St. Saviour, Guernsey Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty and historic charm of St. Saviour, a tranquil parish in Guernsey perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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St. Saviour

Nestled in the picturesque island of Guernsey, St. Saviour is a hidden gem that offers visitors a blend of serene landscapes, historic charm, and a taste of local culture. This quaint parish is perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. St. Saviour boasts a rich history that dates back to the early medieval period. One of its most iconic landmarks is the St. Saviour's Church, which stands as a testament to the parish's deep-rooted historical significance. The church, with its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, provides a perfect spot for reflection and photography. Nature lovers will find themselves enchanted by the lush greenery and scenic walking trails that St. Saviour has to offer. Saumarez Park, the largest public park in Guernsey, is located nearby and is ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, and even a visit to the traditional Victorian walled garden. The park is a haven for both locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature. For those interested in local culture, St. Saviour hosts several events and fairs throughout the year, where visitors can experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community. From traditional crafts to local delicacies, there is much to explore and enjoy in this charming parish.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St. Saviour.

Visit St. Saviour's Church early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful surroundings.
Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at Saumarez Park, especially in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
Check local listings for community events and fairs to experience the local culture and traditions.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as St. Saviour is best explored on foot, with many scenic trails to enjoy.
Try the local delicacies available at small cafes and markets; they're a true taste of Guernsey.

Explore St. Saviour: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in St. Saviour

Top-rated picks

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Castle Cornet

Explore the historic Castle Cornet in Guernsey, offering stunning views, rich exhibitions, and a unique glimpse into maritime heritage.

4.6

Hauteville House

Discover the enchanting Hauteville House, a museum dedicated to Victor Hugo, nestled in the beautiful landscapes of Guernsey.

4.5

German Occupation Museum

Explore the German Occupation Museum in Guernsey, a poignant journey through WWII history that reveals the island's unique past and resilience.

4.6

St Peter Port Harbour

Experience the natural beauty and rich history of St Peter Port Harbour in Guernsey, a perfect blend of scenic views and vibrant local culture.

4.7

Best landmarks in St. Saviour

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Castle Cornet

Explore the captivating history and stunning views at Castle Cornet, Guernsey's iconic fortress and museum.

4.6

The Little Chapel

Discover the whimsical beauty of The Little Chapel in Guernsey, a unique blend of art and spirituality surrounded by serene landscapes.

4.7

Saumarez Park

Explore Saumarez Park in Guernsey, a stunning park filled with gardens, wildlife, and recreational activities for the whole family.

4.5

German Occupation Museum

Delve into the history of WWII at the German Occupation Museum, where the stories of Guernsey's past come to life through immersive exhibits.

4.6

Best restaurants in St. Saviour

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Dix Neuf

Discover Dix Neuf in Guernsey: A vibrant brasserie offering exquisite meals and an inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

4.3

Crabby Jack's

Experience exquisite seafood dining at Crabby Jack's by Vazon Bay - where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.

4.3

Christies Brasserie

Discover exquisite flavors at Christies Brasserie in Guernsey – where local charm meets gourmet cuisine with stunning bay views.

4.4

The Terrace Garden Cafe

Discover the vibrant flavors of Thailand at The Terrace Garden Cafe in Guernsey - where every meal is a delightful adventure.

4.4

Best bars in St. Saviour

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The Rockmount - Randalls

Experience the perfect blend of coastal charm and culinary excellence at The Rockmount - Randalls, a must-visit gastropub in Guernsey.

4.5

Thomas De La Rue

Discover the charm of Guernsey at Thomas De La Rue, where exceptional food, local brews, and vibrant entertainment come together in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Ship & Crown

Experience the best of local and international cuisine at Ship & Crown, Guernsey's charming dining destination with stunning coastal views.

4.4

The Deerhound

Experience the warm hospitality and culinary delights of The Deerhound, a charming gastropub in Guernsey offering locally-sourced dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.5

Best nightclubs in St. Saviour

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The Farmhouse

Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort at The Farmhouse in Guernsey, a premier destination for relaxation and events.

4.4

Amigos

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Amigos, Guernsey's top cocktail bar, known for its creative drinks and lively atmosphere.

4.5

The Swan Inn

Discover the charm of The Swan Inn, a cozy bar in Guernsey offering a delightful selection of drinks and a warm atmosphere for relaxation.

4.2

PingQuay

Experience the lively ambiance and scenic views at PingQuay, Guernsey's premier bar destination.

4.4

Best shops in St. Saviour

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Morrisons Daily

Discover convenience at Morrisons Daily in Guernsey, where quality groceries meet exceptional service for all your travel needs.

4.1

Forest Stores

Experience the local charm of Guernsey at Forest Stores, where unique groceries and friendly service await every visitor.

4.6

Ogiers

Discover stylish apparel and accessories at Ogiers, Guernsey's premier clothing store, where quality meets local charm.

4.7

Perelle Butchery

Experience the finest local meats at Perelle Butchery in St Saviour, Guernsey, where quality and tradition come together in every bite.

4.9

Explore St. Saviour on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in St. Saviour, mapped for you.

St. Saviour Essentials

St. Saviour is located in the western part of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. The nearest airport is Guernsey Airport (GCI), which has regular flights from the UK and other European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to St. Saviour. Alternatively, you can reach Guernsey by ferry from the UK or France, arriving at St. Peter Port, the island's main harbor. From there, it's a short drive or bus ride to St. Saviour.
Public transportation in St. Saviour is efficient and reliable, with buses running frequently to various parts of the island. Renting a car or a bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the area at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to book in advance. Walking is another great way to explore St. Saviour, as it is a relatively small area with well-marked trails and paths.
The official currency in Guernsey is the Guernsey Pound (GGP), which is on par with the British Pound (GBP). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably on the island. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout St. Saviour, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for use in rural areas.
St. Saviour is generally very safe for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Petty crime is rare, but it can happen, so stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to remain aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 999 or 112 for immediate assistance. The local police and medical services are efficient and well-equipped. There is a medical center in St. Saviour and a hospital in St. Peter Port. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many medicines are available over the counter.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Churches are open to visitors, but always behave respectfully and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do have the exact fare for buses as drivers may not provide change. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as Guernsey Gâche and Bean Jar. Don't refuse a meal invitation from locals, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience St. Saviour like a local, visit the local markets and farm shops for fresh produce and homemade goods. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about the area. Don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful countryside and coastal paths. For a unique experience, visit the Little Chapel, one of Guernsey’s most famous landmarks, which is located nearby.

When is the best time to visit St. Saviour?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for St. Saviour

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in St. Saviour. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwar]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh mahn-yoo, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koo]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swah]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo ay luh/lah]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kohn ay luh proh-shan (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of St. Saviour

St. Saviour Parish in Guernsey was founded in the 12th century, its name derived from the dedication to Jesus Christ, the 'Saviour.' The parish church, St. Saviour's Church, was established around this time and has been a central part of the community ever since. Built on the site of an earlier chapel, the church has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries.
During the medieval period, St. Saviour was predominantly an agricultural parish. The fertile land and moderate climate made it ideal for farming. The landscape was dotted with small farms that produced a variety of crops including wheat, barley, and vegetables. Livestock farming was also a crucial part of the local economy, with cattle, sheep, and pigs being raised.
Guernsey's proximity to France has significantly influenced St. Saviour's culture and history. During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), the island was frequently caught between English and French control. This period saw the construction of defensive structures and the reinforcement of the parish church as a sanctuary for the locals.
The 16th century Reformation brought significant religious and social changes to St. Saviour. The island, including St. Saviour Parish, transitioned from Catholicism to Protestantism under the influence of the English Crown. The parish church, which had been a Roman Catholic institution, became a Protestant place of worship. This change was marked by the removal of Catholic iconography and the introduction of English services.
During the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), Guernsey, including St. Saviour, became strategically important due to its location. The British fortified the island to protect against potential French invasion. Martello towers and other defensive structures were erected to bolster the island's defenses. These fortifications, some of which still stand today, are a testament to the island's military significance during this period.
One of the most significant events in St. Saviour's history was the German occupation during World War II (1940-1945). Guernsey was occupied by German forces, and St. Saviour, like the rest of the island, saw the construction of bunkers, anti-tank walls, and other military installations. The occupation period had a profound impact on the local population, with many enduring hardships and forced labor.
Following the liberation in 1945, St. Saviour, along with the rest of Guernsey, underwent a period of recovery and rebuilding. The post-war era saw the modernization of infrastructure and the revitalization of the local economy. Today, St. Saviour is a vibrant parish that blends its rich historical heritage with modern amenities, attracting visitors from around the world.