A little more
Guernsey.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Guernsey: what to know before you go

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands, closer to the coast of France than to England, with cliff paths, sandy bays, a harbour capital and the smaller islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney nearby. It suits walkers, history enthusiasts and anyone after a slow-paced island break with good seafood.

Where to go

• St Peter Port. The capital rises steeply from its harbour, with narrow lanes, stepped streets, the Market Halls and the Town Church.
• Castle Cornet. A castle on a former islet guarding the entrance to St Peter Port harbour, with origins in the thirteenth century.
• Hauteville House. The home of the French writer Victor Hugo during his exile from 1856 to 1870, where he completed Les Misérables.
• The south coast cliff path. A rugged path running along the island's south coast past headlands, bays and wartime fortifications, with steep sections, wild flowers in spring and good views.

Best time to visit

May to September is the best time to visit, with the warmest weather, long evenings, regular boat services to Herm and Sark, and most attractions open. Spring brings wild flowers on the cliffs, and early autumn is often settled and quieter.

Staying online in Guernsey

Mobile coverage is good across most of Guernsey, with 4G widely available. Signal can be weaker in sheltered valleys and some bays, and on Sark and Herm coverage is more limited. In some spots, particularly on the west coast and when sailing between islands, your phone may pick up a French network. Note that Guernsey is not part of the UK for mobile purposes, so some UK plans charge roaming there. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.