The Channel Islands are home to the islands of Jersey and Guernsey which offer a wealth of fun and interesting sites to explore. From white-sand beaches on the shores of clear, deep, blue waters to quirky museums with stunning art installations and zoos with endangered species, there’s plenty of things to do on the Channel Islands.

Check out the best things to do on the Channel Islands and find hidden gems of adventure and excitement tucked away in the unspoilt wilderness.

What are the best things to do on the Channel Islands?

  • 1

    Victoria Tower

    Climb the stairs to the best view in Guernsey

    Victoria Tower
    • History
    • Photo

    Victoria Tower stands in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, and was erected in 1846 to commemorate a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Today, it is a major attraction in the area, and you can climb to the top of the tower to get a panoramic view of the west, north and east coasts, viewing vast horizons of the ocean and the entire surrounding city and islands.

    It's a deeply picturesque and stunning view, and thousands flock here annually to catch pictures of the ocean waters and the Channel Islands.

    Location: Arsenal Rd, Guernsey GY1 1WQ, Guernsey, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1481 726518

    Map

    photo by Unukorno (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Hauteville House

    Visit the Victor Hugo House

    Hauteville House
    • History
    • Photo

    The Hauteville House is also called the Victor Hugo House, and it was the home of the famed author during his exile from France. Hugo lived here for over 14 years, and the house now stands as a monument and museum dedicated to his time there. 

    You can find the house in the heart of St Peter Port in Guernsey. The house was officially donated to the City of Paris in March of 1927, making it one of the more unusual historic attractions among the Channel Islands. The home has been preserved exactly the way it was, with the rich creativity of Hugo on full display in every room.

    Location: 38 Hauteville, Guernsey GY1 1DG, Guernsey, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1481 721911

    Map

    photo by Heather Cowper (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 3

    German Occupation Museum

    Commemorate World War II

    German Occupation Museum
    • History

    German Occupation Museum is one site you'll want to visit in Guernsey if you're an aficionado of World War II history. This museum contains hundreds of exhibits dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Guernsey during the war and includes genuine artefacts, documents and educational displays as well as reproductions.

    You can also stop at the onsite cafe to grab a bite to eat after your trip through the museum, and there's a gift shop so you can pick up something to commemorate your travels in the area.

    Location: Les Houards Forest, GY8 0BG, Guernsey, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1481 238205

    Map

    photo by Jeremy Oakley (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Jersey Zoo

    See endangered species

    Jersey Zoo
    • Families
    • Photo

    Jersey Zoo is a must-visit if you're looking for family fun on your travels to the Channel Islands. This zoological park was opened in 1959 by the famed author and naturalist Gerald Durrell. Today, it's sponsored and maintained by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. 

    The Zoo hosts over 1,400 animals representing over 130 species and is an exciting and educational experience for adults and kids of all ages. It's also an ideal place for you and the kids to see plenty of species, including many rare and endangered animals, all displayed in their natural habitats.

    Location: Durrell Wildlife Camp, La Profonde Rue, Jersey JE3 5BP, Jersey, UK

    Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1534 860000

    Map
  • 5

    La Grande Greve

    Engage in outdoor adventures

    La Grande Greve
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Photo

    La Grande Greve is your source for outdoor adventures and a beach holiday in Guernsey that the entire family will love. This island inlet features a wide sweep of soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming due to a relatively calm surf. 

    It's known for being among the loveliest beaches in all the Channel Islands and is a hidden gem of the area, isolated from the surroundings by high cliffs. When you're here, it's like time stops and you're lost in it. La Grande Greve offers the chance to lounge, sunbathe, swim and just relax.

    Location: Guernsey, UK

    Open: 24/7

    Map
  • 6

    Shell Beach

    Admire the shell fragments on the sands

    Shell Beach
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Shell Beach is a scenic and family-friendly beach in Guernsey with a long stretch of soft, white sand and deep, blue, crystal-clear waters. It's also surrounded by lush and verdant green forests. Its waters are great for swimming, and at the southern end of the beach is a kiosk with resources for visitors. 

    Shell Beach is one of the more exotic but relaxing locales on the islands and it’s also known for the millions of tiny shell fragments that wash in from the Gulf Stream. Some even say that it resembles a Caribbean island in the United Kingdom. 

    Location: Guernsey, UK

    Open: 24/7

    Map
  • 7

    Portelet Beach

    Get lost in the hidden bay

    Portelet Beach
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Portelet Beach is a bay beach known for its scenic cliffside surroundings and the quiet inlet with calm surf surrounding. This is an ideal place to take the kids for a quiet getaway on your holiday, and it's perfect for safe swimming. 

    The stretch of white sand and dark-blue waters is often placed on the list of the best beaches in Jersey. Whether you're looking to just relax in sun and sand, go swimming in cool bay waters or catch a photograph of natural cliffside rock formations and the scenic inlet, Portelet Beach is a great choice.

    Location: La Rue Voisin, JE38PN, Jersey, UK

    Map
  • 8

    The SandWizard

    Check out the impressive sandcastles

    • Budget
    • Families
    • Photo
    • Unusual

    The SandWizard's gallery contains a unique collection in Jersey on the Channel Islands, including elegant and detailed sandcastles. If you're a fan of unusual attractions or modern art, this is a site you won't want to miss.

    The giant sandcastle sculpture inside the SandWizard's dome took over 130 days to complete and comprises over 50 tons of sand, painstakingly crafted into a masterpiece. You can spend some time taking photographs, and if you’re lucky, maybe the artist will make an appearance and you can discuss his inspiration.

    Location: St Catherine, Jersey JE3 6DD, Jersey, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)7700 809450

    Map
  • 9

    Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery

    Learn about the culture and legacy of the Channel Islands

    • History
    • Photo

    The Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery is the ideal place for history and art enthusiasts to learn about the culture and legacy of the region. This museum is devoted to telling the story of not only the events that make up the heritage of the islands, but also its features, historic clothing, archaeological sites of importance and much more.

    The museum contains hundreds of exhibits, artefacts and pieces of documentation that trace the entire story of Guernsey and the Channel Islands, as well as the arts and crafts that tell that story.

    Location: Candie Road, Guernsey Guernsey, GY1 1UG, Guernsey, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1481 726518

    Map
  • 10

    Folk & Costume Museum

    Walk back in time with preserved costumes dating back 200 years

    • Families
    • History

    The Folk & Costume Museum in Guernsey is one of the most popular attractions on the Channel Islands. Operated by the National Trust of Guernsey, the museum is housed inside of a quaint cluster of restored and renovated landmark and traditional farm buildings, all set within a cobbled courtyard in Saumarez Park.

    The museum hosts a collection of historic outfits and costumes from the history of Guernsey dating back 200 years. Here, you can see authentic examples of domestic, agricultural, trade and even childhood costumes worn during the past 2 centuries.

    Location: Saumarez Park, GY5 7UJ, Guernsey, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1481 255384

    Map