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Castle Cornet: Guernsey's Historic Harbour Fortress

Explore 800 years of history at this Guernsey fortress, with museums, gardens, and panoramic views of St Peter Port.

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Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old castle, stands guard at the entrance to St Peter Port harbour in Guernsey. Originally a tidal island, it has been a key defensive structure since the 13th century, witnessing centuries of island history. Today, it houses museums, gardens, and offers panoramic views.

A brief summary to Castle Cornet

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least three hours to explore the castle and its museums.
  • Arrive by noon to witness the firing of the Noonday Gun.
  • Check the website for special events, such as music nights and family activities.
  • Consider purchasing a Discovery Pass for access to Castle Cornet and other Guernsey museums.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle has uneven surfaces and many steps.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Castle Cornet is located on the southern arm of St Peter Port harbour. From the town bus terminus or the Guernsey Information Centre, it is a 10-15 minute walk along the raised walkway of the harbour emplacement. Follow signs for Castle Cornet.

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere on Guernsey, take a bus to the St Peter Port bus station. From there, follow the walking directions to Castle Cornet along the harbour. A day bus pass costs £10.

Unlock the Best of Castle Cornet

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Discover more about Castle Cornet

Castle Cornet, a prominent landmark in St Peter Port, Guernsey, has guarded the island's harbor for nearly 800 years. Built in the 13th century following the division of the Duchy of Normandy, the castle's strategic location on a former tidal island made it a vital defense. Throughout its history, Castle Cornet has been captured and recaptured by the French, played a role in the English Civil War, and served as a residence for the Governor of Guernsey, a prison, and a barracks. A major explosion in 1672 destroyed the medieval buildings, after which it was never again used as a residence. During World War II, German troops occupied the castle, making concrete modifications. In 1947, the Crown presented the castle to the people of Guernsey. Today, Castle Cornet is a popular visitor attraction with five museums: The Story of Castle Cornet, the Maritime Museum, the 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum, and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum. Visitors can explore historic gardens, including the 16th-century Sutler's Garden, Lambert's Garden, the 18th-century Governor's Garden, and the 19th-century Master Gunner's Garden. A Napoleonic cannon is fired daily at noon during the tourist season, and costumed re-enactors provide living history presentations.

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