If you’re keen on gardening or simply enjoy being out and about in the fresh air, here are just a few places that you can visit whilst on holiday in Guernsey.

Candie Gardens

These gardens were established in 1894 and are located in the island’s capital, St. Peter Port. They consist of two main garden areas, the Upper Gardens and the Lower Gardens.

The Lower Gardens were restored to their former Victorian glory during the late 1990s and highlights include fishponds and a bog garden. There are also a  number of historic greenhouses which have been restored and which are still in use.

The site also includes the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery and the Priaulx Library, and provides stunning views of St. Peter Port and out to sea. Admission to Candie Gardens is free of charge.

Sausmarez Manor Gardens

Situated in St. Martins, Sausmarez Manor dates back as far as the 12th century and, as well incorporating an intriguing mixture of architectural styles, is set within extensive gardens . It’s the perfect place to go for a family outing if you’re visiting Guernsey, as there are a range of attractions there.

Gardeners will love the Sub Tropical Gardens, which include palm trees, bamboos, camelias and banana plants. You can also take a tour of the manor, explore the Sculpture Park and take a ride on the site’s miniature railway.

The Guernsey Freesia Centre

Guernsey is known for supplying flowers, particularly freesias, to the U.K. mainland. You can learn more about the flower growing industry by taking a tour of the Guernsey Freesia Centre in St Sampsons. The site also has a gift shop.

Castle Cornet Gardens

Castle Cornet is a military fortress in St Peter Port Harbour and dates back to the 13th century. It now houses the Maritime Museum, the Story of Castle Cornet exhibit, 201 Squadron R.A.F. (Guernsey’s Own) Museum, the Militia Museum and the Hatton Gallery.

The Castle Cornet site also includes four formal gardens, planned in the 1990s on the site of gardens marked on a map of the fortress dating from the 18th century. The gardens have been designed to reflect different periods of the castle’s history and consist of: the Sutler’s Garden, a 16th century style herb garden; Lambert’s Garden, which is based on 17th century garden designs;  the Governor’s Garden, which is designed in the style of an 18th century garden; and the Master Gunner’s Garden, a 19th century domestic style garden.

Saumarez Park

Located in Castel, Saumarez Park is the island’s largest public park and is also home to the National Trust of Guernsey’s Folk & Costume Museum. It includes several formal gardens, including a rose garden and also has a Japanese style area featuring plants from the Far East. If you’re visiting Saumarez Park during August, you may also be able to catch the North Show and Battle of Flowers, one of Guernsey’s best-known festivals, in which residents compete to win a prize for the best floral-covered float.

Orchid Fields

For something wilder, head for the Bridget Ozanne Orchid Fields in Les Vicheries. These meadows contain four orchid species, which are in full flower between May and June, together with a number of related species and other plants. The orchid fields are managed by La Société Guernesiaise and are named after the late Bridget Ozanne, the society’s botany secretary.

Bluebell Woods

If you’re visiting Guernsey at the beginning of April, head for the Bluebell Woods behind St. Peter Port’s Fort George, to see one of the island’s most beautiful sights.

Image: Paul Schultz