Discover the UK & Ireland Coast

Castle Cornet is an island castle in Guernsey, also known as Cornet Rock or Castle Rock. A former tidal island which has been one of the harbour breakwaters of St Peter Port’s since 1859. The island is approximately two hectares in area (length 175 metres and width130 metres). The island also has a restaurant, and hosts outdoor theatre performances during the summer months. The castle has the following museums:The Story of Castle Cornet Maritime Museum 201 Squadron RAF Museum Royal Guernsey Militia Museum 

Shell beach is Herm’s most popular beach by far. A 5-600 metre stretch of beautiful (but quite coarse in places) sand running north to south. Usable at all states of tide but arguably it its most magnificent on a spring low tide when the sea seems to go out for miles and anchored boats are grounded on the seabed. The northern tip of Shell Beach is Alderney Point which is a fantastic spot to get away from the crowds on a hot sunny day when the tide is up. Watch the sea surface ripple through with tidal stream and listen to the sound of the waves lapping the beach. A beach side kiosk. Toilets are located half way to Belvoir – a 3 to 4 minute walk south. In the summer this is a well-used anchorage spot so beware of boats if swimming. Not all skippers are experienced so be prepared for occasional nautical bad manners.  

Fermain is mainly a smooth pebble beach until the tide drops right away, but despite its pebbly nature, it is very popular because it is an excellent sun-trap and offers views across to Sark. A short walk to the northern side up the cliff path will provide you with a great view looking back at the bay. Those with cars might want to try parking in Becquet Road to the north of the bay and walking down through the wooded area to the beach.

Mouisonniere Beach is an underrated sandy affair that runs the entire length of Herm’s north coast between Alderney Point and Oyster Rocks. This is the beach to go for almost total peace and quiet as many people do not make the effort to either cross the Common to get there or walk around the coastline. No facilities. Shell Beach is the closest food stop and a little further still for the toilets.

Fishermans beach is a west-facing sand and shingle beach that is located immediately north of Herm’s harbour. A popular beach to paddle and swim in the shallows, but be wary of visiting boats that often anchor close to shore.

Belvoir is a tiny and incredibly popular east facing sandy beach of probably no-more than 75 metres at its widest point in the indented coastline. The beach is steep so swimmer beware if you’re running into the sea. In the summer this is a well-used anchorage spot so beware of boats if swimming. A kiosk is situated just above the beach by the wooden access steps. Toilets are located half way to Shell Beach – a 3 to 4 minute walk north.

Bears beach is a west-facing sand and shingle beach that is located just off the entrance to the Common at Robert’s Cross. No facilities, the nearest toilets are back at the village by the harbour, opposite the cafe and pub.

Oyster beach is the short piece of sand at the far north-western end of Herm and it is ‘off the beaten track’ so does not receive many visitors. From a swimming perspective, extreme caution should be taken as the tidal current is very strong here.