While many people think of travel as a luxury with a price tag, travel is something everyone can and should enjoy, even on a budget. When looking for budget-friendly destinations to holiday from the UK, the Channel Islands are worth considering. Guernsey is an incredible choice for anyone watching their pennies with easy access from the mainland, affordable accommodation and plenty of things to do that are either cheap or free. Tackling Guernsey on a budget is not only doable, but it can be a highly successful trip with very little compromise.
Budget Holidays to Guernsey
Guernsey is a top choice when looking for a holiday from the UK that does not hurt the budget. In such close proximity to the UK, flight tickets are often a lot more affordable than those to holiday destinations across Europe and beyond. There is also the option to travel by ferry which can save you costs on luggage allowance and vehicle hire. Guernsey’s airport and ferry terminal are also very close to St Peter Port making it easy to travel to your accommodation. Even if you are not staying in St Peter Port, at just 6 miles long and 3 miles wide, you are never far from either arrival zone.
The island has an incredibly diverse range of accommodations, suited to all budgets. Whether you choose to stay in a hotel, holiday cottage or even camp, you can rest assured that Guernsey has accommodation options in all categories that offer great value. To save money on food, you can also opt for bed and breakfast spots or choose self-catering instead.
When it comes to things to do in Guernsey, there are great attractions and points of interest. There is an almost endless list of things to do and places to see that are either incredibly affordable or completely free. With nature undoubtedly the main highlight of the island, you can easily experience the best of Guernsey and the great outdoors without spending a fortune on activities.
There is no doubt that Guernsey is an incredible holiday destination if you are on a budget. For travellers from the UK, you can enjoy the full Guernsey experience and island escape without financial concern.
Budget Travel to Guernsey
You can travel to Guernsey from the UK by either air or sea. Both methods offer their own benefits and both can also fit into a budget. When you are travelling to Guernsey on a budget, it is worthwhile weighing up both options against your unique preferences, requirements and budget.
Travelling to Guernsey on a Budget by Air
The quickest and easiest way to travel from the UK to Guernsey is by air. With flight times from many UK airports under an hour, you can reach the island in a short space of time and even enjoy spontaneous trips with limited planning. Travelling by air is a great choice for anyone wanting to save on travel time but it can also save you money.
If you live far from the south coast of England, air travel will be the better option as travelling by ferry will include extra costs involved with getting to the ports in Poole or Portsmouth. Unless you are particularly passionate about travelling with your own vehicle, ferry travel will offer little convenience to you if you live at a distance from these ports. With departure airports scattered across the UK, you are guaranteed to find one close to where you live.
While travelling to Guernsey from smaller, regional airports may come at a premium price tag, you can often find bargain airfares from larger airports. Aurigny offers daily flights from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Southampton which are the most common airports to find cheap flights. Aurigny offers three fare options, allowing you to choose the most affordable for your needs. Daily flights are also available from London City by British Airways which can also offer affordable flights regularly.
Travelling to Guernsey on a Budget by Sea
The alternative way to travel to Guernsey from the UK is by ferry and this can also be done on a budget. Condor Ferries offers regular ferry services from both Poole and Portsmouth. While journey times are longer than travelling by air, ferry prices to Guernsey are often comparable to airline prices but with additional benefits.
If you are planning on exploring Guernsey by car, travelling by ferry allows you to travel with your own car rather than hiring on arrival. This cuts the costs of car hire and limits the expense of travelling around Guernsey to just fuel costs. Plus, when you travel by ferry with your vehicle, you can enjoy unlimited luggage allowance without any additional fees that airlines would impose. If you are travelling by foot, you do receive a luggage allowance, however, it is far more generous than what airlines offer. Again, this will save you money on luggage if you are planning on travelling with a lot of stuff.
If you live close to either Poole or Portsmouth, travelling by ferry is a great way to get to Guernsey on a budget. However, if you live further afield, you need to factor in the travel costs of getting to the port.
Tips for travelling to Guernsey on a budget
- Compare all transportation options close to where you live
- Book your tickets in advance for the best price
- If you are flexible with your travel dates, avoid peak times including holidays and weekends
- Travel from larger airports for lower prices, if possible
- Condor Ferries offer a 15% discount to students
- If you visit the Channel Islands regularly, join the Condor Ferries Frequent Traveller Club for 15% discount on direct bookings, pre-booked seating and accommodation upgrades
Budget Transportation in Guernsey
Once you arrive on the island, you need to consider how you are going to get around Guernsey. This is a particularly important consideration if you are on a budget.
Getting around Guernsey by Car
If you are travelling to Guernsey by ferry, you can travel with your own vehicle. This offers you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and when you have your own car, vehicle rental is out of the equation. You therefore only need to factor fuel costs into your Guernsey transportation.
However, if you are travelling to Guernsey by air or choose not to bring your own vehicle but still want the flexibility of exploring by car, Guernsey has a selection of car hire options that are affordable. Booking your car hire in advance, before your arrival, offers huge savings. Comparison sites are the best way to find the best and most affordable car hire option.
Getting Around Guernsey by Public Transportation
The best way to explore Guernsey on a budget is by taking advantage of the island’s public transportation system. An island-wide bus service is operated by CT Plus, offering frequent and reliable transportation at a low cost. Multi-day and family tickets are great money-savers, allowing you unlimited exploration of the island at one price for the duration of the ticket.
Getting Around Guernsey by Walking or Cycling
Alternatively, Guernsey is a popular destination for walking and cycling holidays. It is easy to navigate the island on foot or on two wheels, with short distances between points of interest. Walking and cycling are undoubtedly the best ways to see the true beauty of the island, plus, it is absolutely free.
Budget Accommodation in Guernsey
When it comes to accommodation, guernsey is an island packed with options. From affordable hotels and budget-friendly B&B’s to money-saving self-catering and cheap camping options, the accommodation choices in Guernsey are endless.
Budget Hotels in Guernsey
Guernsey is home to a range of budget hotels that offer great value for money. Island favourites like the Duke of Normandie Hotel and The Pandora Hotel provide comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank. With central locations close to top attractions, breakfast options and in most cases, free wifi, you can enjoy the full Guernsey experience while staying money-conscious.
Boutique Hotel
The Duke of Normandie Hotel
Lefebvre St, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2JP
This boutique hotel in the heart of St Peter Port offers character, comfort and easy access to vibrant city life. It maintains a sense of charm whilst also boasting outstanding facilities. Guests enjoy the convenience of exploring vibrant city life while having a cosy retreat to return to. The hotel is also home to The Pickled Pig, one of Guernsey’s favourite gastro pubs.
From ÂŁ51 / night
Hotel
The Pandora Hotel
52-54 Hauteville, Guernsey GY1 1DG
On the outskirts of St Peter Port, the Pandora Hotel offers a welcoming stay in Guernsey that embodies a perfect blend of comfort, historic charm and modern conveniences. This period property is surrounded by walled gardens with the hotel boasting a serene location whilst close to the bustle of the capital. On the doorstep of Victor Hugo House, the hotel’s proximity to both the town and the island’s attractions allows guests to easily explore the vibrant St Peter Port.
From ÂŁ175 / night
Budget B&Bs in Guernsey
Choosing a B&B for your budget Guernsey holiday is a great option with incredible value. With breakfast included in your room rate, not only do you enjoy the convenience of eating at your accommodation before a day of exploring the island, but it is also one less meal to factor into your spending budget. B&Bs are also often family-run and intimate establishments offering a personalised service and a more peaceful environment. The Yacht Inn is a great example of an affordable Guernsey B&B, offering an incredible breakfast selection and located on the St Peter Port waterfront. Alternative B&Bs included La Roche Guest House, Les Cotils and Les Rouvets Farm.
La Roche Guest House
Les Rohais de Haut, Castel, Guernsey GY5 7NA
La Roche Guest House in Guernsey is a delightful haven that combines comfort, personalised hospitality and a traditional farmhouse vibe. The welcoming hosts are committed to making each guest’s experience extraordinary whilst they create an inviting atmosphere that feels like a home. The delicious breakfast offerings served each morning reflect the dedication to quality and are a delightful start to the day.
Les Cotils Guernsey
L’Hyvreuse, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1UU
Nestled in the captivating landscape of the Guernsey countryside with views overlooking St Peter Port, Les Cotils Guernsey provides a serene escape that seamlessly merges relaxation, stunning surroundings and attentive hospitality. The house exudes a charming elegance with beautifully furnished rooms that offer a tranquil haven for guests seeking a rejuvenating retreat.
From ÂŁ213 / night
Les Rouvets Farm Bed and Breakfast
Rue Des Rouvets, St Saviour, Guernsey GY7 9ND
Les Rouvets Farm is a Guernsey bed and breakfast that is a hidden gem which promises to offer an exceptional experience. Tucked away in the tranquil countryside of St Saviour, this charming establishment offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The accommodation at Les Rouvets Farm is the true highlight featuring tastefully designed rooms that ooze both cosiness and elegance. The attention to detail is evident in every corner and the serene surroundings add to the overall sense of tranquillity.
Budget Self-catering Accommodation in Guernsey
You can save a great deal of money when opting to stay in a Guernsey self-catering apartment or holiday cottage. With great kitchen facilities, you can cook for yourself and cut the costs you would spend eating out if staying at a hotel. Guernsey offers numerous delivery services to get groceries delivered straight to the door of your accommodation or you can save delivery fees and head to the supermarket yourself. Vazon Bay Apartments boasts an array of modern accommodation options with full kitchen and dining facilities while Ellingham Apartments is nestled in the heart of St Peter Port, combining self-catering convenience with a top location.
Luxury Apartments
Ellingham Apartments
Les Rocques Barrées Road, Vale, Guernsey GY3 5LU
Boasting just seven self catering apartments, the Ellingham Apartments at Bordeaux is the newborn sister complex to the renowned Ellingham Cottages in St Martin. The Ellingham Apartments are new, fresh and vibrant for the perfect cosy escape. Rooms are supplied with robes and complimentary toilets for that spa escape vibe whilst Egyptian cotton makes up the bedding allowing you to rest your head in luxury. All apartments feature a fully-equipped kitchenette with some also boasting laundry facilities. For those that do not, shared laundry facilities are also available on-site along with a shared garden area. Plus, if you are in search of a digital detox, each apartment is supplied with books and board games for some screen-free entertainment.
From ÂŁ127 / night
Budget Camping in Guernsey
When it comes to the ultimate budget-friendly accommodation in Guernsey, camping is the way forward. Without the frills and amenities of hotels and holiday cottages, you can enjoy budget Guernsey while experiencing the great outdoors. Guernsey Camping is the cheapest accommodation option on the island and most of the island’s campsites boast stunning scenery, excellent facilities and a community vibe. Jerbourg Campsite provides a family-friendly environment with beautiful sea views while other sites such as La Vaugrat Campsite and La Bailloterie Campsite also offer great settings to pitch a tent or park your motorhome.
Le Vaugrat Campsite
Route de Vaugrat, St Sampson, Guernsey GY2 4TA
With a range of options including tents, motorhomes, campervans, and caravans, Le Vaugrat caters to all types of adventurers. Embrace the simplicity of basic facilities while revelling in the beauty of Guernsey’s landscapes. For those seeking relaxation, a TV lounge is available, providing a cosy space to unwind whilst for the remainder of the experience, it’s truly back to basics. Whether you’re camping under the stars, cruising in a motorhome or settling into a caravan, Le Vaugrat provides an authentic Guernsey experience.
La Bailloterie
Bailloterie Lane, Vale, Guernsey GY3 5HA
A top choice for caravan holidays in Guernsey, La Bailloterie provides a perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure with a reputation spanning half a century. With sizable pitches and great facilities, the site caters to tents, caravans and motorhomes, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
Budget Dining in Guernsey
Dining out is all part of the holiday experience but eating in restaurants every meal of the deal can bump the price of your trip up dramatically. To enjoy Guernsey on a budget, you want to be savvy about your dining choices. Reducing food costs where possible allows you to enjoy the dining experiences that you truly care about.
Your accommodation plays a huge role in the amount you spend on food and is a worthy consideration. By choosing self-catering accommodation, you have the flexibility to prepare your own meals and save a ton of money on constantly dining out. Alternatively, a bed and breakfast starts your day off correctly with a meal included in your accommodation price with the freedom to explore Guernsey’s dining offerings for other meals. If you are staying in a hotel, it can be a little more tricky to prepare your own meals, but not impossible. Most hotel rooms will feature a small fridge, perfect for storing essentials. You can stock up on the likes of snacks and sandwich fillings to create food to-go. The majority of hotel rooms also feature a kettle, allowing you to make up pre-packaged porridge, noodle pots and other items that just need hot water. As an additional option, supermarket meal deals are great value and will save you a huge amount of money over dining at a restaurant, cafe or attraction.
While you are experiencing budget Guernsey, it is important to remember that you are on holiday and have no need to feel guilty about a small splurge or two. Guernsey is home to some incredible restaurants which are worth spending the money on. By saving in other areas and on other meals, you can enjoy Guernsey’s excellent dining options guilt-free.
Budget Activities in Guernsey
Guernsey boasts an incredible selection of attractions, things to do and places to see that can be enjoyed on the cheap or completely free. The island’s main highlight is Mother Nature and the best Guernsey experiences can be enjoyed without spending a penny.
Beaches
The star attractions and shining jewels of Guernsey are undoubtedly the island’s phenomenal beaches. Nestled in the Channel Sea between the UK and France, this island destination features a breathtaking coastline that begs to be explored. The range of beaches to discover on the island are diverse, from the surfer’s paradise of Vazon Bay to the peaceful tranquillity of Havelet Bay. Many beachfronts offer free parking and while they often have facilities for beach visitors, you can head to the beach prepared with your own drinks, food and snacks, allowing you to enjoy a Guernsey beach day either completely free or just at the cost of an ice cream.
Walking and Cycling
The best way to discover the true beauty of Guernsey is to explore the island’s natural spots on foot or bike. The island has incredible walking and cycling trails across the island from magnificent coastal paths to charming country lanes. With its rich war heritage, the coastline is particularly full of historic points of interest that you can discover during your exploration including forts and batteries.
Museums
Guernsey has some outstanding museums that document and showcase the history and heritage of Guernsey and the Channel Islands. While most of the island’s museums do have an admission charge, they are worth it for a true understanding of Guernsey and the Guernsey Discovery Pass can help save you money. For a set price of £22, the Discovery Pass offers unlimited visits to Castle Cornet, Fort Grey, Guernsey Museum and Guernsey Naval Signals HQ. The Discovery Pass is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and under 18’s can accompany the passholder for free. In addition, one of Guernsey’s top attractions, the German Underground Hospital, has a low admission fee of just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children aged 2-15.
National Trust Properties
Properties operated by National Trust for Guernsey offer free admission to all visitors. They operate Les Caches Farm, the National Trust of Guernsey Folk & Costume Museum and the National Trust of Guernsey Victorian Shop and Parlour. In addition, they also manage several nature reserves across the island including Clifton Valley, Les Tielles and Le Petit Pre Orchid Field.
Candie Gardens
Candie Gardens, located at Guernsey Museum, are completely free for visitors to explore. The gardens are beautifully manicured with unique plants and flowers in bloom. This relaxing spot can be found amidst the hustle and bustle of St Peter Port and is the perfect blend of nature and history.
Victoria Tower
Located close to the Guernsey Museum at Candie Gardens, Victoria Tower offers the best panoramic view of St Peter Port. After climbing a steep, narrow staircase of 99 steps, you are met with the stunning landscapes of Guernsey’s capital and coastline. It was designed to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria to the island in 1846, a visit which had significant importance to Guernsey. The tower is open to the public and free to climb but access is granted at Guernsey Museum.
Saumarez Park
The island’s largest public park is a stunning space, inspired by Japanese tea gardens. Featuring landscaped gardens, nature trails, an oriental pond, a playground and plenty of green space with picnic benches, Saumarez Park is a scenic spot to enjoy a Guernsey summer’s day.
La Vallette Bathing Pools
In the heart of St Peter Port, La Vallette Bathing Pools offers a safe and scenic spot to enjoy a dip in the sea. Suitable for the whole family, the bathing pools are a core part of the island’s heritage with Guernsey locals bathing since 1865. The water in the four pools comes directly from the sea, rushing in at high tide. When the tide lowers, the pool walls retain the salt water to create a safe swimming environment. The pools have been visited by iconic figures central to Guernsey’s history including the Les Miserables author, Victor Hugo, and renowned renaissance painter Renoir. The pools are open 24/7 and free of charge.
The Little Chapel
Affectionately known as The Little Chapel, the most unique chapel on the island was inspired by the famous grotto in Lourdes. Its intricate design features tiny pebbles, broken china and colourful seashells to create a beautiful and enchanting facade that captivates visitors. The chapel can be found in the heart of St Andrew, a parish that many Guernsey tourists overlooked due to its landlocked location.
Lihou Island
Positioned off the coast of Guernsey, Lihou Island is a small tidal islet that can be accessed from Guernsey by causeway at low tide. As a wetland site and marine reserve, you can discover fascinating wildlife both on land and underwater. The Venus Pool is a popular spot, a natural rock pool, deep enough to jump into. The island also showcases some of the Channel Island’s rich history with priory ruins that were once built by Benedictine Monks. Make sure to check tide times before you cross.
Markets
Meet the locals and sample the island’s produce by visiting one of Guernsey’s markets. This is the best way to interact with Guernsey residents and truly soak up the vibe of island life. The Fresh Friday Market takes over the Market Square in St Peter Port with food and artisan markets also regularly popping up. Every Saturday morning, you can visit a farmers market at Sausmarez Manor and once a month, a sustainable market pops up in the grounds of Les Cotils Hotel.
