Easter in Guernsey
Firstly, I travelled with a new airline for me, Aurigny (Norman name for Alderney apparently?) pronounced 'Or Ree Knee'. I hadn't been on a prop plane for ages.... Exciting! Just over an hour to get there, now that's what I call a perfect time for travelling to a new destination!!!
I was super super impressed by The Old Government House. TOTALLY unique, classy, friendly, stylish, homely, quirky, upmarket and just adorable. |First impressions were 'I think Im going to enjoy myself here'. Its not a stuffy 5* hotel, almost a 'home from home' feel - some of the furniture even felt a bit saggy and well-used - just like your favourite armchair, yet the service is impeccable, and the food & cocktails sublime!
Worth noting that Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday were well respected with most shops closed, but wow, first impressions of St Peter Port |(the capital) are super. A mix of between old town Whitby with a heavy French influence. There's hidden stepped walkways, some fab independent shops and boutiques, stunning gardens, a lovely harbour and marina, a huge array of eateries for every budget. and the Castle Cornet at the entrance to the port is well worth a visit. If you are interested in military history, you will be spoilt for choice with museums, statues, underground tunnels, look-out posts and bridges, etc, all very well preserved to highlight the only part of the British Isles that was occupied in the Second World War.
I would recommend hiring a small car, drive with care down the narrow lanes to complete an island tour with various stops along the way, great beaches, hidden coves, stunning cliff top walks, fish and chip vans, coffee stops at picturesque points, rock pooling, gardens to explore, small sea-side towns, sunsets to die for! You will be automatically relaxed as the slow pace of life hits you instantly with the 25 miles per hour speed limit!!! Cycles are also a keen way to explore, beware of the hills though!!
If you get the chance, book a ferry over to Sark or Herm, one of the neighbouring islands which are a short sail away. I visited Sark for the afternoon - The first island in the world to be a designated Dark Sky island. No cars, no streetlights and about 600 permanent residents. What a unique place, hire a cycle, jump on the back of a tractor trailer, or horse and carriage, or just walk and walk the pretty lanes. I loved the spring flowers and no pollution.
For a short break, I would certainly recommend a stay in Guernsey, a world away from the UK, yet so close! I also visited 4* Duke of Richmond which is a very different hotel to The OGH, but also a great place to stay with lovely sea views over the capital and towards France.
