Hi all! I’m Stefanie and I blog about food, fitness and travel over at StefanieGrace.com. I’m super excited to be here telling you all about Guernsey, not only because Zanna is an absolute ledge (and fellow Yorkshire lass!) but also cos I bloomin’ love Guernsey and I need you all to know why.
I moved to Guernsey in the Channel Islands about a year and a half ago. I run a small social media business here called All Things Social and I blog my life as a I go. When I’m not working or writing, I’m working out, checking out the local sights or sampling the local food, which is pretty impressive for such a small place.
Guernsey is a pretty little island in the Channel Islands with both English and French influences. You feel at home and abroad at the same time, which makes it perfect for a quick weekend away. And whilst it is famous for it’s Guernsey cream, there are a lot of ways to stay fit and healthy here too – and still indulge every now and then!
Get Outside
Guernsey is a runner’s paradise. It’s mixed terrain is great for a trail run and we have one double-loop parkrun is over at Pembroke Bay. I spoke to someone at an event last week who said they had been to Guernsey – purely for the parkrun. That’s a great advert for that. Right? I actually love an early morning or sunset run. On a Sunday, you will pass families out for a dog walk or a bike ride along the beachfronts. You will also find plenty of running groups, namely Lee Merrien’s training group. If you’re not a runner, there are also a lot of great routes for cycling on the island.
Hit the cliffs.
The island is a brilliantly active place. From town you can head to Fermain Bay, grab a coffee with a stunning view and head back. The beauty of the cliff walks are that they are tough but the views detract from the pain of the steps and the climbs. Plus, you can always stop for a selfie whilst you catch your breath. The entire South coast is perfect for getting out and exploring with views that will make you smile. It’s my favourite thing to do in Guernsey. Visit Guernsey’s website is one of the best resources we have to work out which route is best to take.
Take a Class
If you can tear yourself away from the videos, there are a lot of class options, which are particularly useful when rain and wind hits the coastlines. BarreTribe offers barre classes at a couple of venues a few times a week around the island. Hot Yoga on the Rock will also help you to sweat and stretch out, perfect if you’ve got DOMS post-cliff hike.
The local gyms, such as Kings and Beau Sejour, have a variety of classes from spinning to yoga to BodyPump and you can pay-as-you-go, so you don’t have to be a member to get your workout on. The same goes if you just need to hit the gym for an hour.
Hit the Shops
St Peter Port is a small town with a cobbled high street. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare but you can walk into town and enjoy the exercise wandering around the pretty streets of whilst exploring the local boutiques. With Guernsey being a tax haven, hitting the beauty shops such as Feel Unique and All Beauty is a gift to yourself. All Beauty also do great beauty treatments if you fancy double treating yourself. For whole food and health products, I love Hansa on Fountain Street, a local health food store filled with all of the healthy ingredients and supplements you could ever need. Fletcher Sports is a great place to pick up some new gear, from a new pair of runners to a cool sports bra. The team know their stuff too, so if you aren’t sure what will work for you technically, they’ll be happy to give you some solid advice.
On a Saturday morning, there is a Farmer’s Market at Sausmarez Manor. Eating local is really easy in Guernsey because everything is so fresh and such brilliant quality, from milk and eggs to meat and amazing handmade jams and chutneys. All are available at the Farmers’ Market or at the Seafront Sunday markets that happen in the summer.
Take a Tea Break
Guernsey is a holiday place, so be a tourist. My top afternoon tea spots? The Duke of Richmond or The Old Government House Hotel. Both are decadent and delicious. I like to save this for a special occasion. Don’t want to overindulge? Try a salad and a scone for that balance. Want to treat yourself? Add a glass of champagne, sit back and enjoy the views. Both have stunning settings.
Don’t fancy tea? The Raw Store by The Juice Clinic is the place to go for juices & shakes.
Hit the Beach
Living by the beach is awesome. Heading out for a walk even in winter is bracing and make you fell alive. Guernsey has so many watersports on offer from paddleboarding, surfing and kayaking. Stand Up Paddleboarding at sunset is a ridiculously stunning experience. I urge you to fit it into your day. It’s a brilliant workout that you don’t even realise you’re doing. I can recommend Guernsey SUP and SUP Guernsey. They’re both very active on Facebook if you want to book a session or ask a question.
Island Hop
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is made up of more than one island. In fact, you can pop over to the delightful Herm in just a 20min ferry ride. Over there you can go walking, hit the beaches where you can hire a kayak and grab lunch at The Mermaid Inn. You may even spot dolphins on the boat ride over if you’re lucky! It’s a must.
Time for Dinner
Fancy a fish and chip supper whilst watching an amazing sunset? Head over to The Rockmount at Cobo Bay. They also have great grilled fish and salad options if you need a gluten-free option or if you’re not in the mood for deep fried.
Back in town, you can’t go wrong with Red for an amazing steak and vegetables. As this is a healthy guide, I’m not going to mention the lobster mac and cheese, ok?! And the words ‘salted caramel’ definitely feature on the dessert menu, but if you just have a tea of coffee, you’ll still get a little bite of homemade brownie on the side which is great way to finish a great meal. Red also own Tinto, a tapas bar next door and Rosso, an authentic wood-fired Italian pizzeria upstairs. Both are worth a visit.
Le Petit Bistro achieves a brilliant combo of great local food with a high-end gourmet French restaurant. It’s a must for anyone in St Peter Port. For a healthier option, I usually go for the mussels and the fish followed by their cafe gourmand, which is a the perfect small dessert if you just fancy a bite of everything they offer.
Fancy some sushi? The Hook does amazing platters and specials. I like to order a lot of sashimi, edamame and seaweed salad and then one indulgent roll, like prawn tempura. Plus, they offer a fabulous vegan pannacotta which is indulgent, yet dairy free.
Find that Balance
Treat yourself to a cocktail at The Hook, The OGH or Red (all mentioned above). Or even Octopus Bar & Restaurant with stunning views over Castle Cornet for a sundowner with style. Stay for dinner too because the hot seafood pots are one of a kind.
Guernsey is the perfect place to live a balanced lifestyle. As long as you stay active you will be able to enjoy all of the local delicacies. If you ever pop over for an island break, be sure to hit me up on Twitter for more healthy day tips or even to grab a coffee/juice!
instagram.com/stefanegraceblog
