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  • Archaeological Sites

Archaeological Sites

Dehus Dolmen Carving

There are many sites of archaeological interest on the island, from single standing stones to complex passage graves and multi-phase sites. Each has its own unique and fascinating story to tell of the past inhabitants of Guernsey.

The sites listed here are some of the best preserved and most interesting. All are accessible to the public on a daily basis, free of charge.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the links to find out more information about the sites.

Albecq Medieval Settlement

Remains of a small medieval settlement, excavated in 1995. The site was occupied in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. 18 silver coins were found during the excavations. It is believed that they were buried around 1375. View site information sign...

Address: Albecq, Castel. View map...  
Accessible via coastal footpath.
Perry's Guide: 14B1
Parking: Public car parks at northern end of Vazon Bay and Hommet headland.
Bus Routes: 42, 91, 111

Castel Menhir

A standing stone shaped into a female figure. Its original position is unknown as it was discovered under the chancel steps of the Castel church in 1878. It is believed to date from the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age c.2500-1800BC. View site information sign...

Address: Castel Church, Rue du Presbytere, Castel. View map...
Perry's Guide: 15H4
Parking: Car park at Castel Church.
Bus Routes: 61

Déhus Dolmen

Prehistoric passage grave approximately 10 metres in length. One of the capstones has a remarkable carving featuring a bearded face, arms and hands, what appears to be a strung bow and a series of symbolic designs. Large quantities of finds dating from 3500-2000BC have been found at the site. View site information sign...

Address: Le Dehus Lane, Vale. View map...
Perry's Guide: 7H4
Parking: There is no dedicated parking but there are public car parks a short distance away at the end of La Mielette Lane or Petils Lane.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Delancey Dolmen

Delancey Dolmen consists of the remains of a collapsed megalithic structure. A row of massive granite slabs suggests some form of elongated chamber. No stone remains upright, and, with the possible exception of a large slab at the east end, there are no capstones remaining. It is believed that other stones may still be buried in the hill-side.

Address: Delancey Park, Mont Morin, St Sampson. View map...
Perry's Guide: 11E4
Parking: Delancey Park car park accessible from Mont Morin.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Hougue es Vanneux

The hougue itself is a rocky hillock on L'Ancresse Common. A 'stone grave' was found on its east side however it now appears to have been lost.

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale.
Perry's Guide: 6D3
Parking: Public car park at L'Ancresse beach.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

La Gran'mère du Chimquière

A standing stone shaped into a female figure. It was probably carved in two phases with the later decoration including a face in a frame of curled hair. The original position of the stone is unknown. At one time it stood within the church grounds but was later moved outside the gates. It is believed to date from the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age c.2500-1800BC. View site information sign...

Address: St Martins Church, La Bellieuse, St Martin. View map...
Perry's Guide: 30D1
Parking: Limited parking outside the church. Public car park off La Grade Rue.
Bus Routes: 11, 81, 91

La Platte Mare

This is a cist-in-circle - a small megalithic chamber is enclosed within a small circular mound. It is 5 metres in diameter and with a kerb of large slabs and boulders. An exceptional feature is a row of 12 curved cup shaped marks on one of the stones. View site information sign...

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale.
Accessible via footpath signposted for Les Fouaillages from Les Ammarreurs Road.
Perry's Guide: 6B3
Parking: Public car park at Les Ammarreurs / Ladies Bay.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

La Varde

This prehistoric passage grave is the largest and most impressive surviving megalithic structure on the island. It was built during the Neolithic period (c.4000-2500BC) and was in use until the last Bronze Age (c.1000BC). The site was discovered in 1811 when human skulls and bones were unearthed.

There are stunning views from the site over L'Ancresse Bay and the Common. View site information sign...

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale. View map...
Accessible via signposted footpath from La Jaonneuse Road.
Perry's Guide: 6B2
Parking: Public car park at L'Ancresse Beach.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Le Creux ès Faïes

This prehistoric passage grave is 9 metres long with a narrow entrance expanding into a round ended chamber. The tomb was built during the Neolithic period (c.4000 to 2500BC) and was in use until the late Bronze Age (c.1000BC). Burials or cremations were deposited within the chamber together with grave goods such as pottery and tools. View site information sign...

Address: Rue du Braye, St Pierre du Bois. View map...
Perry's Guide: 12B5
Parking: Parking at L'Eree headland.
Bus Routes: 91, 111

Le Rocque Qui Sonne

This prehistoric passage grave, originally perhaps the largest and finest in Guernsey, now survives only as two upright slabs and a displaced capstone. View site information sign...

Address: Vale Primary School, Belval Road, Vale. View map...
It is advisable to obtain permission from the school if you wish to access the site during school hours.
Perry's Guide: 11F1
Parking: Parking at Vale Primary School.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Le Trépied

This prehistoric passage grave was built during the Neolithic period (c.4000 - 2500BC) and was in use until the Late Bronze Age c.1000BC. Successive burials or cremations were deposited within the chamber together with grave goods which include pottery, flint and stone tools. Later the tomb was notorious as a meeting place for Guernsey witches. View site information sign...

Address: La Croix Martin, St Saviours. View map...
Accessible via signposted footpath from La Croix Martin.
Perry's Guide: 12D4
Parking: Public car park at Le Catioroc.
Bus Routes: 91, 111

Les Fouillages

The first structures of this complex burial monument were built about 6500 years ago. It is one of the earliest monuments in Europe. The site was excavated between 1979 and 1981. Over 35,000 finds were made during the excavations. Material from the site is on display at Guernsey Museum. View site information sign...

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale. View map...
Accessible via signposted footpath from Les Ammarreurs Road.
Perry's Guide: 6B3
Parking: Public car park at Les Ammarreurs / Ladies Bay.
Bus Routes: 91, 111

Mare-ès-Mauves

This Neolithic burial chamber lies on the edge of the 13th hole of the L'Ancresse golf course.

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale.
Perry's Guide: 6C3
Parking: Public car park at L'Ancresse Beach.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Sandy Hook Dolmen

This cist-in-circle was discovered in 1912. Although no human remains were found a large amount of pottery was found which suggests a late Neolithic date (c.2500 - 1800BC).

Address: Sandy Hook Estate, Vale.
Perry's Guide: 10A1
Parking: Parking possible on the Sandy Hook Estate.
Please do not block private residences.
Bus Routes: 21, 31

Sandy Lane Dolmen

This is a single chamber grave consisting of three upright stones and a large capstone. It was excavated in 1872 by Francis Du Bois Lukis.

Address: Sandy Lane, Vale
Access is kindly granted by the property owners. Please respect their privacy.
Perry's Guide: 10A1
Parking: Public car park at Le Picquerel.
Bus Routes: 21, 31