Find the nearest Beaches in Guernsey

Pembroke Bay is a large sandy beach with central rocky outcrops that divides it into two locally recognised beaches – Pembroke and L’Ancresse. It’s gentle sloping nature makes it popular for swimmers, kayakers and kite boarders. Occasionally, some boats will drop anchor in the summer sun. The Pembroke end has a narrow strip of pebble beach up against the sea wall and also around the central portion of the bay. Small forts can be found at either headland of Pembroke Bay. L’Ancresse golf course’s 15th and 16th holes run alongside the bay. A few minutes walk to the north west of Pembroke is Jaonneuse Bay which is a small sandy beach as a high tide alternative. There a couple of small parks right next to it. Five minuntes from Pembroke car park, up and across the golf course’s 17th hole, the Millennium Stone monument can be found which commands a beautiful panoramic vista across L’Ancresse common. There are toilets and car parks at both ends of the bay. At the Pembroke/western end, there is the recently refurbished and fully licensed Beach House cafe and kiosk which offers everything you should need at a beach. At the eastern end you will find a more traditional kiosk that serves up the usual things and you can deckchairs etc. Buses stop a short walk from the access slipway.

Grandes Rocques has something for everyone. It is a sandy expanse with rocky outcrops that contain many rock pools when the tide is down which are routinely explored by people of all ages. Despite being open to the prevailing south-westerlies, the offshore rock formations help ensure that the beach is great for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. A reasonable sized car park area can be found just off the coast road and also towards the headland which leads to Grandes Rocques Battery. A busy kiosk caters for all essentials and also offers deckchair and windbreak hire. Buses drop off in the car park here.

La Grande Grève beach is the largest and one of the most popular beaches on Sark. This west facing beach is one of the few sandy beaches on Sark and access is via a climb down the 100-metre cliff via the path and stairway.

Lying just south of Fort Grey (also known as the Cup and Saucer) is Rocquaine Bay which offers a lot of sand near the sea wall, gradually changing to rock as you move further away. Rocquaine is deceptively sheltered from the typical prevailing winds and surprisingly often overlooked as a good choice of beach. There is limited parking available along the coast road. The nearest toilets are located at the Portelet beach kiosk which is 2-3 minutes walk west.

Ladies’ Bay is a medium sized sandy beach running north-south on Guernsey’s north-western coast. It is the main beach within Grand Havre Bay which is nearly a mile deep from the headland to the inner-most beach near the Vale Church. This beach is popular at all states of tide and can be access from both the northern and southern slipways. Ladies’ Bay is probably the island’s most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing location and summer schools can be found here. At the northern (Chouet) end there is a kiosk and toilets. A tea-room can also be found at the top end of the car park. At the southern end there is a ice-cream and snack cabin parked during the busy summer period. Close-by are toilets and a playground for under 14s. The playground separates two car parks.

Petit Bot can be found via a winding lane that drops down from the main road about 200 metres east of the airport entrance (opposite the Forest Stores). Set in between the cliffs, Petit Bot is hugely popular as it is one of the few south facing beaches and possesses a large sandy area to enjoy when the tide is out. Backed by woodland and high cliffs that provide some good shelter from any offshore winds. Toilets are available at the cafe which was a former water mill. Car parking can be found at the side of the road that surrounds the cafe and very often on a hot day you will find people parking their cars in a line that stretches a couple hundred of metres up the eastern side of the valley.

Vazon beach is Guernsey’s premier beach location is divided into two distinct sections by a rocky area that helps provide a surfing break. Vazon’s northern end is a large, gentle sandy sweep enjoyed by swimmers, surfers, windsurfers, kite surfers and those who just wish to paddle their feet in the shallows. Approximately 2/3rds along the coast road (heading south) is Richmond kiosk which is an alternative and busy spot to stop. To the west the beach becomes more coarse and grainy, but otherwise the sand is as good as the more popular northern end. The main Vazon area has a choice of two bistros – Vistas and Crabby Jacks. Public toilets are on the the coast side next to Vistas. Car parks can be found all along the coast road. A 5 minute walk inland or 1 minute drive will take you to a small Co-op store. As you drive south you pass La Grande Mare golf course and hotel and a little way past that on the side is Richmond kiosk and more public toilets.

Corblets beach is a sheltered sandy family beach. At high tide the rocks on the left cut off this bay from adjoining Arch Bay. A good surf beach break. Small car park at the eastern end of the beach.

Port Soif is sheltered, well protected sandy 180-degree cove which is very popular in the summer months with all ages. With the tide half-up and half-down it is a prime swimming spot. The horeshoe is actually close to being a full circle with only a small channel between the headlands of Grandes Rocques and Portinfer. This means that as the tide goes out you can have a long walk to the sea for a swim. Car parks can be found along access roads at either end of the bay. The northern end has a kiosk and toilets.

Platte Saline beach is NOT a swimming beach due to severe undertows, although it is a popular spot for fishing.