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 Guernsey - St Peter Port

112 kms from the south cost of Britain but only 40kms from the Normandy coast of France Guernsey is conveniently positioned on the southern side of the English Channel and therefore is ideal in its location as a positioning port for cruise liner calls.
St Peter Port, the delightful pocket sized capital of Guernsey is served by one of the most picturesque harbours in Europe. Guernsey visitors, who arrive by sea, often remark on the beautiful panoramic views, which include Guernsey’s sister islands of Herm and Sark. Set on a hillside above the port is a vibrant mix of hustle and bustle with a distinctly continental atmosphere.
Whilst only 40 square kms in size, Guernsey offers stunning scenery, historic buildings, fascinating museums, 480 kms of country lanes, and some of the best beaches in Europe. All of these different ingredients, combined with the friendliness of the people, come together to create the unique atmosphere that makes Guernsey the island of choice.
The moment our cruise line visitors step ashore they are given a warm welcome by a Visit Guernsey representative and handed a Guernsey booklet that gives passengers a “Taste of Island Life”.

:: St Peter Port Town

The shops and attractions of St Peter port are only five minutes walk from the harbour. Many passengers landing in Guernsey choose to explore the pretty cobbled shopping streets decked with Georgian buildings, rising up behind the harbour.  Other liner visitors view one or more of the attractions within walking distance of the landing area.   Guernsey’s most historic figure Victor Hugo, the man who wrote Les Miserables, was exiled in Guernsey between 1855 and 1870.  During this time, he lived in St Peter Port at Hauteville House, which remains a firm favourite with the visitors.  Other key attractions in St Peter Port include the 13th Century castle Cornet with three fascinating museums the award-winning Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery positioned on an elevated site in the magnificently restored Candie Gardens and the Guernsey Tapestry located nearby. Others will opt for an organised walking tour of town to discover its rich history dating back centuries.

:: Out of town

Alternatively, passengers meet their coaches to embark on shore excursions.  Itineraries are tailored to meet agent requirements.  Some that prove the most popular include the Island tour, floral and garden tours, guided cliff walks and Occupation of Guernsey (during World War II by Nazi Germany) themed tours. A forty five minute ferry ride to the east of Guernsey is Sark with its semi-feudal constitution, dramatic cliffs and sandy lanes that lure visitors into another-more peaceful- age. Tiny Herm a mere 20 minutes by ferry is only a mile long and half as wide.   It offers golden beaches, two shops, a church, a pub and a hotel.

:: Shopping

Shopping in St Peter Port is an unmissable experience. Electronic and photographic equipment, jewellery and perfume are all good, low duty buys, along with wines, spirits and tobacco and of course the famous Guernsey jumper and Guernsey fudge and toffee. Small boutiques offer exclusive clothes, shoes and leather goods, whilst the Old Quarter is the place to find antiques. But take time to just look around you. After all, this is the Channel Islands’ most beautiful town.

:: Tourist Profile

In 2005 164000 visitors set foot on Guernsey shores.  84% of land based visitors originated from mainland UK with other key markets being France, Germany, the Netherlands and then visitors from the rest of the world. In 2006 Guernsey hosted 79 cruise liner calls. 75% of passengers calling at Guernsey will be of British origin.  The remaining 25% will primarily be from continental Europe and America.  Guernsey is very much looking forward to the 2007 and cruise liner season in 2007 and working to ensure that it is a resounding success.

:: Port Overview

Guernsey’s facilities for visiting yachtsmen are of a very high standard.  The Islands hosts over 12,000 craft each year, coming from the UK, France, Holland, Germany and even from across the Atlantic.   Guernsey has successfully built its cruise line business to achieve over sixty cruise ship calls each year.  The ground handling operations, visitor information bureau and port authority are all committed to the cruise liner business and have built up a wealth of experience and respect for the industry over the years.

Creation date : 02/04/2006 - 11:50
Last update : 20/10/2006 - 09:51
Category : Guernsey
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