Things to Do in St Martin

Everything you need to explore St Martin — top attractions, local dining, insider tips and transport.

Landmark in St Martin

St Peter Port Harbour & Albert Pier
Free 0.1 km from centre

Working harbour with ferries, fishing boats and a long stone pier. Clean, breezy walk with benches and views across to Herm and Sark. The nearby fish market sells day-boat catch.

🕐 Always open

💡 Walk to the end of Albert Pier at sunset – it’s free, uncrowded and the light on the granite is spectacular. Buy a bag of prawns from the fish van (around £4) for a cheap snack.

Hotels near St Peter Port Harbour & Albert Pier →
St Peter Port Harbour & Albert Pier
Free 0.1 km from centre

The working harbour of St Peter Port, with a long stone pier, fishing boats, and views across to Sark and Herm. The Albert Pier has benches and a small lighthouse. The nearby fish market sells fresh catch in the mornings.

🕐 Open 24 hours, but fish market active 7am–12pm Tue–Sat

💡 Go at sunrise or just after a storm for dramatic light and spindrift. The best spot is at the end of the Albert Pier, past the marina. Free parking for 30 minutes on the pier itself if you're quick.

Hotels near St Peter Port Harbour & Albert Pier →
St Martin's Point & Le Gouffre
Free 4.0 km from centre

A dramatic granite headland at the southern tip of the island, with a blowhole (Le Gouffre) that spouts water during high winds and big tides. The cliff path runs south from here to Petit Bot Bay. Free to access, no facilities at the point itself.

🕐 Open 24 hours, but best visited in daylight

💡 Drive to Le Gouffre car park (free during winter, paid in summer) and walk the coastal path for 15 minutes to the point. Best at low spring tides when the channels are visible. Avoid in heavy rain — the path gets slippery. Bring binoculars for seabirds.

Hotels near St Martin's Point & Le Gouffre →

Park in St Martin

Candie Gardens
Free 0.2 km from centre

Formal Victorian gardens with a glasshouse, subtropical planting and a restored bandstand. Free and open year-round. The park slopes uphill, giving views over St Peter Port harbour.

🕐 Always open (gardens); café daily 9:30am-4pm

💡 Bring a picnic and sit near the fountain. The garden’s café sells good tea and cake for under £4, but they close by 4pm.

Hotels near Candie Gardens →
Candie Gardens
Free 0.4 km from centre

A formal Victorian garden set on a hill above St Peter Port, with a greenhouse, statue of Victor Hugo, and a small bandstand. The garden has herbaceous borders, a pond, and good views over the harbour. Free to enter, and the Guernsey Museum inside Ca

🕐 Daily 07:30–dusk

💡 Bring a picnic — there are benches in the upper area with the best sea view. The museum is free on the first Saturday of the month. The garden closes at dusk, not at a fixed time.

Hotels near Candie Gardens →

Museum in St Martin

Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery
0 0.3 km from centre

Small but well-curated museum in Candie Gardens. Covers island prehistory, the German Occupation and local art. Entry is about £5, but the gardens and Victorian greenhouse café are free.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm (closed Jan)

💡 Go on a weekday morning – it’s quieter. The museum ticket also allows re-entry for a week, so you can pop back after a lunch break.

Hotels near Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery →
German Occupation Museum
0 1.5 km from centre

A privately-run museum in a former German bunker, around 20 minutes' walk from town. Contains original uniforms, vehicles and a reconstructed 1940s street. Entry is about £6.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (Easter-Oct), Sunday 1pm-5pm

💡 It’s small – allow an hour. The audio guide is included and adds context to the propaganda posters and personal letters. Cash only at the ticket desk.

Hotels near German Occupation Museum →

Historic in St Martin

Castle Cornet
0 0.6 km from centre

A 13th-century castle on a tidal island, connected to the harbour by a causeway. Five museums inside cover maritime, military and local history. Grounds and gardens are free to wander; entry to the museums costs about £8.

🕐 Daily 10am-5pm (Easter-Oct), closed Nov-Mar

💡 Go for the noon cannon firing – a daily tradition since the 1800s. The causeway is walkable only at low tide; check tide times online before you set off.

Hotels near Castle Cornet →
Castle Cornet
0 1.0 km from centre

A 13th-century castle on a tidal island, connected to St Peter Port by a causeway. Entry is paid via a combined ticket with the Guernsey Museums, but the grounds and outer walls are free to explore at any time. The castle has five museums inside, cov

🕐 Daily 10:00–17:00 (Apr–Oct), closed Nov–Mar except for special events

💡 Time your visit for the noonday cannon firing, which happens daily from April to October. The castle closes at 5pm, so arrive by 4pm to see it properly. Free entry to the grounds only; museum entry is £11.50 for adults.

Hotels near Castle Cornet →

Cultural in St Martin

Hauteville House (Victor Hugo's House)
0 0.6 km from centre

Victor Hugo's home during his 15-year exile in Guernsey. The house is filled with his furniture, tapestries, and porcelain. Entry is paid (£10 for adults), but the exterior and the walled garden (visible through the gate) are free to view. The house

🕐 Wed–Mon 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–16:30 (closed Tue), limited winter hours

💡 Don't pay for the interior unless you're a Victor Hugo enthusiast — the garden is the real draw, and you can see the external staircase and ornate chimneys from the street. Free street parking is available on Hauteville. Check the website: opened only 10am–12:30pm and 2pm–4pm.

Hotels near Hauteville House (Victor Hugo's House) →

Where to Eat in St Martin

Fontaine Inn Local ££
The Point Icart Tea Rooms & Gardens Local ££
Renoir Tea Garden Local ££
Fermain Tavern Local ££
Pier17 Local ££
White Rock Cafe Local ££
The Last Post Local ££
The Beach Cafe Local ££

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in St Martin?

The top attractions include St Peter Port Harbour & Albert Pier, St Peter Port Harbour & Albert Pier, Candie Gardens, Candie Gardens, St Martin's Point & Le Gouffre, Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery.

How many days do you need in St Martin?

Most visitors spend 2–4 days to see the main highlights. Three days is ideal for a first visit — see our St Martin 3-day itinerary for a day-by-day plan.

What is St Martin famous for?

St Martin is known for its history, culture and distinctive character. Visitors come for the landmarks, food scene and local atmosphere.

Where should I eat in St Martin?

Top options include Fontaine Inn, The Point Icart Tea Rooms & Gardens, Renoir Tea Garden, Fermain Tavern.