Channel Islands: Gardens of Guernsey and Sark12th Sep 2025
From:£1,895
Summary
The island of Guernsey, just 20 miles off the coast of France, flourishes in the warmth of summer and is home to some wonderful gardens. On our first day here we visit the Guernsey Millennium Tapestry which provides a colourful introduction to the island’s history, followed by Castle Cornet where a profusion of plants nestles within the ancient walls, a large town garden with good planting in St. Peter Port as well as a small private garden.
Further highlights on Guernsey include Saumarez Park and the Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum, the workshop of a local jewellers and Candie Gardens, a Victorian gem with sweeping views over St Peter Port.
We also offer the opportunity to sail to the neighbouring island of Sark, where we tour the wonderful garden of La Seigneurie and the wildflower meadows that are scattered across this tranquil, traffic-free island.
What to Expect
- An interesting range of private gardens in Guernsey
- 1000 years of history at the Millennium Tapestry
- The wonderful garden of La Seigneurie and wildflower meadows on Sark
- The Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick Airport THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY - ACTUAL TIMES WILL BE CONFIRMED CLOSER TO DEPARTURE | 08:30 | 15:40 |
| Guernsey Airport THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY - ACTUAL TIMES WILL BE CONFIRMED CLOSER TO DEPARTURE | 10:00 | 14:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from London on our direct flight to Guernsey (flights and connections from regional airports and/or are overnight accommodation at Gatwick available on request). On arrival we are met by our local guide who will escort us to our coach for the transfer the Guernsey Millennium Tapestry, a project that involved the whole community. It illustrates 1000 years of local history in ten panels of embroidered canvas work, each panel covering one century. The original aim of the project was to provide a lasting reminder of the Millennium celebrations, involve the whole community and encourage people to look more deeply into the Island’s history.
We continue to Castle Cornet, which guards the approaches to St Peter Port’s harbour. Contained within its walls is a profusion of plants both ancient and modern, most of them found in four period gardens from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Our last visit of the day is to Hauteville House, the home of Victor Hugo from 1856 to 1870 during his exile from France. The house was completely refurbished and decorated by Hugo himself and is a work of at in its own right. The house was also the birthplace of some of Victor’s most notable works including The Legend od the Ages, Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea. The gardens were immediately renovated as soon as Victor bought the house, he installed a pond with ‘Snake Fountain’ and a stone bench from where he could see the French coast. We can also see the ‘United States of Europe Oak’ which was planted in 1870, now more than 150 years old.
We end the day at our comfortable 3-star accommodation at La Barbarie Hotel in St Peter Port. The lovely rural location and award-winning restaurant make this one of Guernsey’s best hotels for relaxing short breaks.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Meals includedDinner
