We arrived in Guernsey on Aurigny airlines from Gatwick, UK. We had been traveling in the Netherlands prior to this and logistically, Guernsey is easier to get to from the UK than continental Europe. We took a cheap BA flight out of Rotterdam to London City Airport. Stayed the night in London for a show (Tina Turner Musical) incredible by the way! and then took the Thames Link railway out of St. Pancras to Gatwick for a late afternoon flight. It was very easy and well paced for our middle age walking styles. Aurigny have some jets and prop planes - an easy 40 minute flight from most UK airports. We arrived at the very small airport in Guernsey and took a taxi to our self-catering accommodation in St. Martin Parish. There are 10 parishes in Guernsey and St Martin is in the South East corner of the Island. It was a great choice for us and I think the most picturesque Parish of the Island. There are many styles of accommodation, but the self-catering cottages for a week are the way to go and reasonable priced split with a friend. There are very nice hotels on the island that you can pop in for a lunch/dinner and even use the pool if need be. Our cottage had two bedrooms which was perfect for those of us who tend to snore some. Getting a little of your own space for part of your trip is sometimes a good thing. We rented bikes for the week that were kindly dropped off at the cottage ready for us to use when we arrived. (very reasonably priced). We debated on renting a small car, but after chatting to the friendly taxi driver, we ended up using the excellent bus service all week. We purchased a Puffin Pass for £15.00 for the week and it lasted. Each bus ride is 60 pence - just scan you pass each time you get on the bus (scan twice for a second passenger) scan slowly at the machine by the driver, wait for the paper ticket to pop out, repeat and find a seat. It was very simple. I have so much to tell you all about Guernsey but I will pick the highlights!
The weather was perfect all week except the last day when it rained quite heavy off and on. If you choose to go to Guernsey, It is important to consider the weather. Most activities are outdoors so the summer months work best. We were there the second week of July before the schools in Europe break for the big summer holidays. The days were pleasant 70-80 degrees and nights a little chilly. Take a sweater and a rain coat. Guernsey does not get extreme weather, but it can be cool in the summer and that is what I was looking for. To escape the crazy heat from the American midwest! We walked to a friendly pub around the corner in the Village of St. Martin for an evening meal. Great food and friendly service which is what we found throughout the island. Guernsey by the way, its not English nor French. A nice combination of English and Norman French. Most roads are named in the Norman French. The British pound is used on the Island, but Guernsey has its own notes. (Even still has a pound note) but beware, Guernsey notes cannot be used in the UK. The ATM's will often give out a combination of British and Guernsey notes.
Day 2 - we figured out the bus schedule and took the 20 minute ride into St. Peter Port. We had booked an afternoon slot to Victor Hugo's house by email about a month before coming to the Island. You have to take the tour with a guide. Its an incredible glimpse into his mind. Very eccentric looking house inside and worth the walk up the very steep hill behind the town. We stoped for a bite to eat at one of the many fabulous restaurants in town while we people watched and gazed at all the amazing boats resting in the harbor. Guernsey is somewhat of a tax haven. Self-governed and not part of the UK. There are some cruise ships that dock in St. Peter Port but they tend to be smaller European cruise lines. Day 3 - we returned to St. Peter Port and waited at the Albert pier to take a pre-booked Guernsey Jeep ride. I cannot recommend this tour enough.