5 Cosy ways to enjoy your first winter in Guernsey
Whether you’ve just unpacked your boxes or are still finding your feet, winter is a wonderful time to start discovering what makes island life so special.
From scenic walks to warming up, here are five activities to help you feel at home and make the most of your first winter in Guernsey.
1. Enjoy a relaxing Guernsey staycation
Settling in doesn’t have to mean staying busy. Take time to unwind and explore your new surroundings with a local staycation. Guernsey offers a range of charming hotels, cosy cottages, and boutique B&B's - perfect for a peaceful winter break.
Top picks for a winter escape:
- Fermain Tower – a unique stay in an 18th century Loophole Tower
- Camp des Rêves Campsite – luxury glamping with panoramic sea views
- Renoir Cottage - Originally built as a magazine for the adjacent gun battery, it was converted into a tearoom during the late 19th century, frequented by Victor Hugo and his family. The cottage as it was then appears in the painting 'Fog on Guernsey' by Renoir
2. Discover Guernsey’s fascinating history
Guernsey’s rich heritage is a great way to connect with the island’s identity. Winter is the perfect time to explore local museums and historical sites - many of which are quieter this time of year.
Must-see historical spots:
- Follow in artists' steps - Guernsey has long been a source of inspiration for writers and artists, and showcases a rich and varied history
- Forts & Towers - Guernsey boasts a rich heritage and culture to discover, from neolithic structures and castles to fortifications from the Occupation
- German Occupation Museum - provides a unique insight into life in Guernsey during the occupation from 1940 to 1945
3. Sunday roast & a winter walk
One of the best ways to embrace island life is through its food and landscapes. Treat yourself to a cosy Sunday lunch followed by a refreshing walk through Guernsey’s scenic countryside or coastline.
Where to eat:
- Les Rocquettes Hotel – elegant and welcoming
- The Rockmount – great food with sea views over Cobo Bay
- The Deerhound – classic country pub
Where to walk:
- Saumarez Park – perfect for a gentle stroll
- L’Ancresse Common – wide open spaces and sea air
- Cliff paths from Icart to Petit Bot – dramatic and beautiful
4. Take a dip followed by a coastal sauna
Swimming in winter can be invigorating, but safety is key. Cold water significantly lowers body temperature, so it’s important to limit your time in the sea, enter gradually, and always swim with others. Wearing neoprene gloves, boots, and a hat can help reduce heat loss, and warming up immediately after is essential.
That’s where a coastal sauna in Guernsey adds the magic. After the bracing chill of the ocean, stepping into a warm, wood-scented sauna overlooking the waves is pure bliss. It’s the perfect way to restore circulation, relax muscles, and enjoy the unique contrast of sea and steam.
5. Try a new hobby
Winter is a great time to slow down and explore new interests. Whether you’re into arts, crafts, fitness, or photography, Guernsey has plenty of workshops and classes to help you connect with others and discover new passions.
- Guernsey Arts – for creative events and exhibitions
- Iris & Dora – for pottery, painting, and craft workshops
- The Guernsey Sports Directory - from football to cheerleading, padel to bowls there's plenty of clubs to join in Guernsey
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
