How I got a postcards from Guernsey
Have you ever received a postcards from Guernsey Island? This beautiful island located in the English Channel is known for its stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and friendly locals. But what makes Guernsey even more special is its postcards. These little pieces of art showcase the island’s beauty, culture, and history, making them a favorite souvenir among visitors.

If you’re wondering what makes Guernsey postcards so unique, the answer lies in their variety. From colorful illustrations to vintage photographs, each postcard tells a different story about the island. Some feature its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, while others showcase its historic castles and churches. Whether you’re a fan of nature, history, or art, there’s a Guernsey postcard that will catch your eye.
One day I received a big letter from Guernsey.

At first, I didn’t quite understand if I had read the country’s name correctly. Still, I immediately opened the envelope and wondered what was inside.
It turned out to be a charming and pleasant woman Denise from Guernsey.
Frankly, I first heard about such a country, so I spent a lot of time on the Internet to collect very interesting facts about this tiny country, which I will tell you below.
"A piece of France that broke away from her fell into the water and was picked up by the English," was how Victor Hugo, the greatest French writer, who lived there in exile for three years, wrote of Guernsey.
Denise spoiled me a lot as she put many gifts in my envelope, it was a fridge magnet and a lot of signed postcards with stamps from this country.






Don’t worry, of course, I thanked her too and sent her lots of presents from my country as well ?It’s all thanks to postcrossing! A worldwide postcard exchange service is safe!
As I promised above, some very interesting facts that I heard from the video and that I read on the sites.
I think you will also be interested.
p.s. after I visit this country, I will definitely update this article and insert my personal opinion and photos ?
Where is Guernsey?
In the English Channel is an island called Guernsey. The island is part of the Channel Islands. Guernsey includes many small islands.
Guernsey County can be found in the state of Ohio in the United States. As of the most recent census in 2020, the county has a population of 38,438 people. The largest city and county seat is Cambridge. The county was named after the Isle of Guernsey located in the English Channel, where a significant number of the county’s first settlers originated from.
The name of this tiny, rural community means “Island of Meadows” in French; it’s not a misnomer then! Guernseys’ many small islands have been home to some skilled weavers for centuries and now serve as perfect spots where you can enjoy stunning views while browsing outdoors markets weekend mornings or taking leisurely walks along beachfrontsides each day-all before they’re decorated with festive lights at nightfall
Guernsey is a British Crown dependency located in the English Channel. It is one of the Channel Islands and is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of the coast of Normandy, France and approximately 80 miles (129 km) south of England. Guernsey has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period, and the island has been inhabited by various groups over the centuries, including the Romans, Vikings, and Normans.

The coordinates of Guernsey are:
49°27′21″ north latitude
2°34′39″ west longitude
Guernsey Postcrossing Stamps
Guernsey recently had an excellent event for all postcrosser.
The Guernsey Post Office issued branded postage stamps that read – Happy Postcrossing ?

Very pretty, wouldn’t you say?
” The illustrations of Chance Crab, Herm Puffin, and Golden Guernsey Goat were done by Chris Griffiths of local design studio Two Degrees North,” so says the postcrossing website.
The three stamps and First Day Covers, maxi postcards, FDI postcards, and presentation packets are available on the Guernsey Post website, which are sent worldwide.


A set of three postcards featuring the Guernsey animals featured on the stamp issue with the associated stamp cancelled on the front of the card.
This means that absolutely anyone who likes them can get them!
I’ve been wanting to visit this country for a long time, and now even more so since you can glue these fabulous postage stamps onto those postcards that are sold at the post office.
Postage To Guernsey
Postage to Guernsey depends on the origin and destination of the mail or package, as well as its weight and size. Guernsey is considered a part of the United Kingdom for postal purposes, and postage rates are similar to those of other UK destinations.
However, it is important to note that Guernsey has its own postal service, known as Guernsey Post, which operates independently from Royal Mail in the UK. If you are sending mail or packages to Guernsey from outside the UK, you may need to use international postage rates and services. It is always best to check with your local post office or courier service for specific information on postage rates and requirements for sending mail or packages to Guernsey.
Prices to send a parcel to Guernsey
Here are a few examples of prices for sending a parcel to Guernsey. However, please note that these are just examples and the actual cost may vary depending on the weight and size of the parcel, as well as the delivery speed and other factors.

Letter and Large Letter Rates from January 5th 2023
Bailiwick | UK | Europe | ROW | ||
Postcard | 20g | x | x | £1.21 | £1.50 |
Letter | 100g | £0.56 | £0.87 | £2.33 | £3.83 |
Large Letter | 100g | £0.79 | £1.39 | £2.42 | £3.85 |
250g | £1.40 | £2.18 | £5.07 | £8.61 | |
500g | £1.90 | £3.48 | £7.44 | £13.34 | |
750g | £2.37 | £4.21 | £10.73 | £16.48 |
Short Facts about Guernsey
- St. Peter’s Port is the capital of Guernsey.
- English and French are the official languages on the island.
- The Guernsey pound is the official currency of the locals.
- May 9 is considered a public holiday in Guernsey.
- Among the Channel Islands, Guernsey is the second largest.
- Crop farming is developed on the islands.
- The island is mentioned in famous literary works.
- On the territory of Guernsey there are many castles.
- Tourists love the islands and visit them every year.
- The island has a rich history.
- The population of Guernsey is approx 65K in 25-27 square miles, divided into 10 parishes.
Statistics:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Population | Approximately 66,000 people |
Area | Approximately 24 square miles (64 km²) |
Capital city | St. Peter Port |
Currency | Pound sterling |
Language | English and Guernésiais (a Norman language) |
Religion | Christianity (predominantly Church of England) |
Historical Background:
- Guernsey has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of neolithic settlements on the island.
- The island was invaded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and was part of the Roman province of Armorica.
- During the 5th and 6th centuries, the island was settled by seafaring people from Brittany and the Normandy region of France.
- In the 9th century, the island was raided by Vikings, who established settlements on the island.
- In 1066, William the Conqueror conquered England, and Guernsey became part of the Norman Duchy of Normandy.
- During the Hundred Years War, the island was occupied by the French, but was regained by the English in the 15th century.
- During World War II, the island was occupied by German forces for five years.
- Since the 1950s, Guernsey has become an important center for finance and investment, with a thriving offshore banking sector.
Today, Guernsey is a self-governing territory with its own government and legal system. The island has a thriving economy and a high standard of living, and is known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and historic architecture.

National Holidays
Holiday | Date |
---|---|
New Year | January 1 |
Good Friday | Moving date in March-April |
Clean Monday | Moving date in March-April |
Early May Bank Holiday | First Monday of May |
Liberation Day (1945) | May 9 |
Spring Bank Holiday | Last Monday of May after Easter |
Summer Bank Holiday | Last Monday of August |
Christmas | December 25 |
Tribute Day 25 | December 26 (or next Monday) |
Climate and weather
Guernsey is characterized by a mild temperate climate. Winters are warm and summers are slightly cool but sunny.
The warmest period is from July to September. The average temperature during this period is +20 ºC.
July is the sunniest month. December and February are the months with the heaviest rainfall.
In Guernsey, it doesn’t get cold enough for the locals to wear coats. February is usually when they are most content with springtime weather and temperatures average about +6 ºC during this time of year!
Nature
Guernsey is a land of nature with its own unique wildlife. You can feel like you’re in another world when walking through the green landscape and smelling all those flowers!
A field full of snapdragons might not seem very exciting at first glance, but this beautiful place has more hidden treasures than anywhere else on earth- if only we were wiser enough to find them among such beauty…

Giant cliffs and intricate caves, rugged mountain passages, stunning bays, sandy beaches, and rugged coastlines. You can’t take your eyes away from this magnificence!
This island is a haven for those who love the natural world. The beauty and serenity that it provides are unmatched, making this an ideal escape destination or weekend getaway spot with friends.

Blooming plants spoil tourists with their beauty and incredible scent all year round. Thanks to Guernsey’s island’s temperate climate, there are more than 448 species of plants, including more than 100 species of flowers, various trees, and shrubs.
Flowers are grown commercially on the island. Islanders are especially proud of the Guernsey lily flower, the embodiment of this unusual and picturesque island.

The animal world of the island is impressive. There live here grey seals, bottle nose dolphins, puffins in summer.
There are no deer, squirrels, badgers, foxes etc, just rabbits, mice, small birds, but have herons, marsh harriers, magpies.
There are no big lizards in Guernsey! There are no mountains or coral reefs here or exotic fish.

Beautiful coastline with cliffs for walking and sandy beaches, local have one of the highest tidal movements at 33 feet.
You can find Ormers in the sea, under rocks, a local delicacy – the interior of their shells are the mother of pearl, some people make jewellery out of these shells.

You can only harvest them on certain days of the year at very low tides, and they must be of a certain size. There would be BIG penalties if you tried to gather them at any other time. You are also not allowed to freeze them.

Cultural peculiarities
For a very long time, Guernsey was a British colony. To this day, the country is owned by the British crown, so it’s not surprising to see all the typical English features on the island: left-hand traffic, separate taps for hot and cold water, outlets with three holes.

But the main thing is that the island is inhabited by the very real English, characterized by the so-called “island mentality,” which makes them considered a little arrogant and overconfident.
Cuisine
The locals of Guernsey take great pride in the fact that the fertile land and sea supply them entirely with food. Fish, shrimp, lobsters, and other seafood are cooked to perfection by local chefs.
Very exquisitely delicious delicacy such as clams fried in oil, with a sauce of white wine.

Bean soup is extremely popular here. Its recipe, known for many years, has gradually migrated to the cuisines of other nations.

Homemade mulled wine is a great warming drink, and Guernsey brews its own special kind for beer lovers.

Guernsey Gache – traditional Guernsey fruit loaf is often served with Guernsey butter. The traditional Guernsey Gâche is more like a fruit bread than a cake. A traditional part of afternoon teas in the island, it is often served toasted with Guernsey butter spread on top.
Local residents make Roquette cider and more recently, Blue Bottle Gin.
Top 10 restaurants in Guernsey based on TripAdvisor
Restaurant Name | Main Dishes | Website | Average Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
The Old Quarter | Beef, seafood, vegetarian options | https://www.theoldquarter.gg/ | $20 – $38 |
Red Onion | Seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.redonionrestaurant.com/ | $18 – $45 |
La Reunion | Seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.lareunion.gg/ | $26 – $53 |
The Beach House | Seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.beachhouse.gg/ | $26 – $59 |
Mora Restaurant | Seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.morarestaurant.com/ | $15 – $43 |
Octopus Bar & Restaurant | Seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.octopusguernsey.com/ | $24 – $59 |
Buho | Mexican, Latin, vegetarian options | https://www.buho.gg/ | $13 – $33 |
Da Nello | Italian, seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.danelloguernsey.com/ | $18 – $47 |
The Hook | Seafood, steak, vegetarian options | https://www.thehook.gg/ | $25 – $49 |
Nourish Cafe | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options | https://www.nourish.gg/ | $4 – $15 |
Shopping
Shopping in Guernsey is definitely better than in the UK or the European Union. If you’re planning to update your closet soon, it’s a great place to do so. The thing is, in addition to the well-known brands, there’s a huge number of small family-owned clothing stores in Guernsey, where you can find things that are handmade and, moreover, have no analogs.

In addition to clothing, the island has many stores selling household appliances, jewelry, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Apart from the usual stores, once a week, there’s the Fresh Friday Market or Friday Market in the Market Square, where traders from all over the island sell their wares at bargain prices.
Transport
Guernsey has two ways to get there: by water transport or air. The ferry from Great Britain takes about four hours and allows you time for some leisurely shopping while waiting at your destination, which is considered one way in Guernsey (they have another).
You can also choose a quicker route if needed with an airplane ride that only requires 2-3 hrs’ travel but leaves less room for luxury items on sale back home!
The flight from London Airport (Gatwick) takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Weymouth (about 3 hours) and then take a ferry to Guernsey (about 2 hours). It is also possible to get to Guernsey by high-speed catamarans from Weymouth and Poole. However, they do not run in bad weather.
The airport connects Guernsey with cities in Britain (primarily London) and France (Grenoble, Geneva, Zurich, etc.) and Germany, Ireland, and Scotland.

Public transport in Guernsey is represented by buses and cabs. To move around Guernsey you can also rent a bicycle or a car. And renting a car is possible right at the airport.
In Guernsey drive on the left – the top speed limit everywhere on the Island is 25mph or 35mph!
The cost of such services is from $ 25 a day.
Real Estate
Purchase of real estate in Guernsey is possible only with the consent of local authorities. It is given in exceptional cases: for the purchase of luxury apartments, as well as buying real estate for the purpose of doing business in Guernsey. Alas, while the purchase of houses and apartments is possible only for citizens of Great Britain and the EU.

Since 2009 there has been a steady increase in property prices. Now the average cost of a small villa in Guernsey is about $750,000. Interestingly, there are two real estate markets on the island: one for locals, the second – for foreigners.
Visa
Guernsey is a Crown Territory of Great Britain. This means that while having the broad rights of an autonomous region, the island is still highly dependent on the metropolis, especially on the visa issue.

In general, if you are going to visit it, get ready for a trip to a British visa center. For the most part, the Guernsey visa rules are the same as the rules for British visas.
I think you can find a lot of information on that separately on the internet.
Customs
Guernsey has the same customs rules as the UK.
It is forbidden to import animal and bird meat products, dairy products, and chocolate. The exception is made for products in factory packing intended for children’s food or special medical food if there is no need to refrigerate them before consumption.

Importing weapons, poisonous and explosive substances, materials of terrorist or pornographic content is prohibited.
You may bring no more than 200 pieces of cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, or 2 liters of wine without duty.
It is prohibited to take out of the country goods of cultural and historical value.
Ensure all information at the visa application center or online from official sources! The information on my website is for informational purposes.
Car Rental

There are both well-known international rental brands and local ones. However, the level of the fleet does not affect the level of the car.
To rent a car, you need an international license in addition to the usual rights in the form of a plastic card. You also need a bank card with enough money for a deposit (an average of 350 to 500 GBP).
The minimum age of the driver – 21 years old, driving experience – at least 2 years. It is important to remember that traffic in Guernsey is left-handed and there are many narrow roads.
All passengers and the driver must wear seatbelts. Children under 12 years old must be in a child seat/booster suitable for the size and age of the child. Cell phone use while driving is prohibited.
Speed limits: up to 30 miles (48 km/h) in cities, 60 miles (96 km/h) on highways.
For information about parking, go to: https://www.gov.gg/parking
Transportation within the country
Guernsey has an excellent bus service. There are several routes around the island. See http://buses.gg/ for a map and timetable.

Bus stops are signposted, but you can also catch a bus on the road, especially between towns and villages.
Buses do not stop only on bridges and at busy intersections, or at places where dropping off and picking up passengers could cause an accident.
The main attractions of the island of Guernsey
Attraction Name | Coordinates |
---|---|
Saint Peter Port Harbour | 49.4598° N, 2.5351° W |
Castle Cornet | 49.4531° N, 2.5119° W |
Victor Hugo’s House | 49.4547° N, 2.5463° W |
Sausmarez Manor | 49.4322° N, 2.5665° W |
German Underground Hospital | 49.4351° N, 2.5913° W |
Little Chapel | 49.4498° N, 2.5809° W |
Pembroke Bay | 49.4765° N, 2.5651° W |
Shell Beach | 49.4587° N, 2.5943° W |
Jerbourg Point | 49.4219° N, 2.5428° W |
Candie Gardens | 49.4665° N, 2.5405° W |
Note that there are many other beautiful attractions on Guernsey as well. These are just a few examples.
Castle Cornet


Castle Cornet is located on the island of Guernsey on the English Channel.
The castle is not on the island but on a nearby small island, which connects to Guernsey at low tide. The castle is now connected to the Guernsey shore by a stone pier.
The castle was built here from 1206 to 1256, after the partition of the Duchy of Normandy, when the Channel Islands remained under the authority of the English kings. The fortress was a classic Norman castle with a citadel.
Castle Cornet was donated by the British Crown to the people of Guernsey in 1947. The castle houses the Maritime Museum and the museum of the castle’s history.
In summer there is a noon day gun which is fired!
The Little Chapel

The little chapel, built-in 1914, has the reputation of being the smallest chapel in history. Inspired by the French basilica at Lourdes, this miniature church is part of Blancheland College for Girls. It is known for its unusual facade, decorated with lots of stones, shells, and broken dishes.
Tapestry

Illustrating the island’s 1,000-year history, the skillfully and beautifully embroidered tapestry is a truly remarkable work of art. It consists of no fewer than ten colorful panels.
The tapestry is housed in the center of Dori and was created to mark the arrival of the new millennium.
Each of the ten panels depicts one century and illustrates notable events on the island from the 11th to the 20th century.
Le Dehus Dolmen

There are several truly ancient monuments in Guernsey which tell the story of those who inhabited the island thousands of years ago.
Le Dehus Dolmen is one of these monuments. Although it may appear at first glance to be an ordinary overgrown grass, researchers have discovered a series of burial chambers and passages here, dating back, it is believed, to 3500 B.C.
Guernsey cow breed

Guernsey cattle originated in one of the Channel Islands (Guernsey Island). The homeland of these animals is located off the coast of France, in the English Channel. Guernsey was first registered as a separate breed around 1700.

- Its predisposition to grazing, gentle disposition, ease of calving, and ability to efficiently produce milk from less feed than other breeds makes it an ideal candidate for intensive grazing;
- Light-colored mast cows increase heat tolerance and reduce heat stress, which increases the ability to maintain milk production levels anywhere;
- After many years of breeding, the animals of this breed have become very efficient milk producers with no inherited genetic defects.

The Benefits of Investing in Guernsey
To attract foreign capital, expertise, and talent to Guernsey, the government organization Locate Guernsey has developed immigration programs for wealthy individuals and entrepreneurs. They allow high net worth individuals to move to live and/or do business on the island, offering them tax and other incentives in exchange for their contributions to the local economy.

This country offers many opportunities and benefits to foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
- Advantageous taxation system
- Unique geographical and economic location
- Clear legislative system
- World-class professional and financial services
- Governmental support for business
- Skilled and experienced workforce
- High international credit rating
- Ideal place for innovation and business networking
- High quality of life and healthcare
- A safe and stable environment with the low crime rate
- The high quality education system
- High-quality choice in the residential real estate market
- Proximity and easy access to financial and business centers
Guernsey offers special tax treatment for high net worth individuals.
Guernsey is known for its status as an offshore financial center, with a well-established and regulated offshore banking sector. Offshore financial centers, also known as tax havens, are jurisdictions that offer favorable tax laws, confidentiality, and other incentives to attract foreign investment.
Some of the benefits that offshore companies registered in Guernsey can enjoy include:
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Low tax rates | Guernsey has a low tax rate of 0% on corporate profits. |
Confidentiality | Guernsey has strict laws protecting the confidentiality of offshore companies. |
Access to international markets | Guernsey is strategically located in the English Channel. |
Stable and predictable regulatory environment | Guernsey has a stable and predictable regulatory environment. |
In addition to these benefits, Guernsey also offers a range of financial services, including banking, investment management, and insurance, which are all regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. This regulatory environment helps to ensure the stability and integrity of the offshore financial sector in Guernsey.
However, it’s important to note that while offshore financial centers can offer many benefits, they can also be associated with negative aspects such as tax avoidance, money laundering, and the financing of illegal activities. Guernsey has taken steps to address these concerns, including implementing strict anti-money laundering laws and cooperating with international authorities to combat tax evasion and other illegal activities.
Some facts from Jill (local resident)
- Finance is the biggest now, previously Tourism and Agriculture.
- On the island don’t have as many dairy farms as we used to, and more recently, local import some milk from neighbouring Channel Island Jersey.
- In Guernsey export Tomatoes and flowers, mainly Freesias, to the UK.
- There are two types of housing licences: the local and open markets. Local is for people born here or who lived here for over 20 years. The open market is for newcomers and is much more expensive. Once you have lived in Open market accommodation, you may not go back to the local market.
Life here is mainly peaceful, with a low crime rate; crimes like murder are few and far between.
It’s a lovely safe place to live, but you do get the need to get off the rock now and again.
We can reach France and UK by sea and air.
We always have to travel via the UK for holidays, making it more expensive.
We can no longer get a ferry to Weymouth, and the train that used to meet that boat no longer runs.
Useful Links:
Official resources
The official website for the States of Guernsey
Guernsey Official Tourism Portal
FAQ
What is the main point of Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society?
The main point of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is to showcase the resilience and strength of the human spirit during difficult times, specifically during the German occupation of Guernsey in World War II.
Is Guernsey part of the UK?
Yes, Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency and is part of the United Kingdom, but it is not part of the UK itself.
Is Guernsey part of England or France?
Guernsey is not part of either England or France. It is a British Crown Dependency located in the English Channel, closer to France than to England.
What is Guernsey famous for?
Guernsey is famous for its beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and friendly locals. It is also known for its dairy industry, specifically for its Guernsey cows, which are a breed of dairy cows known for their rich and creamy milk.
Are Guernsey cows good for beef?
While Guernsey cows are primarily bred for their milk, they can also be used for beef. However, their meat is not as popular as other breeds, such as Angus or Hereford.
Which airports fly to Guernsey from the UK?
There are several airports in the UK that fly to Guernsey, including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Southampton.
I loved how the article has been given a start and it sure pulled me in to read it thoroughly. Guernsey, looks a must to visit place and I definitely will try that.
This blog really has detailed every feature of Guernsey and one just needs to be there to feel it alive. I like nature hikes and this place will be just perfect to experience it differently and I’m sure it will be fun to be around Guernsey.
I totally agree with you, Billy. I want to do the same thing. Thank you.
I love the Island of Guernsey! Fresh air and beautiful view and also a perfect place for animals. This country is very beautiful and many of the people wanting to visit and stay for a while. Shopping in Guernsey is definitely better than in the UK or the European Union that’s why people loved to visit here. The food is delicious and even the drinks. And about the postcards? Magical, meaningful items you can’t find anywhere else.
I agree with every word as I too was surprised that such a tiny country as Guernsey has such a variety of postcards and stamps.
I have not tasted the cuisine of this country as I have not been to it. But I will definitely update this article after I visit and try the local food.
Tell me please, what time is it in guernsey united kingdom?
Answer:
The “time in Guernsey,” in this article, refers to the time in the country of Guernsey. It is a Dependent Territory of the United Kingdom and uses Greenwich Mean Time or GMT. The time zone used in this article is Universal Coordinated Time, also known as UTC+0 hours during standard daylight saving time periods. In winter when daylight saving time isn’t being observed, UTC-0 hours are being used.
In general, the current local time on Earth can be found at http://www.worldtimeserver.com; if you enter “Guernsey” into the search bar you’ll find what it’s currently like there right now based on your computer’s clock! 🙂
Thanks Alex,
Where did Guernsey cows come from?
The Guernsey cow is an old breed of cattle originally from the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The cows are thought to be descendents of French cattle breeds, who were introduced to the island by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
Later traders brought more breeds into the islands which have contributed to their present purity and gaminess. The breed was partially cured in 1938 at the request of Sir Harold Hillier because he realized that there was a need for it in New Zealand.