I've found the 'perfect' holiday destination just a ferry ride from the UK
I suspect you - much like myself - have frequently fantasised about that ideal holiday spot offering everything within arm's reach. Pleasant weather, a shoreline, excellent restaurants, welcoming pubs, charming streets for leisurely strolls, plus a substantial helping of history to keep the mind engaged. Sounds unattainable. Yet I believe I've discovered it, and it's St Peter Port on the small Channel Island of Guernsey. With a population approaching 20,000, St Peter Port could scarcely call itself a city, but it stands as the largest town and principal hub of Guernsey. Thanks to favourable tax arrangements for inhabitants, certain areas of the harbour town possess a bit of a business district feel (complete with seaside finance types), but look beyond that and you'll encounter nothing but bunting, delightful cobbled shopping lanes and waterfront dining and drinking establishments.
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Guernsey carries that distinctly familiar British character, with a subtly French influence. There's an M&S Food Hall, though you can't use your Sparks card ('different franchise' I'm informed), and even a Sports Direct. However, beyond that, you can dine nightly on fresh crab, lobster and fish, and you absolutely must find a reason to savour some of the dairy products the renowned Guernsey cows yield. Visiting St Peter Port as a family of four, we found ourselves spoilt for choice. Being history enthusiasts, we were in our element. Guernsey fell under Nazi German occupation throughout much of the Second World War, spanning from June 1940 until May 1945. Throughout the island, particularly in St Peter Port, there's an abundance of historical sites and information relating to that period. During a day exploring St Peter Port on foot, you might begin with a journey on the Petit Train, which sets off at regular times from the Albert Pier, offering an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the steep, winding streets. From the pier, it's approximately a 20-minute walk uphill to reach the German Naval Signals HQ, which you simply must visit. This stands as the highest-rated attraction in town, and my children - aged 10 and 14 - unanimously agreed it was their favourite experience during our week-long stay in Guernsey. Admission costs just £13 for a family.
It's a must-visit for history fans
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Hidden from street view and aerial observation, this impeccably-preserved underground bunker served as the command centre for all German naval communications during WWII. Reconstructed using numerous original fixtures and guided by advice from the former Naval Signals Officer himself, our visit was undeniably enhanced by an exceptionally knowledgeable staff member - who essentially became our personal tour guide. You can witness where signals were intercepted, where officers slept, and even where they used the facilities. Then, almost before you realise it, you emerge back onto the street, barely able to locate where you've just been. On your way back towards the town centre, the Guernsey Museum at Candie merits a visit to discover the captivating history of island life through the ages. Set within the verdant Candie Gardens, it's an excellent spot for a picnic while taking in views of the picturesque harbour. Once you're back at the harbour, the possibilities are endless. A beach visit might appeal (though be mindful of the rapid and high tides!) or, for those keen on sea swimming, you could take a plunge in one of the stylish La Valette seawater bathing pools. While we didn't try them on this particular visit, there are four pools available for swimming, each equipped with changing facilities, and a cafe and toilets situated near the ladies' and children's pool (though all pools are open to everyone).
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Our reason for passing the pools was to reach our next historical destination - the La Valette Underground Military Museum. Visiting during May's heatwave, the cool interior of this hidden gem provided much-needed respite. Originally constructed as a fuel storage facility for German U-boats during the Occupation, the tunnels are remarkable from an architectural standpoint. Today, they house an extensive collection of exhibits chronicling Guernsey's military past, including a vehicle featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Family admission costs less than £30 and provided real insight into what the people of Guernsey endured during the challenging Occupation period in WWII. While this is likely sufficient for one day, there's considerably more to explore. The crowning glory of St Peter Port is undoubtedly Castle Cornet, which has stood sentinel over the harbour for 800 years. Plan your visit to coincide with the midday cannon firing by soldiers in period uniforms, before exploring the brick alleyways, towering walls, four period gardens and four on-site museums. And that's without mentioning the breathtaking views across to the islands of Herm, Sark and Jethou. Another superb way to truly experience St Peter Port and Guernsey is by embarking on a guided walk. We were fortunate enough to join Elizabeth Gardener-Wheeler of Guided Guernsey on a clifftop stroll from the magnificent Fermain Bay back to St Peter Port. Elizabeth's encyclopaedic knowledge of Guernsey life was remarkable, and her tales genuinely breathed life into our trip. From the bomb discovered in bluebell woods to the private steep bathing steps reserved for the former Governor of Guernsey, you'll uncover some truly remarkable hidden treasures. Naturally, we all delighted in admiring the premium, sea-view properties - many of them thatched - dotted along the route. For our evening meal, we ventured just outside the town centre (a mere five-minute drive) to Nineteen Bar and Grill, located within the St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. It's a perfect destination for a family outing, as you can combine your dinner with a round of Pirate Bay Adventure Golf - a cut above traditional crazy golf, featuring real rafts floating on pools of water. The cuisine was outstanding, offering an extensive selection ranging from fresh local ingredients such as the Guernsey crab salad, which I savoured, through to traditional burgers, pizzas and steaks. The entire family was delighted. If you purchase a museum Discovery pass, you can explore Castle Cornet, Guernsey Museum, Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum and the German Naval Signals Headquarters for only £24 per named adult, with all accompanying children admitted free of charge. The pass provides unlimited access for 12 months. We travelled to Guernsey with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth on their overnight service, staying in a cabin with breakfast upon arrival. While on the island, we spent the week at the superb, family-run La Bailloterie campsite. Immaculately clean showers and toilets, plus fresh pastries available to order for breakfast each day. If camping isn't your preference, the site also provides safari tents and wooden cabins. Brittany Ferries offers Poole-Guernsey routes from £374 in July and £405 in August, based on two adults and two children travelling in a standard car on a Super Saver ticket. Find out more and book at brittany-ferries.co.uk.
