Guernseycruiser

When purchasing any item with cash, just ask for the change in "English".

On 4/15/2023 at 3:23 AM, D C said:

Did the busses change to a "no cash" policy? I seem to recall seeing that. 

 

And any progress on the stairs to Clarence Battery? Haven't found anything online since an article that was hopeful that they'd be repaired this year. 

 

So envious of everyone who is visiting this year!  Still holding onto a thread of hope that we can fly over in July.  

Yes you are correct, the buses are "no cash", this policy was instigated during COVID.  Also unfortunately American Express is not accepted as a form of payment on the public buses.  No progress on the steps to Clarence Battery, and sorry no news or timescale on when they will be repaired.

On 4/13/2023 at 6:23 AM, Beeboy55 said:

Just to clarify-- if I was interested in the bus day pass, can that be purchased on the bus or ahead of time?  Also, what bus goes to the little chapel?

The bus day pass can either be purchased on the bus as you enter, or at the bus information centre, no need to purchase ahead of time.  The bus to the Little Chapel (which is also the bus to the German Underground Hospital) is bus no 71.

If you have been to Guernsey previously, or are looking for something that is local produce orientated, Rocquette Cider have just released their 2023 tour dates for booking.  Please note the nearest bus stop is approx 15 minute walk to the site (it is on the same route as The Little Chapel and The German Underground Hospital, but you need to be clear on where you are walking), therefore you may wish to pre-book a taxi or include this within an island tour.

I highly recommend this tour, I have been on this a few times with different family, friends and work colleagues.

https://www.rocquettecider.com/#home

As you mention, St Peter Port is a tender port.  Approx 90% of the ships are able to tender in, although all weather dependent.  You can have "one-off" rough seas in July, and yet have calm seas in late September/early October.  Some of the time the Captain will cancel the visit the day before if they are absolutely certain that they will not be able to tender, however usually the pilot boat will sail out to the ship, discussions will then happen and the Captain will then make the decision at that time on the day with the most up to date and local expertise providing information.  With regards to private tours, I would just ensure that if you ship is unable to tender, that they will refund in full (or the majority of the tour cost say less bank charges or a very small admin fee).

Must see port - Guernsey, but you may think I am a little biased 😆😉

Another heads up.  Island Rib Voyages have released their April, May and June schedules for 2023, with the remainder of the season to be released shortly.

https://islandribvoyages.com/

I have personally been on their Herm and Sark tours, and highly recommend them.  Availability is limited so I would book early to secure your spaces.  They usually meet on the "Crown Pier" which is the pier next one down from the tender pier, approx 5 minute walk.

Just a heads up for everyone, Hauteville House (the once home of the famous writer Victor Hugo) has now opened up their online booking system for 2023.  The link is below

https://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en/museum-collections/house-visit-guernsey

You need to scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Your visit in Guernsey", and everything should be straight forward from there.  Please note at the moment, they are only offering English speaking tours every hour, and they are not open on a Wednesday.  You can walk from the tender pier to the house, however as mentioned previously, it is a very steep walk, so not for those who have mobility issues (to be honest as the house has a number of stairs, inside is also not suitable for those with mobility issues) and you need to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start of the tour.  I highly recommend a visit, the interior decoration is "out of this world".

On 2/10/2023 at 1:18 PM, pappy1022 said:

I am doing a ship excursion called Pepper Port Ramble. Any thoughts on this excursion? Here is the description: Walk a coastal trail that will introduce you to some of Guernsey’s most spectacular vistas and a bit of military history as well. The trail begins at the landmark Pepper Pot watch tower that overlooks Fermain Bay, and before long you will be walking amid the bluebells and white garlic that blanket the woodlands. After passing a German military cemetery from World War II and a former barracks near the site of Fort George, you will descend to Clarence Battery, one of the few remaining parts of the original fort. The military importance of this elevated vantage point will be obvious as you gaze out over the islands of Sark and Brecqhou to the east and St. Peter Port below. A maze of sea-level tunnels at La Vallette is another reminder of the German’s wartime occupation of Guernsey. After pausing for a refreshing beverage at a nearby café, you will continue along the beach to the harbor.

Hi

I agree with DC that this is a nice cliff walk, however please note the following:-

1. This is a cliff walk, starting a sea level, climbing a number of steps to vantage points, before walking downhill to La Vallette.  For guests who prefer to walk on the flat, this is not a recommended tour.

2. You will only see the tunnel entrances, unless you are actually visiting La Vallette Military Museum, which I don't think you are from the description provided.

3. Bluebells will not be in view in the woodlands at that time of year.  They are only in view for a few weeks or so early in the season.

4 The views that you see over the other islands of Herm, Jethou, Sark and Brecqhou will be views that you will see from your cruise ship.

Sorry if this appears negative, it is not meant to be.  In all, as I say this is a very nice cliff walk that I have walked many times, however I think personally when I am visiting places around the world that I am unsure if I will visit again, I try to see as much as possible.  With this tour, you will be transported approx 1.5 miles from St Peter Port, and then walk back along the east coast, with views across to the other islands that you can see from your ship/tender.  The cemetery and Clarence Battery are worth a visit.  If you have visited Guernsey previously, or will be visiting again, then this tour would be recommended.  Whatever you choose to do, I wish you a wonderful time ashore.

For those of you who are interested in visiting Hauteville House (the one time home of the famous writer Victor Hugo) when you are visiting Guernsey, I confirm that their website is now open for online bookings from 1st May.  At the moment, it looks like there is one English speaking tour per hour, max 10 people, however they may open up more tours in a few months time.  Tour takes approx 1 hour, you are only able to view the house whilst on a guided tour.  I highly recommend a visit.  Please note you can walk from the tender pier to the house, it will take approx 10/15 minutes, however is all uphill, therefore not suitable for anyone with mobility issues (to be honest the house does not have a lift, therefore there are a number of stairs to negotiate inside, therefore again not suitable for those with mobility issues).  They are closed on Wednesday's.

https://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en/visitor-information/your-visit-guernsey

https://eppm-billetterie-hautevillehouse.shop.secutix.com/selection/timeslotpass?productId=101985657818&ot=1

3 hours ago, D C said:

Google is certainly doing no favours with the location of the Underground Hospital, eh?  That does explain why Rue des Buttes didn't look familiar.   I suppose you could walk Mourants Rd South from the Underground Hospital to pick up the 94 or 95 towards the airport.  Not a short walk that way, and with bus 95 every 30 min, it might not save much time. 

I'll second the Little Chapel since it's close to the Underground Hospital.  But that visit isn't complete without getting a cup of Guernsey ice cream at the Guille Silver Shop!  ALSO stopping for some ice cream in town is highly recommended. 

 

An alternative to doing both the Occupation Museum and the Underground Hospital could be to do one of them and the la Vallette Underground Museum.  https://www.visitguernsey.com/experiences/activities/la-valette-underground-military-museum/  10-15 minute walk from Albert Pier and it's a nice walk past the bathing pools and a different perspective of Castle Cornet.  A climb to Clarence Battery offers a nice vantage point, too.    

Yes, you could walk Mourants Rd South, but as you say it is not a short walk, and would not save that much time.  For cruise ship guests, I really do not recommend trying to fit everything in, using the public buses, especially if the last tender is 3pm (which it usually is for Princess).

Definitely second the "must" of tasting Guernsey ice cream.  Martyn Guille Silversmiths near to The Little Chapel sell small individual tubs.  If you are going to Castle Cornet, there is a kiosk close by that sells Guernsey ice cream.

Personally I would not visit both La Vallette Military Museum and the German Occupation Museum, as these sites both contain material from the Occupation (whereas the German Underground Hospital is completely different from both).  In my opinion the German Occupation Museum is far superior to the Military Museum, but agree the Military Museum is easier to access if you are arriving from a cruise ship.  Please note the steps to Clarence Battery are still closed due to a land slide.  You can still access Clarence Battery, however from the path which starts at the bottom of Le Val des Terres.

Just had another look at google maps.  I am not sure that you can access The German Underground Hospital from Rue des Buttes.  The only way in from my understanding is from La Vassalerie road, therefore that is why I am thinking the walking would take much longer than the approx 25 minutes quoted, you need to walk past The Last Post, therefore you are looking at least 35/40 minute walk.

15 hours ago, LindaConn said:

Does anyone know how to get between the German Museum and the Underground Hospital? I know Buses 91 and 92 go to the Museum and Bus 71 goes to the Tunnels/ Hospital, but how do you get between them?

DC has very clearly answered your question with some extra bits of info.  I will just add a few comments:-

1) To go to the German Occupation Museum you can take either the 91, 93, 94 or 95.  I would not take the 92, as this goes anti-clockwise and will take quite some time.  Personally I would not take 91 as it will be busy.  Please remember to purchase an entrance ticket you need to have pounds sterling cash, they DO NOT accept any debit or credit cards.

2) You can transfer between the 2 sites using the 71, please note the 71 stops at the airport, which is about an 8 minute walk from the German Occupation Museum, whereas the 91, 93, 94 and 95 come from a different direction, therefore you would disembark at the bus stop before the airport, therefore a 5 minute walk

3) I would definitely not walk between the 2 sites.  I see that google quote 20/25 minutes.  In my opinion the walk would be much longer.  Both sites do not open until 10am.

4) You may wish to consider visiting The Little Chapel, this is on route 71, and also reasonable walking distance from the German Underground Hospital

5) To be honest, whilst this is all possible, I would really say only for people who are staying on the island, who have flexibility with their time.  With the 71 bus only going every hour, you will need to be extremely organised and very fixed to your timings to ensure you see everything.  You may end up rushing your visit to these places just to make sure that you catch the bus, this seems stressful when you are on vacation.  You could hire a private guide to take you to these attractions and provide a tour inside?  Or there is an operator who offers a small group tour to these sites plus the Little Chapel, www.toursofguernsey.com

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you a wonderful time ashore.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to post and I will do my best to help.

On 11/9/2022 at 6:00 PM, BIGAMP02 said:

Have you ever ridden on of the Rib Island Tours boats? Are they worth it? And do you happen to know what time the first trip is? We are hoping to ride the 1-hour boat ride and then do some other stuff on the island.

 

Other questions - which passage grave is your favorite? Where do you recommend for scones and clotted cream? 

 

Thanks so much!!

Yes, I have taken both the Herm and Sark Rib tours, and would highly recommend.  I am not sure what time the first trip is, I went on their website a few days ago, but could not see any times listed, perhaps you could email them to see when they will start advertising their 2023 tours.

Favourite passage grave - probably Le Dehus, but as this is a little off the usual routes, I would recommend Le Creux Es Faies

On 11/12/2022 at 2:55 AM, D C said:

Never been, but we had a RIB trip scheduled/canceled (weather) in Jersey several years ago.  While highly rated, I'm not familiar enough with their Guernsey offerings to make a recommendation.   I looked at the Sark offering and having been around the island with a Sark local tour, it wasn't clear how much they covered in the allotted time. But there's no bad time to be had in Guernsey imho 🙂

 

I'm interested in what Guernseycruiser says about scones/cream tea.  My favorite place is on Sark as it reminds me of my Great grandmother's baking.  Not on the island, of course. 

 

On Guernsey, my first stop is a co-op (grocery) for gache (a bread) and butter.  It's getting late, but I may have to make scones in the morning, or dig out my Guernsey recipe book! 

Sorry D C for being so lapse in my response.  To be honest, I probably more of a "connoisseur" of scones/cream tea onboard cruise ships than I am here in Guernsey!!  I have had afternoon tea at La Barbarie Hotel, which was beautiful.  If you are looking within walking distance of the tender pier, I would recommend The Old Government House Hotel or Moores Hotel for scones/cream tea.  Cafe Emilia is a favourite of mine, they advertise Gache and tea cakes on their website, however usually have an amazing selection of delicious cakes,

21 hours ago, PattyCakes17 said:

Guernsey cruiser, hope you’re still following the posts here. Thanks for all the most useful information. 
 

My friend and I would very much like to get ourselves over to Sark to ride bikes around the island.  Looking at the ferry schedule, as available now, I can’t make it work. We will be in Guernsey on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  The times offered are depart at 10:15 return at 16. Our ship departs at 16:00 so no good. Is there a chance the schedules will change?  As a second option a bike ride around Guernsey would be fun, however, we don’t like to ride with cars. Are there any places we could ride avoiding auto traffic?

Hi PattyCakes

I am still following the posts, but have been a little bit lapse over the last couple of months, with holidays and other matters.  I have had a look at the Sark Shipping timetable and re-confirm the times you have quoted.  To be honest, I am not sure they will change, you could email them directly to ask.  Personally I would see whether there is a tour from your ship, as they may have a separate ferry with guaranteed times around your port visit parameters.

With regards to a bike ride around Guernsey, you have two choices:-

1) Pick up the bike from the tender pier or close by.  There is a cycle path starting around 400 meters from the tender pier going north towards St Sampsons, otherwise you are on the road with other traffic.

2) Join a bike tour, where you are picked up from the pier in a mini-bus and then taken to the west coast where you pick up your bike, for a guide led tour, where there will be less traffic.

Whatever you choose to do when you are visiting our beautiful island, I wish you a wonderful time ashore.

3 hours ago, Berta said:

They do have an excursion from the ship but it includes the horse drawn carriage ride and is a bit pricey, especially for 12 people.  Would love to just catch the ferry on our own and explore Sark.

I would check out the timetable for the Sark ferry to see if it works for you.  The bicycle rental is a great idea by D C as you will see much more of the island.  They do have E-Bikes for rent as well it you prefer, these are probably limited in availability (my friends rented the last 3 that were available on the day earlier this week, it was not a cruise ship day, and even then ended up renting from 2 different providers).

https://www.sarkshipping.gg/timetables

The timetable sometimes varies, so you are best to check the date you will be arriving by starting a "dummy booking" which will provide the exact departure times.

6 hours ago, cruisegal415 said:

We are doing a walking tour in the morning and then will have a few hours. We were going to go to Castle Coronet but now I’m thinking maybe Victor Hugo House or German Occupation Museum. If you had to choose between those three, which would you choose and which would be easiest to get there? We’re coming next week. 

It is more an issue of timing rather than choice:-

1) Victor Hugo's House - you will need to book a tour in advance via their website (you cannot walk around the house on your own), they are not open on a Wednesday, and on cruise ship days they are busy, so I would look now for availability.  The house is a 15/20 minute walk from the pier, mostly uphill, not suitable for those with mobility issues.

2) The Castle is a 15 minute walk on the flat from the pier, however I recommend that you arrive no later than 11:45am so that you can watch the firing of the noonday cannon.  There is also a short 20 minute play by local amateur dramatics which maybe of interest.

3) German Occupation Museum - would be my recommendation if you are interested in WW2 or the Occupation, I consider this the best Museum on the island.  Unfortunately their opening times are 10am to 1pm, with last entry at midday.  You will also need to take a bus to reach this museum, approx 25 minutes from St Peter Port, any of the buses that are going to the airport are fine, 91, 93, 94 or 95.  The bus station is a 2 minute walk from the pier, the Museum is a 5 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Could you change your walking tour to the afternoon, which would provide more options?

17 hours ago, D C said:

Maybe. Is there not a tour available from the ship?
 

Isle of Sark Shipping Company www.sarkshipping.gg runs regularly scheduled trips between Guernsey and Sark.  Around £30pp, I believe for a day trip.  The good news is that they have a new vessel Corsaire de Sercq that makes the trip in about 35 minutes, compared to nearly an hour previously.  Naturally, that timetable needs to work with your arrival and departure times to be of any use.

There are private charter services such as guernseyboatcharter.com   Those are full boat charters, so expect close to £600 for up to 12 people.   I'll check with a friend who is close with the Guernsey Harbour for other options, and perhaps Guernseycruiser will add some options. 

 

 

 Not really much more I can add to the detail provided by D C.  I am not sure if the ships excursions use the same Sark ferry or whether they go directly from the ship, therefore if there was an issue with the Sark ferry, it may be a concern.  Yes, they have a new ferry, unfortunately it does not go that much quicker than the old vessel, a friend travelled on it earlier this week and said 45 minutes for the transfer.

16 hours ago, knot knormal said:

The reason I had it on the reverse was the early closing of the Occupation Museum.  I’ll try to get DH up and out early and follow your plan.  Thank you so much for the time and thought you put in to your reply!

 

No problem, happy to help.

Just noticed that the number 71 bus is not currently going past the Underground Hospital or the Little Chapel due to roadworks.  I think this is due to be in place until mid August.  Please check www.buses.gg for up to date information.

On 7/22/2022 at 2:54 AM, knot knormal said:

Guernseycruiser, we will be cruising to your lovely island in August and having been there before I have targeted the following plan:

Take bus 91 to the German Occupation Museum then walk to Little Chapel and Underground Hospital, take bus 71 back to town.  Is it feasible to walk from the museum to the other two sights?  I have a map from prior visit and it doesn't look tooooooo far.

You can either take the 91, 93, 94 or 95 to the German Occupation Museum.  They all take the same route to at least the airport, and the stop for the museum is the one before the airport.  Yes, you are correct, the 71 is the bus back to town from the Little Chapel or The German Underground Hospital.

Personally I would say it is a long walk from the Museum to the other two sites.  The other thing to take account of is that the best time to visit The Little Chapel is early in the morning before the cruise ship coaches arrive.  Therefore, if it were me, I would:-

1) Take the 71 bus to The Little Chapel (allow 30 minutes at the site)

2) Then walk to The German Underground Hospital (google says the walk takes 15 minutes) (allow 40/45 minutes at the site)

3) Take the 71 bus then to the airport and walk to the German Occupation Museum (still only 5-7 minutes) (allow at least 1 hour at the site, preferably a bit longer)

4) Take the 92, 93, 94 or 95 back to St Peter Port from the Museum

You would need to look at the bus times to see if it works, I have put in brackets how long I think you could spend at each location.  Please remember you need to arrive at the German Occupation Museum no later than midday, as the museum closes around 1/1:15pm each day.

I hope this helps.

19 hours ago, Adventures ahead said:

My FIL was with the Canadian army in Caen after the liberation, so my husband is interested in WWII stories.

 

I thought the Underground Hospital might be more interesting, in a way. However, sounds like there's a lot of walking (we're not lazy, just slow!).

The Underground Hospital is very interesting, it is difficult to choose, and to be honest, I would try and see if you could visit both.  

20 hours ago, Adventures ahead said:

Very helpful! Thanks very much!

For a good look around the German Occupation Museum, about how much time would you suggest we should we allow?

I would allow at least 1 hour 15 minutes to walk around the Museum,  although as I see your subsequent post that you are particularly interested in WWll stories, perhaps you should allow 1 hour 30 minutes.

13 hours ago, jacobtsf said:

@Guernseycruiser
We will be visiting St. Peter Port next month, 4 adults and 1 three year old toddler.

We are looking at doing the Petit Train, am I correct that we can not book these tickets in advance, but only at the port?

 

Do you have any suggestions of what to do after that tour that will keep our toddler engaged.

 Yes you are correct, you cannot book tickets for the Petit Train in advance.  When you arrive on the pier, you can book tickets for a specific time later in the day, you do not have to wait and queue.

To be honest, suggestions for a toddler are limited if you are going to stay in St Peter Port.  There is a children's library (within the public Guilles Allez library), which would have things to amuse.  Guernsey Museum at Candie Gardens may have something, currently there is a Lego exhibition but this is due to finish shortly.  There are some small farms etc and beaches, soft play areas, parks etc but these are "out of St Peter Port" therefore you would need transport.

On 7/10/2022 at 1:07 PM, Adventures ahead said:

We had the pleasure of touring around the island on a previous cruise and did an excellent walking tour with Annette Henry (booked in advance). Looking forward to returning!

 

Can we get a taxi from the port to the Underground Hospital or German Occupation Museums?

Would the taxi wait or could they call for a return taxi?

Cash or credit card for a taxi? Approx cost?

If only wanting to visit one, and spend the rest of our time in St. Peter Port, would you recommend one over the other?

 

Yes, you can take a taxi from the port to either the Underground Hospital or German Occupation Museum.  There are limited taxis at the port, there is a rank approx 100 meters away, again could not guarantee that there will be taxis waiting when you arrive.

The taxi would wait (for a fee), otherwise it would be difficult to obtain a return taxi.  

Cash is acceptable, some may have credit card machines, but not all.

I would not have any idea on costs.

If you were only to visit one, I would say the German Occupation Museum.

You could access both sites by using public transport if you wish.  see www.buses.gg

Otherwise there are accredited tour guides who could arrange tours to both sites and more.  Tours of Guernsey (who are 5 star rated on TripAdvisor) do offer a Highlights of Guernsey tour which takes in The Little Chapel, the Underground Hospital and The German Occupation Museum.  These are private tours.  see www.toursofguernsey.com/tours

I hope the above helps.  Whatever you choose to do ashore, enjoy your day.