The beautiful island of Guernsey is a dream destination for travellers, offering charming cobblestone streets, wonderful shops, al fresco dining, a mild climate, cliff paths for walking and more. For those who enjoy the history of a destination, the island offers a unique and interesting one that will have you digging for more. Read on for a comprehensive guide to Guernsey museums.
The Guernsey Museum
The Guernsey Museum is located in the beautiful Victorian Candie Gardens. A popular tourist attraction, it offers a great range of art housed in various galleries, including the Rona Cole Art Gallery, a permanent display of works; and The Greenhouse, which showcases pieces of contemporary art. The on-site Café Victoria offers refreshments, from light meals to simple snacks. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm daily; hours are extended until 5pm after March 29th. Entry costs £6.00 for adults, £4.50 for seniors, £1.50 for students and children 7 and older (younger children get in free) and £13.00 for families.
La Vallette Underground Military Museum
Located in a German-built tunnel complex, the La Vallette Underground Military Museum is the ideal destination for history buffs. This museum showcases genuine artifacts detailing Guernsey's military history, including its involvement in World Wars I, II, and the German occupation. Books are available for purchase. It is open March through November, from 10am to 5pm. Entry costs £6.00 for adults, £4.50 for seniors and £3.50 for students.
German Occupation Museum
Located on Les Houards in Forest, the German Occupation Museum is the work of Richard Heaume, who began collecting historical artefacts as a child. This attraction displays his extensive collection of documents and items from between June 1940 and May 1945, when Guernsey was occupied by Germany, many of which are very rare. Items on display include a Renault FT-17 Tank Turret, and Anti-Tank Gun and a Communication Limber. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm, April through October, and Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am to 1pm, November through March. Entry costs £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children.
Castle Cornet's Museums
Guernsey's Castle Cornet, a top island attraction, is an impressive ancient royal fortress that stands overlooking St Peter Port. It is home to an incredible 5 museums: the Story of Castle Cornet Museum, The 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum, the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum and the Maritime Museum. Each is well worth visiting and home to a range of interesting artefacts, displays, collections and information. Castle Cornet is open from 10am to 5pm daily, beginning March 28th. Entry costs £10.00 for adults, £8.00 for seniors and £2.50 for students and children over 7. Children under 7 are free and late day admission (after 4pm) costs £1.00.
The National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum
The National Trust's Folk and Costume Museum is located in Guernsey's Saumarez Park. A flagship destination on the island, it offers fascinating insight into the daily lives of islanders over the past 250 years, at home, at school and working. Visitors will enjoy exhibitions from the museum's acclaimed costume collection, which includes 8,000 pieces, as well as a display of a traditional farmhouse kitchen and more. There is a (gift?) shop on site. Entry costs £5.00 for adults, £4.00 for concessions, £1.50 for students and free for members. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm in March, April, September and October, and from 10am to 530pm May through August.
Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum
As unique as the name suggests, the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum can be found within a Martello Tower built on a small islet in Guernsey's Rocquaine Bay. Referred to by locals as the “cup and saucer,” it offers a fantastic view of the water. The museum itself offers an in-depth look at the island's West Coast and the many who lost their lives in shipwrecks via a wide range of artefacts, documents, information, displays and prints. The Fort is also home to a quant gift shop. It is closed in the winter.
