The Key To The Tower

Island views await, but first you need to get to the Victoria Tower!

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Arriving into St Peter Port in Guernsey on a warmer summer's day felt like I had left Britain behind and escaped to somewhere in the Mediterranean.  
That is of course until I caught sight of the beautiful town centre laced with bunting and decorations for the Platinum Jubilee, and some familiar brands like Marks & Spencer and Specsavers.

 
St Peter Port’s History

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A sign for the Old Quarter near the Church intrigued me, wherever I go I like to understand the history. I soon discovered there is quite a bit of history in Guernsey, including the German invasion during World War II - there’s even an underground hospital outside of the port city you can explore.  

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I decided to continue up the hill towards Candie Gardens (which is a must should you travel here) when I first stepped ashore the green hill with a castle-like building peaking through caught my attention. Another thing I love to do when visiting towns and cities is to wander around the parks and gardens for a change of pace.  

Candie Gardens

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Candie Gardens is well kept, roses and lupins lined the borders of the garden walls and in the middle were red and white flower beds surrounded by benches, trees and sculptures - a beautiful setting to relax on a sunny summer’s day.  
Looking out over the sloped park was the statue of Victor Hugo, in the distance you could see the sea and neighbouring Channel Islands.  

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Queen Victoria

I soon came across another statue of Queen Victoria who travelled to St Peter Port during her reign, and this statue was built to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. I enjoyed strolling through the park and taking photos of the flowers - I particularly loved the tall tusk shaped purple plants and palm trees, which gave the place that abroad feeling once again.

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Victoria Tower

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Scanning a paper map of the area I was intrigued by Victoria Tower, 99 steps for a great view - challenge accepted. I headed back inside Candie Gardens to Guernsey Museum where you pick up a large old key for the tower. Only small groups are allowed in Victoria Tower at a time and you have to unlock it and lock it up yourself.  
A narrow stone spiral staircase winds its way up the tower where panoramic views of St Peters Port and the island awaits, as well as an even better view of the sea and surrounding islands.

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I loved my first trip to St Peter Port in Guernsey - Candie Gardens and Victoria Tower were well worth seeing and are free to enter. There’s a pavilion inside the park too which was a lovely spot to stop for a drink.

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