As the warm spring weather arrives in the island, it’s the perfect time for families to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. April and May offer a vibrant tapestry of experiences, from coastal adventures to inland explorations, catering to families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Flowers and fauna
Spring arrives four weeks earlier in Guernsey than mainland Britain, meaning we’re lucky enough to enjoy some unique and beautiful flora. The island will be decorated with colourful wildflowers and vibrant daffodils – a beautiful backdrop for family photos too. A stroll through Bluebell Woods has always been a firm favourite in the IslandFamilies household – my little ones always love spotting the fairy doors tucked into the trees along the way.
Candie Gardens is yet another great spot for flowers. The Victorian-era garden boasts a diverse collection of plants and flowers, and open spaces for youngster to play. It’s also home to Guernsey Museum, where you can delve into the island’s cultural and natural history while children explore the hands-on Discovery Room.
Coastal walks and cliff paths
Guernsey’s coastline is adorned with scenic cliff paths that offer up breathtaking views that will be drenched in colourful wildflowers come spring. The stretch between Petit Bot and Moulin Huet is particularly enchanting, with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and abundant wildlife. It’s quite long for small explorers though, so why not start at Saints Bay and make your way across to Moulin Huet where the Renoir Tea Garden awaits? Youngsters will enjoy some natural rock climbing down on Moulin Huet, the kind of hands-on adventure that keeps them entertained for hours.
Cliff Path trails are generally suitable for families, with varying lengths to accommodate different preference, and La Société Guernsey has free spotter sheets to download; First Signs of Spring and Spring Flowers. Perfect to keep children engaged with nature as they go.
Spring Walking Festival
If you’re keen on guided exploration, the Spring Walking Festival is a great option. Running from 24 May to 8 June, it offers a variety of walked led by accredited guides from the Bailiwick. Delve into the island’s rich history, diverse flora and hidden gems with over 50 different walks to choose from, each one thoughtfully rated from easy ambles to more challenging hikes, ensuring there’s something for everyone – parents can make an informed decision on their child’s abilities too.
Island hopping to Herm
Herm Island is just a short ferry ride from Guernsey – a car-free haven for children, renowned for its unspoiled beaches and tranquil environment. Spring is a fabulous time for walking, bird watching and sandcastle building. Shell Beach is perfect for families to relax and search for treasures too. Pick up a quiz sheet from the Herm Gift Shop and enjoy the Specsavers Nature Trail. Completed sheets can collect a certificate and answer sheet too!
Wildlife and Nature Reserves
Guernsey’s commitment to preserving its natural habitats is evident in its well-maintained nature reserves. Take the kids to the Claire Mare Nature Reserve for a chance to observe migratory species in their natural wetland habitat. Families can explore the reserve’s trails, learning about the island’s ecology and the importance of conservation efforts, but please always teach youngsters the proper behaviour around such wildlife.
Lihou Island
If you’re after some Enid Blyton-style adventures, pack a picnic cand head across to Lihou Island. There’s something undeniably exciting about timing your visit around the tides and crossing the causeway. Little ones feeling like they’re on a secret expedition exploring tidal pools, spotting marine life, and enjoying the serenity of its isolated environment. Please do consult causeway opening times when planning your visit, but the experience of crossing and exploring its natural beauty is well worth the effort and something little ones can’t experience elsewhere.
Family-friendly beaches
It’s fair to say Guernsey boasts a lot of beaches perfect for family outings – sandcastle building, sea glass searching, rock pooling explorations and shell collecting are just some of the free things to keep little ones busy. Vazon Bay, with its expansive sands and gentle surf, is ideal for children to play and for families to enjoy, whilst hopping around the groynes at high tide provides endless entertainment. The bay is also popular for activities like surfing and paddleboarding, with equipment rentals available for those eager to try something new.
Ruettes Tranquilles
While Guernsey does have a reliable bus network, renting bikes can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore at your own pace. The island’s network of Ruette Tranquilles (or ‘quiet lanes’) provide a peaceful way to explore the countryside. With a speed limit of 15mph, they’re safe for families with children looking to enjoy a glimpse of Guernsey’s rural landscape, charming cottages and blooming spring flowers. Why not pack a picnic and do some geocaching along the way?
Animal antics
Spring brings new life to the Bailiwick; lambs and calves will pop up in fields across the island, and Golden Guernsey Goats Farm will welcome its kids too. Keep an eye on their facebook page and sometimes there’s an opportunity to bottle feed the baby goats.
From the middle of March, puffins head to the island to breed and can be spotted off the north coast of Herm If you’re lucky. Island Rib Voyages provides a chance to get up close to the coast taking in the nearby colonies of puffins, with a good chance of spotting dolphins. Kids can go from age three which means it’s a fabulous family activity!
Guernsey has a wealth of nature-based activities that cater to all ages. Whether you’re wandering along cliffside paths, participating in guided festivals, or simply relaxing on a secluded beach, the island’s natural charm provides a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a chance for children to spend time in nature’s playground.
This article was originally written for publication in issue 40 of Aurigny’s En Voyage magazine. You can view the full issue here.
All information in this article was correct at the time of print – April 2025