermain Bay to soak in the scenery.
Wrap up your trip with a sunset drink at The Fermain Beach Hotel bar, watching the light fade over the water – a calm, perfect ending to five incredible days.
Where to Eat on Guernsey, Herm & Sark
Guernsey:
- Octopus – Harbourside seafood with unbeatable views.
- The Hook – Sushi, seafood, and cocktails in a relaxed setting.
- Fermain Beach Café – Perfect for breakfast or brunch with sea views.
- Pier 17 – Smart, modern dining by the water.
Herm:
- The Mermaid Tavern – Pub-style food, great atmosphere, short walk from the harbour.
- White House Hotel Restaurant – For something fancier, with sea views and Guernsey produce.
Sark:
- Hathaway’s – Great lunch spot with local ingredients.
- La Sablonnerie – Quintessentially English countryside dining with charm.
For more inspiration, check out my Best Things to Do in Guernsey post.
Tips for Visiting Guernsey
- Roads are narrow – take it slow and enjoy the views.
- Book ferries in advance for Herm and Sark.
- Beaches are quietest early morning or late afternoon.
- Locally sourced food is amazing – skip the chains and try independent cafés.
- Spring arrives about four weeks earlier than mainland UK.
Guernsey FAQs
Do Brits need a passport for Guernsey?
No passport needed if you’re travelling from the UK, but bring photo ID.
Can I use British pounds in Guernsey?
Yes. Guernsey has its own notes and coins, but they’re worth the same as GBP.
How many days do you need in Guernsey?
Five days gives you time to see the highlights and visit Herm and Sark comfortably.
Is Guernsey expensive?
It’s comparable to southern England. You can eat well and stay comfortably on a mid-range budget.
What’s the prettiest part of Guernsey?
Cobo Bay for sunsets, Moulin Huet for coastal views, and Fermain Bay for swimming.
Five days in Guernsey will fly by. You’ll be surprised at how much this little island and its neighbours have to offer.
If you want to explore Sark in more detail, check out my 2-Day Sark Itinerary — it’s packed with tips for getting around, what to see and where to eat.
And for more inspiration on the main island, don’t miss my full guide to The Best Things to Do in Guernsey – all the spots, experiences and hidden gems that make Guernsey so special.
Whether you stick to the main island, island hop to Herm or slow down on Sark, this Guernsey itinerary gives you the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and unforgettable views.
