You don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to experience Jersey’s rich and multi-layered past. It's unique history has been moulded over time by Ice Age visitors, occupying forces, a mix of languages and local traditions. You can experience major historical sites dating back thousands of years, which are now open to the visiting public. From World War II bunkers to ancient burial grounds, farm houses, castles and caves. Here's just a few places where you can delve into the island's colourful past.
The Little Chapel
The Little Chapel was a work of art and labour of love built by Brother Déeodatm who wanted to create a miniature version of Lourdes in France. Decorated in pebbles and broken china, the Chapel remains a highly popular tourist destination to this day, and its striking décor and charm is always a real talking point.
La Valette Underground Military Museum
This museum covers Guernsey's military history, including World War One and the German Occupation of the island from 1940-1945, as well as the island's own militia. Set in a complex of air-conditioned tunnels that were built by German forces as a fuel storage for their U-Boats.
Hauteville House
The French writer, Victor Hugo, spent 15 years in exile in Guernsey during the 19th century and his St Peter Port house is well worth a visit. The gardens have also been faithfully renovated and include a kitchen garden, fruit trees and Hugo’s United States of Europe Oak.
Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet is Guernsey’s ancient harbour fortress which has guarded the harbour for 800 years. There are children’s trails, garden tours and noonday gun which is fired daily throughout the season. There is four museums housed within the castle and plenty to explore in the grounds. A must-see at midday is the Noonday Gun being fired by gunners in 19th century costume.
St James Concert Hall
This bustling cultural centre is a former church and plays host to a dazzling array of events ranging from live music to club nights, classical performances, community-based events and visual art exhibitions.
Fort Grey & Shipwreck Museum
Known locally as the 'cup and saucer' Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend the west coast. It now house a Shipwreck Museum telling the plight of the many vessels that have come to grief on this beautiful, but treacherous, coast.
Victoria Tower
Climb the stairs to the highest point in St Peter Port at Victoria Tower and you are rewarded with panoramic views across the west, north and east coasts of Guernsey.
Saumarez Nature Trail
Enjoy some beautiful scenery near to Guernsey’s west coast as you follow this nature trail from Cobo Bay to Saumarez Park, the island’s biggest park, which has plenty to see including the National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum and the Victorian Walled Garden and Guided Walks.
German Military Underground Hospital
The underground hospital was carved out of solid rock by slave workers who had been captured by German forces during the occupation of the island in World War Two. The hospital is the largest construction in the Channel Islands at 7,000 square metres.