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Guernsey Attractions in, Guernsey
Guernsey attractions, local Guernsey attractions, Channel Isles England
The building of Castle Cornet as a defence fortress happened around the 13th century on a large expanse of rock detached then from the mainland but which has since had a walkway and bridge built out to it to make it more easily accessible to today’s visitors. The Castle is both a popular attraction in its own right and due to the fact that it houses a number of the island’s best museums.
During the time of his exile from France the French writer and poet Victor Hugo, spent most of his time living in Guernsey at Hauteville House. Today the house is preserved to show exactly how the house looked in his day complete with most of its ornate decoration and treasures. There is also a Victor Hugo Trail around Guernsey highlighting his favourite areas.
Fort Grey, known locally as the cup and saucer, is a striking 19th century Martello Tower that proudly stands in Rocquaine Bay to the far west of Guernsey. It was built here on the rocky coast to guard against invasion from the French but now houses a shipwreck museum, which is very fitting, as many a boat has perished on the treacherous granite reefs around this area.
Situated in the picturesque Candied Gardens that started life as a 19th century pleasure garden, the Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery is also known as the Candie Museum. The high setting of the gardens give beautiful views of the surrounding area and are well worth a visit in their own right. The museum is also a source of great interest with its exhibits detailing the island’s history as well as housing a permanent well-respected art exhibition.
The island’s Bird Gardens are another of Guernsey main tourist attractions. The gardens feature a huge collection of various breeds of parrot and have aviaries filled with exotic birds from penguins to vultures. There’s also an adventure playground to keep the kids entertained and a café and restaurant area to provide refreshments.
