Castles

Three standing castles can seen in Guernsey today.

Castle Cornet

It is believed that the construction of Castle Cornet began in 1206 shortly after King John lost Normandy - but not the Channel Islands - to the French Crown. Since this time, Guernsey has been of strategic importance during centuries of European conflict and Castle Cornet has stood guard over St Peter Port, defending the island against the threat of invasion.

Throughout its history, the castle has developed and expanded as military needs have evolved resulting in a fascinating but complex mix of medieval, Tudor, 18^th century and German elements that combine to make up the castle as it stands today. No longer serving a military role Castle Cornet is one of Guernsey's premier tourist attractions.

Address: Accessible via the footbridge from the Castle Pier, St Peter Port. View map...
Perry's Guide: 25H1
Parking: Public parking on the Castle Emplacement and South Esplanade.
Bus Routes: Terminus

Entrance charge applies; for more information about visiting Castle Cornet view our Castle Cornet page.

Chateau Des Marais

The Chateau des Marais was first built in the early 13^th century, but was later abandoned. In the late 18^th century it was refortified and the magazine built. During the Second World War it was utilised by the Germans who built a bunker within the inner walls.

Bug Trail

The Guernsey Arts Commission (GAC) have worked with children who live near the Chateau and artist Hugh Rose to explore this natural habitat. A set of insect illustrations was produced so that a trail could be created around the Chateau. Each icon can be scanned using the Gamar app which will give the user information about the insect at that point. Sound files of the children reading information about the insects, are also included in the app.

The app can be found via the Gamar website - http://gamar.com/.
The trail can then be downloaded through the app.

Don't worry if you are not using the app - the bug trail can still be enjoyed by exploring and finding the numbered icons on site.

A plan of the site and the trail can be found below.

Address: Ivy Castle Lane, St Peter Port. View map...
Accessible via footpaths from Ivy Castle Lane or Victoria Avenue.
Perry's Guide: 17G1
Parking: Dedicated parking accessible via Sir John Leale Avenue, off Victoria Avenue.
Bus Routes: 11, 21, 51, 91

Vale Castle

Archaeological evidence has shown that a defence earthwork stood on this site in the early Iron Age. It is thought however that the earliest parts of the stone built castle that we see today date to the 15^th century. In the 18^th century several barrack blocks were built within the castle walls but were later demolished. During the Second World War the German occupying forces fortified the castle and the surrounding area, remains of which can be seen today. View site information sign...

Address: Castle Road, Vale. View map...
Perry's Guide: 11G2
Parking: Public car parks at Bordeaux or off Castle Road.
Bus Routes: 11, 91