If you’re having a holiday in Bournemouth, there’s no shortage of days out you can enjoy. Many of the destinations can be reached within half an hour, but if you’re feeling more ambitious, you could go further afield and experience a day out on the island of Guernsey. And Bournemouth family hotel Marsham Court is the perfect base for your holiday.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey
The second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is the centre of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which also includes Sark, Alderney and several small islands. Although not technically part of the UK, King Charles is its Head of State, and Westminster does have some limited authority over it.
The island has been inhabited for at least 8,000 years, and in the past thousand has alternated between being British, French and independent. The original language of Guernsey was a dialect of French called Guernésiais, but today almost everyone on the island speaks English.
Getting to Guernsey from Bournemouth
The easiest way to get to Guernsey from Bournemouth is to take the ferry from Poole, just a few miles from Marsham Court Hotel. While many people use the ferry for stays of several days, on certain days of the week during summer crossings are timed to allow day trips, with around six hours on the island.
You can take your car on the ferry, allowing you’re the freedom to get around the island, though if you choose not to Guernsey has a good bus service. You can also take your dog on the ship — which is great, because at Marsham Court we cater for families with well-behaved dogs.
If sea travel isn’t for you, you can travel to Southampton to fly. However, this is unlikely to be much quicker, and you obviously won’t be able to take either car or dog.
What To Do on Guernsey
The ferry will take you to St Peter Port, capital of the Bailiwick. A charming little town with cobbled streets, it offers attractions ancient and modern. There’s the museum at the 800-year-old Castle Cornet and Hauteville House, where novelist Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables, but also up-to-date shopping and restaurants.
Guernsey is most notable for its stunning coastline, and its beaches offer plenty of sea-bathing opportunities. These range from safe areas around St Peter Port to secluded coves that offer a wonderful wild bathing experience — or you could go diving in the clear seas.
Guernsey is a beautiful island, whether you’re on the coast or in the interior. You can best experience it by walking or cycling on its “Green Lanes” and visiting its lovely villages.
Marsham Court Hotel for Your Bournemouth Holiday
The choice of accommodation can make or break your holiday, but you’re in safe hands at Bournemouth family hotel Marsham Court. Within easy reach of the ferry at Poole, as well as anywhere else you might want to visit in or around Bournemouth, you’ll be assured of a welcome each time you return.
Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you get the best out of your holiday in Bournemouth and your day on Guernsey.
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