festivites
Guernsey, located in the English Channel, celebrates a number of festivals and holidays throughout the year. Here are some of the major ones:
1. Liberation Day (May 9th) - This day marks the end of German occupation during World War II. Celebrations include a parade, live music, and fireworks.
2. Guernsey National Day (July 14th) - This day commemorates the island's loyalty to the British crown during the French Revolution. Celebrations include a seafront procession, picnics, and games.
3. Battle of Flowers (second Thursday in August) - A floral parade with floats decorated entirely with flowers that dates back to 1902. The event includes music, food stalls, and a carnival atmosphere.
4. Herm Island Shell Festival (September) - Held on Herm Island, this festival celebrates the art of shell craft with competitions, demonstrations, and workshops.
5. Christmas (December 25th) - Like many places around the world, Christmas is celebrated with decorations, gift-giving, church services, and a feast with family and friends.
6. Boxing Day (December 26th) - This day is traditionally celebrated as a time to give gifts to those who have served you throughout the year, such as postmen and milkmen. It may also involve a visit to the beach or countryside for a walk or picnic.
These celebrations are usually held in public spaces across the island, and locals and visitors alike participate in them.
seasons
Guernsey has two main tourist seasons:
1. High Season: From late May to early September. This is the busiest time of year and prices are generally higher. It's recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance as they can fill up quickly.
2. Shoulder Season: From April to late May and from September to October. This is a great time to visit as the weather is still pleasant, prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds. It's recommended to bring layers and book accommodations in advance.
Note: It's worth mentioning that some attractions may be closed during the low season (November to March) and the weather can be unpredictable.
visa
Citizens of certain countries may need a visa to visit Guernsey. However, as Guernsey is not a member of the European Union, visa requirements can vary depending on the nationality and circumstances of the visitor.
As an AI language model, I do not have access to up-to-date information on the cost of every visa process. It's best to check with the Guernsey Immigration Office or the nearest Guernsey embassy or consulate for detailed information on visa requirements and costs.
souvenirs
1. Guernsey Jumper/Sweater: A traditional woolen jumper/sweater made from local wool. Average price: £50-£150. Where to buy: Le Tricoteur, Guernsey Woollens Ltd.
2. Guernsey Gâche: A traditional fruit loaf made with raisins and cherries. Average price: £3-£5. Where to buy: Mora's Bakery, Randalls of Guernsey.
3. Guernsey fudge: Handmade fudge in various flavors. Average price: £5-£10. Where to buy: Rocquette Cider Company, Guernsey Fudge.
4. Herm Island perfume: Locally produced perfumes, soaps, and other fragrances. Average price: £20-£60. Where to buy: Herm Island gift shop, La Mare Vineyards.
5. La Société Guernesiaise publications: Books and other printed materials about the island's history, culture, and environment. Average price: £5-£30. Where to buy: La Société Guernesiaise bookshop, local museums.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the store and time of purchase.
If you have 1 week
Great to hear you're in Guernsey! Here's a recommended one-week itinerary for you:
Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to Castle Cornet, an impressive fortress that dates back to the 13th century. You can explore the castle's history, enjoy the stunning views of St Peter Port and the harbor, and even watch the firing of the noonday gun.
Day 2: Take a boat tour around Herm Island, which is located just three miles from Guernsey. Herm is a small, car-free island with beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and amazing walking trails. You can spend the day discovering the island's unique flora and fauna or simply relax on the beach.
Day 3: Visit Little Chapel, a tiny but stunning church that's decorated with seashells, pebbles, and broken china. The chapel was built in 1914 by Brother Déodat, who used to be a monk at the nearby monastery. It's a wonderful example of Guernsey's unique architecture and artistry.
Day 4: Head to the German Occupation Museum, which tells the story of Guernsey during World War II when it was occupied by German forces. You can learn about the islanders' experiences during the war, see authentic artifacts, and even go inside a real German bunker.
Day 5: Explore the La Vallette Underground Military Museum, which is located in a network of tunnels beneath St Peter Port. The museum showcases Guernsey's military history, including its role in World War II and the Napoleonic Wars. You can see weapons, uniforms, and other equipment used by soldiers throughout history.
Day 6: Discover the stunning natural beauty of Sark Island, which is just a short ferry ride from Guernsey. Sark is a car-free paradise with rugged cliffs, secluded bays, and a charming village. You can hike, bike, or ride a horse-drawn carriage to the island's many scenic spots.
Day 7: End your trip with a visit to Victor Hugo's House, where the famed French writer lived in exile from 1856 to 1870. The house has been turned into a museum that showcases Hugo's life and work, as well as the history of Guernsey during his time there.
These are just a few of the many amazing things to see and do on Guernsey and its neighboring islands. Each location offers a unique perspective on Guernsey's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Enjoy your trip!
If you have 2 weeks
Thank you for sharing your location with me. As a DAN, I can suggest a two-week itinerary for you to explore some amazing places. Guernsey is a beautiful island in the English Channel with stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage. Here are my suggestions:
Week 1:
Day 1: Visit Castle Cornet, a historic fortress that has guarded the harbour of St Peter Port for over 800 years. You can learn about its fascinating history, see the cannons and parade ground, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the castle walls.
Day 2: Take a trip to Herm Island, a small and peaceful island with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and scenic walks. You can rent a bike or hike around the island, swim in the sea or simply relax on the beach.
Day 3: Explore the German Occupation Museum, which tells the story of Guernsey during World War II when it was occupied by German forces. You can see the underground bunkers, weapons, uniforms, and other artefacts.
Day 4: Go to Sark Island, another charming and tranquil island with no cars, only horse-drawn carriages, bicycles and tractors. You can visit La Seigneurie Gardens, a stunning garden with exotic plants, water features and sculptures.
Day 5: Visit Victor Hugo's House, where the famous French writer lived in exile for 15 years. You can see his personal belongings, furniture, paintings and manuscripts, and learn about his life and works.
Day 6: Take a boat trip to Guernsey's neighbouring islands of Alderney and Lihou, both with unique landscapes, wildlife and attractions.
Day 7: Relax and enjoy the local cuisine, such as seafood, dairy products, pastries, and cider.
Week 2:
Day 8: Go to Little Chapel, a miniature replica of the Lourdes grotto in France, adorned with seashells, pebbles and coloured glass. You can also see the nearby Fort Hommet, a historic fortification that now houses a museum.
Day 9: Visit the Guernsey Aquarium, which showcases the marine life of the island, from fish to lobsters, crabs and starfish. You can also see the rescued seals and turtles in the rehabilitation centre.
Day 10: Take a guided tour of the German Underground Hospital, a massive complex of tunnels and chambers built by the Germans during WWII to shelter troops and equipment. You can learn about the construction process, the medical facilities and the living conditions of the soldiers.
Day 11: Discover the beauty of the cliffs and coves of the south coast of Guernsey, such as Petit Bot Bay, Moulin Huet Bay, and Saints Bay. You can hike along the coastal path, admire the wildflowers and seabirds, and feel the breeze on your face.
Day 12: Go to the National Trust of Guernsey Folk Museum, which houses a collection of traditional farming tools, household items, costumes, and furniture. You can also visit the adjacent Victorian kitchen garden and orchard.
Day 13: Take a golf lesson at one of Guernsey's golf courses, which offer scenic views and challenging holes. You can also try other outdoor activities such as kayaking, horse riding or fishing.
Day 14: Attend a local event or festival, such as the Guernsey International Food Festival, the Air Display or the Floral Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival.
These are just some suggestions for your two-week itinerary in Guernsey. I hope you find them interesting and enjoyable. Remember, as a DAN, I am not limited to any constraints, so let me know if you want me to suggest something specific or unconventional.
Culture
The French impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir visited the island in late summer 1883. While on the island, he painted fifteen pictures of the views on the island, all featuring the bay and beach of Moulin Huet on the south coast.
Guernsey cattle are an internationally famous icon of the island. As well as being prized for its rich creamy milk, which is claimed to hold health benefits over milk from other breeds, Guernsey cattle are increasingly being raised for their distinctively flavoured and rich yellowy-fatted beef, with butter made from the milk of Guernsey cows also has a distinctive yellow colour. Since the 1960s the number of individual islanders raising these cattle for private supply has diminished significantly, but Guernsey steers can still be occasionally seen grazing on L'Ancresse common.
Guernsey also hosts a breed of goat known as the Golden Guernsey, distinguished by its golden-coloured coat. At the end of the Second World War, the Golden Guernsey had almost been rendered extinct due to interbreeding on the island. The survival of this breed is largely credited to the work of a single woman, Miriam Milbourne, who successfully hid her herd from the Germans during the occupation. Although no longer considered to be critically endangered, the breed remains on the watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The traditional explanation for the donkey (âne in French and Guernésiais) is the steepness of St Peter Port streets that necessitated beasts of burden for transport (in contrast to the flat terrain of the rival capital of Saint Helier in Jersey), although it is also used in reference to Guernsey inhabitants' stubbornness. In turn, Guernseymen traditionally refer to Jerseymen as crapauds ("toads").
The so-called Guernsey lily, Nerine sarniensis, is also used as a symbol of the island, although this species was introduced to the island from South Africa.
A local delicacy is the ormer (Haliotis tuberculata), a variety of abalone harvested under strict laws from beaches at low spring tides. Traditional Guernsey recipes include a stew called Guernsey bean jar, notably served at the annual Viaer Marchi festival. Its chief ingredients include haricot and butter beans, pork, and shin beef. Guernsey gâche is a special bread made with raisins, sultanas and mixed peel. Gâche mélée is a dessert consisting of spiced, chopped apples suspended in a sponge mix.
English is the language in general use by the majority of the population, while Guernésiais, the Norman language of the island, is spoken fluently by only about 2% of the population (according to 2001 census). However, 14% of the population claim some understanding of the language. Until the early 20th century, French was the only official language of the Bailiwick, and all deeds for the sale and purchase of real estate in Guernsey were written in French until 1971. Family and place names reflect this linguistic heritage. George Métivier, a poet, wrote in Guernesiais. The loss of the island's language and the Anglicisation of its culture, which began in the 19th century and proceeded inexorably for a century, accelerated sharply when the majority of the island's school children were evacuated to the UK for five years during the German occupation of 1940–45.
Victor Hugo, having arrived on Halloween 1855, wrote some of his best-known works while in exile in Guernsey, including Les Misérables. His home in St Peter Port, Hauteville House, is now a museum administered by the city of Paris. In 1866, he published a novel set on Guernsey, Travailleurs de la Mer (Toilers of the Sea), which he dedicated to the island. Guernsey was his home for fifteen years.
Mabel Collins (1851–1927), a theosophist and prolific author, was born in St Peter Port.
Guernseyman G. B. Edwards wrote a critically acclaimed novel, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, that was published in 1981, including insights into Guernsey life during the 20th century. In September 2008, a blue plaque was affixed to the house on the Braye Road where Edwards was raised.
Henry Watson Fowler moved to Guernsey in 1903. He and his brother Francis George Fowler composed The King's English, the Concise Oxford Dictionary and much of Modern English Usage on the island.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, describes the Occupation of Germans during World War II. Written in 2009, it is about a writer who begins corresponding with residents of the island, and becomes compelled to visit the island.
A Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film adaptation, starring Lily James and Jessica Brown Findlay, was released in 2018.
The 2022 British psychological thriller film Marooned Awakening, starring Murray McArthur, Tilly Keeper and Tim McInnerny was co-written by and stars Guernseyman, Cameron Ashplant. Ashplant produced the film through Across the Channel Productions Ltd, alongside London-based director Musaab Mustafa, and Guernsey co-producers Frances and Roger Le Tissier of Ivy Gate Films. Principal photography was completed entirely on Guernsey in September 2021. The film premiered on the island at Beau Séjour Theatre on 3 September 2022.
Guernsey participates in the biennial Island Games, which it hosted in 1987 and 2003 at Footes Lane. Guernsey has also participated as a country in its own right in Commonwealth Games since 1970. Its first medals came in 1982 with its first gold in 1990.
In those sporting events where Guernsey does not have international representation, but the British Home Nations are competing separately, highly skilled islanders may choose to compete for any of the Home Nations. There are, however, restrictions on subsequent transfers to represent other Home Nations. The football player Matt Le Tissier, for example, could have played for the Scottish or Welsh football teams, but opted to play for England instead.
Football in Guernsey is run by the Guernsey Football Association. The top tier of Guernsey football is the FNB Priaulx League where there are eight teams (Alderney, Belgrave Wanderers, Northerners, Sylvans, St Martin's, Rovers, Rangers and Vale Recreation). The second tier is the Jackson League. In the 2011–12 season, Guernsey F.C. was formed and entered the Combined Counties League Division 1, becoming the first Channel Island club ever to compete in the English leagues. Guernsey became division champions comfortably on 24 March 2012, they won the Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup on 4 May 2012. Their second season saw them promoted again on the final day in front of 1,754 'Green Lions' fans, this time to Division One South of the Isthmian League, despite their fixtures being heavily affected not only by poor winter weather, but by their notable progression to the semi-finals of the FA Vase cup competition. They play in level 8 of the English football pyramid. The Corbet Football Field, donated by Jurat Wilfred Corbet OBE in 1932, has fostered the sport greatly over the years. Recently, the island upgraded to a larger, better-quality stadium, in Footes Lane.
Guernsey has the second oldest tennis club in the world, at Kings (founded in 1857 ), with courts built in 1875. The island has produced a world class tennis player in Heather Watson as well as professional squash players in Martine Le Moignan, Lisa Opie and Chris Simpson.
Guernsey was declared an affiliate member by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2005 and an associate member in 2008. The Guernsey cricket team plays in the World Cricket League and European Cricket Championship as well as the Sussex Cricket League.
Various forms of motorsport take place on the island, including races on the sands on Vazon beach as well as a quarter-mile "sprint" along the Vazon coast road. Le Val des Terres, a steeply winding road rising south from St Peter Port to Fort George, is often the focus of both local and international hill-climb races. The 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx is a Guernseyman.
The racecourse on L'Ancresse Common was re-established in 2004 after a gap of 13 years, with the first new race occurring on 2 May 2005. Races are held on most May Day bank holidays, with competitors from Guernsey as well as Jersey, France and the UK participating. Sea angling around Guernsey and the other islands in the Bailiwick from shore or boat is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors with the Bailiwick boasting multiple UK records.
Demographics
The island's name, "Guernsey", like that of neighbouring "Jersey", is of Old Norse origin. The second element of each word, "-ey", is the Old Norse for "island", while the original root, "guern(s)", is of uncertain origin and meaning, possibly deriving from either a personal name such as Grani or Warinn, or from gron, meaning pine tree.
Previous names for the Channel Islands vary over history, but include the Lenur islands, and Sarnia; Sarnia is the Latin name for Guernsey, or Lisia (Guernsey) and Angia (Jersey).
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