Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands which are a group of islands located in the English Channel between France and England. The islands also include Jersey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou and Brecqhou.
Travel to Guernsey
Guernsey has excellent links from both mainland Europe and the UK by plane and by ferry. Regular flights connect the island with London Stanstead, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Bournemouth, Southampton, Dinard and Geneva.
For those wishing to bring their own car, regular ferry links travel throughout the year between Guernsey and St. Malo, France, Portsmouth, Weymouth and Poole. There are also multiple flights between the other Channel Islands of Alderney and Jersey.
Heritage Gardens in Guernsey
There are several beautiful gardens on the island including Victor Hugo's Garden, Candie Gardens, and Castle Cornet Gardens which are all conveniently situated withing walking distance from the main town of St. Peter Port. Guernsey also has its own subtropical garden at Saumarez Manor in St. Martin's and Saumarez Park Gardens in the Castel parish.
Candie Gardens in St. Peter Port, Guernsey
Candie Gardens are located in the island's main town of St. Peter Port with a popular cafe serving excellent freshly prepared dishes and museum with various exhibitions held throughout the year. Entrance to these award winning gardens is free and includes a rare 19th Century flower garden with spectacular views across to the smaller islands of Herm and Sark.
Victor Hugo's Garden in St. Peter Port
Victor Hugo lived in Guernsey's main town when he was in exile from his native France. Both his former home and garden have been renovated by the City of Paris. Children receive free entry and adults are charged £5 to view the home, kitchen garden, fruit trees and United States of Europe Oak.
Guernsey Freesia Centre
Located in the north of the island, the Guernsey Freesia Flower Centre is open daily during the visitor season and admission is free. One may view the various stages of the freesia growing process, savour the lovely fragrance and there is also a gift shop with a range of freesia corms, flowers and presents to take home. There is a video available for visitors to the Flower Centre to watch which explores the history of the island's flower growing industry.
As highlighted above, for those with a keen interest in flowers and gardens, the island of Guernsey has many different gardens to visit including the local Flower Centre. Day-trips to visit the spectacular flora and fauna on the other islands of Herm, Alderney and Sark are also available.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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