This summer, the Islands of Guernsey will be home to an array of new activities, returning experiences and restaurant openings.
From family-friendly entertainment to cider tastings and even a horse and carriage experience on the island of Sark, there is a summer experience for every type of traveller.
HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
After dark at Castle Cornet
The gates of Castle Cornet will be open on Friday evenings for the annual KPMG Castle Nights’ event. One of the island’s most loved summer occasions, visitors can enter the castle grounds for live music, singing and plenty of entertainment.
The castle will be open from 6.00pm-9.00pm on 11 July, 18 July, 25 July and 1 August in 2025, and admission is free.
Follow in the footsteps of Victor Hugo
Launched by the Victor Hugo Centre, the Victor Hugo walking trails provide insight into Hugo’s time exiled in Guernsey and showcase the beautiful views that inspired his works.
Hugo was exiled in Guernsey for 15 years, where he famously wrote Les Misérables and The Toilers of the Sea. The two linked Victor Hugo Trails total eight kilometres in length, heading from St Peter Port seafront to Fermain Bay via La Vallette Bathing Pools.
Hugo’s favourite spots are marked by information boards with QR-linked audio files.
FOODIE FINDS
Dine at a new restaurant from award-winning chef
Guernsey has several new restaurants opening this summer, including Vraic from Nathan Davies, the Michelin-starred chef behind SY23 in Aberystwyth and former head chef at globally renowned Ynyshir in Wales.
Opening on the north coast in July, the restaurant is named after the Guernésiais word for seaweed – an ode to the exceptional fish, shellfish and diverse seaweed species found on the coastline.
A vibrant new culinary destination – Alba – has also opened its doors in Guernsey’s Market Square. Inspired by classic French, Spanish and Italian flavours, the small-plate menu also utilises fresh local ingredients and offers a cocktail bar that will transport visitors to 1920s Central America.
Additionally, the team behind Guernsey’s The Hook, will open Fukku on 11 July – a new Japanese experience that offers casual and affordable cuisine. The menu will feature flavour-packed options including ramen and poke bowls, tempura dishes and grilled seafood.
Join a seaweed foraging tour
On 26 July and 23 August, Seaweed Foraging Tours will be held by knowledgeable guides at Port Soif Beach. Visitors can learn about the fascinating history of Guernsey’s seaweed and how it is used in cosmetics, farming, cooking and fashion.
The hands-on experience will have visitors tasting fresh seaweed straight from the beach and trying a local seaweed moisturiser. The hour-and-a-half tours are designed for small groups and are priced at £25 per adult, with children under 15 joining for free.
HOTEL HAPPENINGS
Gin tasting, cider tours and carriage rides with The Old Government House Hotel
The Old Government House Hotel, Guernsey’s only five-star hotel, is offering a range of ‘Extraordinary Experiences’ to its guests this summer, including gin tastings, cocktail masterclasses and a sunset experience with fizz and chips at Cobo Bay.
Through the hotel, guests can also book a Rocquette Cider Tour, visiting the Meller family farm in Fauxquets Valley to discover how the local cider was born. The 90-minute guided tour of the orchards will conclude with a cider tasting paired with local cheeses and apple chutneys.
Guests are also able to book a horse and carriage experience on the island of Sark, which is just 50 minutes by boat from Guernsey. With no cars on the island, a horse-drawn carriage is the best way to discover its unspoilt landscapes and famous La Coupee bridge to Little Sark.
Guernsey’s first hot stone dining experience at Fermain Valley Hotel
Fermain Valley Hotel is now offering Guernsey’s very first volcanic hot stone dining experience at The Rock Garden.
‘Sizzle & Stone’ is an interactive dining experience where steak, island seafood and vegetarian dishes are cooked at your table using sizzling stones. From July to September, the experience is available on Wednesdays to Sundays from 5.00pm to 9.30pm.
MUSIC MADNESS
Balcony Gigs at Cobo Bay Hotel
Throughout summer, Cobo Bay Hotel will see a selection of tribute bands and acts performing the hits of Oasis, ACDC and Dolly Parton in its summer gigs series.
Visitors can purchase a lunch and gig ticket for £55 per person, which includes a carvery buffet and a guaranteed table for the whole afternoon. Overnight guests in the Standard and Superior rooms can also gain exclusive event rates. The gigs are taking place on 13 July, 3 August and 24 August 2025.
Summer at St James
St James is also hosting a live music series this summer, featuring a collection of genre-spanning gigs, from tribute acts including Ella Fitzgerald and Bob Marley to a unique jazz group, a funk and hip-hop DJ duo and a rock and soul band.
The series includes an Afro Fusion Weekender on the 1 to 2 August with authentic African food. The other gigs are catered by the Himalayan Kitchen, offering a feast of traditional BBQ and Nepalese specialities. The gigs are ticketed and available to purchase on St James’ website.
For more information on visiting the Islands of Guernsey, please visit www.visitguernsey.com.
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