Autumn is in full swing, and the spooky season is upon us, so there is no better time to visit Guernsey in October. With crisp autumnal mornings and the Guernsey landscape boasting a vibrant and warm colour palette, walking and cycling holidays are extremely enjoyable. Attractions remain open, and quiet levels of tourism make the island’s best spots easy to discover. There is also so much to do on the events calendar, especially in the lead-up to Halloween. Couples can enjoy romantic autumn evenings or creepy events, while families can head to the island’s pumpkin patches and make the most of seasonal activities. For anyone looking for an autumn escape that is easily accessible from the UK, Guernsey in October is an incredible choice.
Is Guernsey Worth Visiting in October?
For many, autumn is their favourite season and a countryside getaway is an incredible way to soak up the cosy vibes that the season brings. Guernsey is a spectacular destination for this with everything from charming, boutique hotels overflowing with comfort and luxury to idyllic self-catering cottages that can offer everything from log fires to outdoor hot tubs. The scenery on the island is unrivalled in October with pops of red, orange and yellow everywhere you turn. The peaceful woodland areas and quaint country lanes are a beauty to explore with Guernsey a great choice for walking and cycling holidays in October. You can also soak up the coastal scenery, experiencing walks along the shore and hiking amongst the cliffs during a refreshing autumn walk.
It is also a great opportunity to dive into the heritage and culture of the island. Most attractions on the island remain open, however, some do have reduced opening hours in comparison to the summer months. You do, however, have the chance to explore the attractions at a peaceful, leisurely pace with lower crowd levels. There are also many exciting events and activities on the October calendar, including Halloween-themed experiences.
While October is subject to changing weather including low temperatures and rainfall, the month is relatively mild on average and comfortable to enjoy. Guernsey is certainly worth visiting in October, a beautiful time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and experience the attractions without the hustle and bustle.
Guernsey Weather in October
October weather in Guernsey can be extremely unpredictable and anyone visiting the island on holiday must be prepared. Throughout the month, temperatures are typically mild, averaging around 15 degrees. However, every day is different and the temperature could drop as low as 11 degrees. Mornings and evenings are particularly chilly so it is important to dress in layers.
October is also a particularly rainy month in Guernsey with an average of 12 days of rainfall. The rainfall can be pretty unreliable to predict with everything from short, spontaneous bursts to full days of downpours. Waterproofs are essential, especially if you would like to continue exploring the island with the weather interrupting your experience.
For Guernsey holidaymakers wanting to enjoy a dip in the sea or engage in water sports, October is surprisingly still a great time to participate. Although it is still cold, the Guernsey waters are warmest in September and October, meaning you can still enjoy spending time in the water before the winter months roll in.
Things to do in Guernsey in October
Guernsey is a month that offers the best of Guernsey with attractions still open, Mother Nature showcasing her most vibrant state and plenty of things to do that are unique to October. If you want to truly embrace the season when visiting Guernsey in October, you will be spoilt for choice with what to do in Guernsey in October.
Tennerfest
Tennerfest is an annual event that is one of the island’s most popular festivals throughout the year. The most successful food festival across the Channel Islands, Tennerfest is a fixed-price festival that has been a local tradition for over 25 years. Showcasing the best of their cuisine, the restaurants, bistros, cafes and hotels across the island come together to offer a selection of dishes for £10 per head. It is a great way to discover the island’s best dining offerings without breaking the bank.
The Street Food Festival
A celebration of local dining spots on the island, The Street Food Festival held in Market Square showcases one dish from each of the island’s best eateries. Honouring the diversity of food influences in Guernsey, The Street Food Festival is a great way to sample the island’s cuisine. In addition to the day-long event in Market Square, the festival also offers multiple producer tasting sessions. Discover the best Guernsey producers through Rocquette Cider Tastings, CI Liquour Company Tastings and Guernsey Dairy Tastings.
Guernsey Film Fest
The first weekend in October welcomes the Guernsey Film Fest, an annual event with a different theme each year. Hosted at The Mallard Cinema, the Guernsey Film Fest showcases both French and English films as you rediscover classic favourites and also attend exclusive screenings of new releases. As one of the best free things to do in Guernsey in October, you do not have to pay a penny to attend any of the showings at Guernsey Film Fest.
Fort Hommet Headland Opening Day
For one day only, guests have access to bunkers at Fort Hommet Headland. This opening day offers exclusive access to a Guernsey war site not typically open to the public with access to the personnel shelter, Le Galloudec Shrine and the excavated anti-tank garage. Family-friendly activities also take place throughout the day.
Tree and Woodcraft Fayre
One of the most unique things to do in Guernsey in October is attend the Tree and Woodcraft Fayre. A celebration of trees, woodlands and forests, this is an event for a true nature lover. With activities for all ages including crafts, art workshops, a climbing tower and a wood chip play area, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For entertainment, witness the professional tree climbers scale the trunks of Guernsey majestics and make sure to catch the unique performances of art and music.
Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins
In recent years, pumpkin picking has become an extremely popular autumn activity and heading to Le Hetchen Farm is a great choice for anyone searching for what to do in Guernsey in October for families. Open daily throughout the month, Le Hechet Farm is not only a place to explore the farm’s magnificent pumpkin patch, but you can also meet the farm animals and ride the tractors for the ultimate autumn experience.
Souper Spooky Saturday
For an alternative festive event in Guernsey, Souper Spooky Saturday takes over the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park in mid-October. Creepy crafts, ghoulish games and a horrifying Halloween hunt will keep the kids entertained for hours. However, the highlight is the range of fresh spooky soups served made from garden produce including Veggie Witches Brew. Get dressed up and enjoy a day of spooky activity at Guernsey’s most beautiful park.
The Ghost Train
Victor the Petit Train is a regular fixture travelling along the Guernsey coastline with daily tours of St Peter Port. In October, Victor receives a menacing makeover and by nightfall, he is known as Victor the Ghost Train. The Ghost Train takes you on an exploration of the paranormal activity of St Peter Port with fascinating stories and eerie encounters. Sit back and hear the terrifying tales of terror and torture of Guernsey’s past.
Haunted Castle
Castle Cornet transforms into the Haunted Castle the weekend before Halloween. Get involved in gruesome games, and crawly crafts and learn about Guernsey folklore through musical storytelling. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the familiars who frequent Castle Cornet and other castles with bat talk, encounters and a trail.
