10 facts you didn't know about Guernsey
Tuesday 27 August 2024
The island of Guernsey, along with Jersey, are the two largest and most popular Channel Islands, especially with those who enjoy cruise holidays. With a width of less than 10km and an area of 62 km², the island is actually a lot smaller than people realise, but it is jam-packed with beautiful locations, fascinating history and captivating culture just waiting to be explored on your next port day.
We spoke to Ellie from The Wandering Quinn who spoke to us about the charm of the Channel Islands: “Despite the Channel Islands being small, they do take some time to drive around! Yes, you can quickly drive the perimeter of the islands in around half a day but, with windy roads, lots of villages to pass through and beautiful scenery, even if you visit the island for 2-3 days, it’s unlikely you will in fact drive the whole of the island, because each pocket of the islands has so much to see and distances can be longer than initially expected because of the small country lanes. I recommend focusing on specific areas of the islands rather than trying to see the ‘whole island’ on your trip!”
Read on to find out some interesting facts about Guernsey that you may not already know, including fairies, scuba diving and cows.
10 facts about Guernsey:
· Guernsey is home to the famous Guernsey Cow
· Spring arrives earlier in Guernsey
· People make wishes at The Fairy Ring
· Guernsey was the location of an underwater arrest
· The island has the largest tidal range in the world
· £1 notes are still used on the island
· Guernsey is closer to France than Britain
· The island was under German occupation during WWII
· The island has been featured in a plethora of films
· It is said that the island used to be home to fairies
Guernsey is home to the famous Guernsey Cow
Even for those who aren’t familiar with cows or farming, you’re bound to have heard of the famous Guernsey Cow. Although not as famous as their neighbours the Jersey Cow, they still stand proud with their reddish-brown coat and majestic stance. A wander around the island might offer a glimpse at this wonderful breed grazing on a local farm.
H2: Spring arrives earlier in Guernsey
Being close to the French coast, spring arrives in Guernsey 4 weeks earlier than on mainland Britain which means the island is transformed into a metropolis of flora and fauna earlier in the year. Springtime is a wonderful time to visit the island with a kaleidoscope of colours making it a real treat for the senses.
People make wishes at The Fairy Ring
Also known as The Table des Pions, The Fairy Ring, as it is known locally, is said to have connections to fairies, witches and elves. The site is said to be sacred, and any wish made here is said to come true. However, the foundations are the remains of the cavalcade known as the Chevauchée. The site can be visited on the south-western point of the island on Pleinmont headland and is the perfect resting point on a coastal walk.
READ MORE: Top tips for first-time solo cruisers
Guernsey was the location of an underwater arrest
Might sound like something off a far-reaching soap opera, but the first underwater arrest did happen off the coast of Guernsey. Mr Kempthorne-Leigh was arrested for illegally harvesting ormers, a popular type of shellfish from the area and was arrested by a scuba-diving police officer.
The island has the largest tidal range in the world
Guernsey has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world at 33ft. This is the difference between high and low tide, and it is often commonplace for coastal locations to have drastic tidal ranges and sea levels.
£1 notes are still used on the island
Guernsey, unlike the rest of Great Britian still sees the £1 coin in circulation alongside the traditional £1 coin, much like the one we have on the mainland. The £1 note has been popular on the island for many years and shops, cafes and restaurants still accept and exchange the note.
Guernsey is closer to France than Britain
Although Guernsey is part of Great Britain, it is closer to France than it is to the UK. It is located just 27 miles off the coast of France but 70 miles from the south coast of Great Britain.
The island was under German occupation during WWII
Guernsey played quite a large part in WWII as it was taken under German occupation on 30th June 1940 and wasn’t liberated until 9th May 1945. Fortifications were built across the island to help defend it from the allies, and these can still be seen to this day. They are a great way to learn about such an important part of the island’s history.
The island has been featured in a plethora of films
Guernsey is a popular filming location and has featured in a plethora of films including The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Sea Devils and The Story of Adele H.
It is said that the island used to be home to fairies
As referenced above, it is said that the island used to be home to fairies. According to locals, Guernsey was once invaded by fairies, amazed by the beauty of the local women.
If you’re looking to enjoy a cruise to the British Isles or Channel Islands, then hopefully this guide has given you an insight into some of the attractions and sites you can see on your port day and some great Guernsey facts. For more articles and guides like this, then make sure you check out the Ambassador cruise blog.
