St Peter Port offers a lot more than the island’s famous woolen wear. This affluent town has a rich maritime history and has seen its fair share of ship builders, privateers and merchant adventurers over the years. As you walk through its tiered gardens, hidden alley-ways and open terraces you will see a fusion of French and English styles from a number of eras with French émigrés such as Victor Hugo introducing a little bit of Paris to the original Georgian and Regency structures.
Guernsey’s capital is also low-duty heaven - if you haven’t spent all your money on the gorgeous food already that is. Electronic and photographic equipment, jewellery and perfume are all cheaper than mainland Britain, along with wines, spirits and tobacco and of course the famous Guernsey jumper. Small boutiques offer exclusive clothes, shoes and leather goods, whilst the Old Quarter is the place to find antiques.
August and September is generally the best time to visit. This period sees the Guernsey High Summer festival at the very beginning of August and the marathon towards the end – both of which centre around the port.
Literature fans will not want to miss Victor Hugo’s house at St Peter’s port. The French exile spent 14 years in exile here and has a great presence around the town. St Peter’s historic buildings include St Peter's church at the centre of the town and Castle Cornet, the fortress guarding the entrance to the harbour. Apart from a large aquarium housed in German war tunnels and the beautiful Fermain beach is a quirky Victorian shop – the oldest surviving building in the medieval town.
Old Government House is an upmarket seafood restaurant with a formal restaurant and brasserie – don’t miss the 7 course tasting menu. Le Petit Bistro oozes Gallic atmosphere, and boasts a menu inspired by the chef’s native Britanny and the Fermain Beach café, once just a humble
kiosk serving beach snacks now provides beautifully cooked seafood to appreciative locals and visitors alike.
Discos are located in St Peter Port, whilst live music and cabarets are organized by some hotels during the summer season. The Beau Sejour Leisure Centre at St Peter Port contains a cinema, theatre, bars and café
St Peter’s port can easily be explored by foot or bike, but regular bus services connect the town to the rest of the island.
Ferries in St Peter’s port will take you over to Jersey and the other sister islands or St Malo in nearby France.
Families, romantic getaway, food-lovers, city break