Guernsey Island

Guernsey's capital, St Peter Port, rises from the waterfront in tiers of honey-coloured Georgian buildings. The harbour is the arrival point, and the town is immediately there: steep cobblestone lanes, small independent shops, and cafés that serve cream teas alongside French-style crêpes. Castle Cornet, which guards the harbour entrance, dates to the 13th century and fires a midday cannon in summer. The island still uses its own currency (pegged to sterling) and has no VAT, so prices on some goods run lower than the UK mainland. Candie Gardens, above the town, is a quiet park with sea views, and the Guernsey Museum sits at its edge. Victor Hugo lived in exile on the island for 15 years, and his house, Hauteville House, is open for tours. The island itself is only about 25 square miles, so hiring a car or taking a bus lets you reach the south coast cliffs and quieter beaches within half an hour.