Coastline - Fortifications
Due to the Island’s strategic position within the English Channel, Guernsey has quite an array of fortifications dating back to various times in our history.
Chateaux des Marais is thought to date back to as early as the eleventh century, and was used as a refuge for islanders against marauding ships. As with so many of our fortifications, Chateaux des Marais was added to over the years.
German forces took full advantage of these sites during the occupation of the island (1940 -45). At many of the older sites, generally made from the local pink or grey granite, you will see the imposing grey concrete additions, built as part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall.
In 1995 Guernsey completely restored one of its many German military bunkers – A Coast Defence Casemate. It is now open to the public and is situated at Vazon, and was part of a chain of west coast German defences.
Also open to the public is the Direction Finding Tower, The German Naval Signal Headquarters, The German Occupation Museum, La Valette Underground Military Museum and the German Underground Hospital.
Built around 1250 in St Peter Port's harbour to defend the island against the French, Castle Cornet has been wonderfully preserved and remains as a living monument. Believe it or not the American War of Independence of 1775 initiated the building of other coastal defence towers all around Guernsey. Because France decided to side with the American colonists in their struggle against Britain, Guernsey wisely built 15 towers.
One of these Loop-holed Coastal Towers, at Rousse on the Island's west coast, has been lovingly restored and is open to the public. It shows how life would have been for the soldiers back in the 18th century.
Castle Cornet houses three Museums – The Maritime Museum, 291 Squadron Museum and the Story of Castle Cornet.
Please check opening times of the above attractions here or conatct the Guernsey Information Centre.
GUERNSEY OFFSHORE ROWING REGATTA 11 Jul 2009 - 12 Jul 2009
This popular Regatta sees racing in and around Havelet Bay as well as our sister islands of Herm and Jethou. With men’s, women’s and mixed categories from 16 years and up, th...
more info
CLASSIC CHANNEL REGATTA 04 Jul 2009 - 11 Jul 2009
It is hoped that 100 classic Yachts, from both France and Britain, will again take part in this Classic Channel Regatta. Yachts will race from Dartmouth to Dinard/St Malo and...
more info