Living in Guernsey

Community and local life in Guernsey are shaped by its small island geography and strong traditions. There is a prevailing sense of neighbourliness, with locals often participating in parish events, festivals, and fundraising activities. Regular markets in St Peter Port supply fresh produce, crafts, and local delicacies, fostering a communal atmosphere and supporting local businesses.

Guernsey’s calendar is punctuated by annual events such as the Liberation Day celebrations, the North Show & Battle of Flowers, and the traditional Viaer Marchi fair. Community centres and parish halls offer classes, exhibitions, and clubs for all ages, reflecting the island’s strong social fabric.

Outdoor life is central to the Guernsey lifestyle, with popular walking trails along cliffs, beaches at Vazon and Cobo, and cycling routes across the rural interior. The island’s manageable size and mild climate make it easy to immerse oneself in nature and community life all year round.

Guernsey is widely regarded as one of the safest places to live within the British Isles. Crime rates in Guernsey remain consistently low, with the most common incidents relating to minor antisocial behaviour or traffic offences. More serious crime is rare, and a strong policing presence ensures a secure atmosphere throughout the island.

The community benefits from dedicated ‘parish policing’, close links between residents and officers, and regular crime-prevention initiatives. Neighbourhood Watch schemes and community groups play a significant role in promoting awareness and vigilance. Regeneration areas, especially around St Peter Port, have received investment to further enhance safety and quality of life.

Guernsey’s sense of safety is a key reason families and retirees choose the island, and the community actively supports vulnerable residents and newcomers alike in integrating securely into local life.

Parking in Guernsey varies depending on the area. St Peter Port has a mixture of on-street parking and public car parks, many of which operate time limits rather than charging fees. Resident permits are available for certain central locations, while outlying areas typically offer easier access to free on-street parking.

Congestion is generally low outside of central St Peter Port, but narrow roads and increased summer visitors can cause occasional traffic delays. Guernsey uses a unique road network of lanes and main roads (Routes de Roque, Les Banques), with signage and systems designed for local flow rather than mainland style motorways.

Nearby connections:

• St Helier (Jersey) – via ferry
• Poole (Dorset) – by ferry (approx. 3 hours)
• Exeter – direct flights (approx. 45 minutes)
• Plymouth – not directly accessible by road, but ferry links arrive at UK ports for onward travel via A-roads and motorways

Guernsey boasts a thriving food scene, heavily influenced by fresh local seafood, both British and French cuisines, and traditional island produce. St Peter Port is the centre of dining, with restaurants such as The Hook (famous for sushi), Le Nautique (seafood), and La Perla (Italian) drawing food lovers from across the Channel Islands.

Popular pubs such as The Cock and Bull and The Ship & Crown offer real ales and characterful interiors. Seafront cafés serve up everything from Guernsey Gâche (fruit bread) to fresh crab sandwiches. The island is home to a variety of casual takeaways, fine dining establishments, and atmospheric hotel restaurants.

Nightlife is relatively relaxed, centred around waterfront bars, small live music venues, and hotel lounges rather than late-night clubs. That said, the social scene is vibrant during special island festivals, carnival weekends, and summer evenings when al fresco dining is the norm. The focus is on authenticity and local hospitality rather than bustling nightlife.

Guernsey’s schools are well-regarded, with several independent and state options focused on individual achievement and inclusive values. Access to nature is excellent, with multiple parks and safe beaches for children to explore, promoting an active outdoor lifestyle. Childcare is available, though limited spaces in some nurseries mean early application is advisable.

Safety is one of the island’s key attractions, with low crime levels and a culture of looking out for one another. Family activities range from beach picnics and sports to museums and festivals such as the Rocquaine Regatta. The island’s compact size and reliable transport mean children can attend schools and activities with minimal travel. Overall, Guernsey provides a secure, engaging, and nurturing environment for families.

Guernsey is a welcoming environment for pet owners, thanks to its many green spaces, cliff trails, and dog-friendly beaches. Popular walking spots include the Pembroke and Vazon Bay areas, as well as the wooded paths around St Saviour and St Martin parishes. Pet shops and veterinary practices are accessible throughout the island, offering services to support animal well-being.

Cafés and pubs increasingly accommodate dogs, and local regulations are supportive of responsible pet ownership. Housing varies from traditional cottages with gardens to newer developments, many of which are pet-friendly. The community’s attitude towards pets is generally positive, recognising the role animals play in local families’ lives and outdoor activities.

Guernsey’s island setting means that public transport is dominated by a comprehensive bus service, with regular routes connecting St Peter Port, the parishes, and coastal communities. Buses run frequently during peak commuter periods and cover most populated areas, making it convenient for residents without cars to navigate the island.

Direct ferry services operate from St Peter Port to the UK mainland (Poole, Portsmouth) and to neighbouring Channel Islands and France. Condor Ferries runs year-round services, making off-island travel accessible. Guernsey Airport, located near Forest parish, provides regular flights to major UK airports such as Gatwick, Southampton, Manchester, and Exeter.

Commute and travel times:

• St Helier, Jersey – approx. 1 hour by ferry
• Poole (Dorset) – approx. 3 hours by ferry
• Portsmouth – approx. 7 hours by ferry
• London Gatwick – approx. 1 hour flight
• Exeter – approx. 45 minutes flight

Although Guernsey is separate from Cornwall, links are maintained regularly through ferry and air services, supporting direct access to the southwest of England and beyond.

Primary Schools:
Guernsey’s primary education is provided by a network of state and independent schools. St Martin’s Primary School and Vauvert Primary School are among the most well-regarded, placing a strong emphasis on individual development and community engagement. La Houguette Primary School, located in the parish of St Peter, is another notable choice, praised for its inclusive ethos and modern facilities. Most state primary schools follow the Guernsey Curriculum, adapted from the English system.

Secondary Schools:
Among Guernsey’s leading secondary schools, the Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre is prominent, with a long-standing reputation for academic achievement and extra-curricular opportunities. Les Varendes High School, formed through educational reform, offers a comprehensive curriculum and access to technical training. La Mare de Carteret High School and St Sampson’s High School are also notable, with their own areas of specialism and community ties. Ofsted inspections do not apply as Guernsey’s schools are inspected under their own Education Department, but focus is placed on high teaching standards and pastoral care.

Colleges and Independent Schools:
Elizabeth College, an independent boys' school established in 1563, is renowned for academic excellence and historic architecture. Blanchelande College, a co-educational independent Catholic school, welcomes pupils from nursery through sixth form, consistently achieving strong examination results. Ladies’ College provides independent education for girls, with an emphasis on both academic success and personal development.

Universities:
Guernsey does not have its own university but offers strong pathways and support for students progressing to higher education in the UK, with many opting to attend universities in Cornwall, Exeter, or London. Local colleges provide vocational and A-level courses to prepare students for further study.