Cruises are great because you get to wake up in a new place nearly every day. But, with port days being no more than 8-10 hours long in most cases, do you really get to see that much? During my trip with Princess Cruises, we stopped in four different ports. Each port was different and the activities we did changed depending on where we were. Most days, we did a tour, but when we visited Guernsey, we went to explore ourselves. Thankfully there were so many things to do in Saint Peter Port.
Saint Peter Port is the capital of Guernsey, an island in the British Isles. And while there is a ton to do on the small island, if you don’t want to get on public transportation or book a tour, you may think it might be tough to fill your day. Thankfully there are so many things to do in the area that doesn’t require any form of transportation! From wandering the coastline to dining on delicious, freshly caught fish, to taking in some history, there is so much to do there!
Six Things To Do In Saint Peter Port, Guernsey
Cruising to Saint Peter Port, Guernsey
First things first. Arriving at Saint Peter Port is a bit different than arriving at other ports. That’s because the boat does not dock. Instead, it will anchor in the sea. Depending on the weather and roughness of the sea, you’ll board tender boats that will drop you at the port. If the water is too choppy or the weather is bad, you may not be able to go to shore. But, if you’re lucky to have a beautiful day, you’ll have several hours to explore!
1. Stroll through the Lanes
One of the great things about Saint Peter Port and Guernsey as a whole is that everything you buy there is tax exempt. That also means that a lot of luxury items are a lot cheaper than they would be in the UK. Lots of people will disembark in Guernsey just to go shopping. And there are several cute lanes with popular shops, small boutiques, and more to browse.
2. Take in the Views From Candie Gardens
If you’re looking for things to do in Saint Peter Port, you need to head up to Candie Gardens. Not only is it a beautiful park, which is home to the oldest heated glass houses in the British Isles, but it also has an incredible view overlooking the harbor. It’s a great place to snap a photo of your ship! Plus, there is a nice little tea house where you can try cream tea and get a taste of milk from the famous Guernsey Cows!
3. Step Back in History at Castle Cornet
At 800 years old, Castle Cornet is filled with history. Just a short walk from the port, the castle consists of five museums and four period gardens. Tickets are 10.50 pounds for adults and include entry to all exhibits. And if you don’t want to fork over money to visit the inside, it’s still worth walking by, as it has the perfect opportunity to see the coast from afar. Plus, each day at noon, a cannon is fired by soldiers dressed in 19th-century costume. You don’t need to purchase a ticket to see this, and you will probably be able to hear it from a distance as well!
4. Fish and Chips at Beeton’s
Guernsey is in the British Isles which means that you should dine on some seafood while you’re there. And while there are a ton of really nice restaurants and pubs directly in the port, a 20-minute walk will bring you to Beeton’s Fish & Chip Shop. This is a local hot spot and has been voted the most loved business on the entire island. The shop has been open for 15 years and serves up fresh fish and chips for cheap!
5. Wander Through the Neighborhoods
One of the great things about Guernsey is that Saint Peter Port has a very local feel. The houses are old and beautiful and you could easily spend the entire afternoon wandering up and down the streets looking at them. If you’re looking for some quiet, take a stroll through the side streets and check out the gorgeous candy-colored homes that line them.
6. Visit the Oldest Post Box in the British Isles
Located at the end of Union Street in Saint Peter Port is a red post box. It’s unique because it happens to be the oldest functioning post box in the British Isles. The red post box dates back to 1853 and differs from others in Guernsey because of its color. You see, all of the other post boxes on the island are painted blue!
This post was sponsored by Princess Cruises! As always all opinions are my own!
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