Happy TravellerWelcome to St. Peter Port, the charming capital of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. This picturesque town is one of the ten parishes on the island of Guernsey and is known for its steep narrow streets and steps on the overlooking slopes. With a population of just under 19,000, St. Peter Port is a small town that packs a big punch when it comes to history, culture, and natural beauty.
Geography:
St. Peter Port is situated on the east coast of Guernsey, overlooking Herm and tiny Jethou. The parish borders St. Sampson in the north, The Vale in the north-west, St. Andrew in the west, and St. Martin in the south. The town is surrounded by exceptional views of Normandy’s long Cotentin Peninsula and, to the south-east, Jersey. The Little Russel channel separates St. Peter Port from the Bréhon Tower, while the Big Russel separates it from Sark and surrounding islets such as Brecqhou.
Climate:
St. Peter Port has an oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters, making it a great destination to visit year-round.
Subdivisions:
Saint Peter Port is subdivided into four cantons: Canton 1 or North Canton, Canton 2 or Canton of the North-West, Canton 3 or Canton of the South-West, and Canton 4 or Canton of the South. The islands of Herm and Jethou belong to the parish but are not part of any canton. They belong to the Electoral district Saint Peter Port South.
Things to Do:
St. Peter Port offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. For sports enthusiasts, there’s Guernsey F.C., an English Isthmian League club, and the Guernsey Rugby Football Club, both of which play at Footes Lane. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Candie Gardens is an award-winning restored Victorian Garden that features statues of Victor Hugo and Queen Victoria. The Guernsey Museum at Candie and the Priaulx Library are both situated within the grounds of the garden. Cambridge Park is a recreational park that includes Churchill Avenue, a leafy tree-lined pedestrian Avenue named after Winston Churchill, and a skate park. Visitors can also take a stroll along the coast path, which leads to the very pretty Fermain Bay after a walk of about 20–25 minutes.
Notable People:
St. Peter Port has been home to many notable people throughout history, including Margaret Ann Neve, the oldest woman in the world until her death in 1903, Major General Sir Isaac Brock, hero of Upper Canada during the War of 1812, and French writer Victor Hugo, who was in exile in St-Peter Port from 1855 to 1870. Other notable people include footballer Matt Le Tissier, World indoors bowls champion Alison Merrien MBE, poet George Métivier, tennis player and Wimbledon Champion Heather Watson, and athlete Cameron Chalmers.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, St. Peter Port has something for everyone. With its charming streets, stunning views, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that this hidden gem is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.