Saint Peter Port facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St. Peter Port Saint-Pierre-Port
Parish
Saint Peter Port, Town Church, Elizabeth College entrance, Castle Pier Lighthouse, Castle Cornet, Victoria Tower, Elizabeth College building, Hauteville House, QE2 Marina
Flag
Location of Saint Peter Port on Guernsey, in the Channel Islands
Crown Dependency	Bailiwick of Guernsey
Area
• Total	6.5 km2 (2.5 sq mi)
Elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2019)
• Total	18,958
• Density	2,917/km2 (7,550/sq mi)
Time zone	GMT
• Summer (DST)	UTC+01
Postal code	GY1

St. Peter Port (also called Saint-Pierre Port in French) is a lively town and one of the ten parishes on the island of Guernsey. Guernsey is part of the Channel Islands. St. Peter Port is the main town of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It is also the island's most important port. In 2019, about 18,958 people lived here.

Locals often just call St. Peter Port "town." It has many steep, narrow streets and steps. These streets climb up the hills overlooking the harbour. People know that a trading town was here even before Roman times. Its old name is now lost.

The parish covers an area of 6.5 square kilometers. The postal code for this area starts with GY1. People from St. Peter Port were once called "les Villais" (the townspeople) in the local language, Guernésiais.

Where is St. Peter Port Located?

St. Peter Port is on the east coast of Guernsey. From here, you can see the islands of Herm and tiny Jethou. Another channel separates Sark and its small islets like Brecqhou. On very clear days, you might even see Normandy's long Cotentin Peninsula and Jersey to the southeast.

The parish shares borders with other parishes. To the north is St. Sampson. To the northwest is The Vale. St. Andrew is to the west. Finally, St. Martin is to the south.

Surrounding Waters and Islands

The closest channel is called the Little Russel. The Bréhon Tower stands in this channel. The channel separating Sark is the Big Russel. Both channels are less than half the length of Guernsey. They have many coastal rocks and tall rock formations called stacks. Some of these are just barely covered by water.

What is the Land Like?

The land in the north and near the harbour is low. However, it is not marshy or swampy. In the south, the land gets higher. But it is not as high as St Martin's or the Forest parishes.

The southern coast has grassy cliffs with sea walls. These cliffs are topped with trees. This area includes the semi-wooded Havelet, where you can find an underground military museum. To the north, you'll find the more developed Admiral Park. South of the town is Havelet Bay. A coastal path from here leads to the beautiful Fermain Bay. This walk takes about 20–25 minutes.

What is the Weather Like?

St. Peter Port has an oceanic climate. This means it has mild summers and cool winters. The weather is generally pleasant throughout the year.

How is St. Peter Port Divided?

Castle Cornet is a historic fortress.

Saint Peter Port is split into four main areas called cantons:

• Canton 1 or North Canton
• Canton 2 or Canton of the North-West
• Canton 3 or Canton of the South-West
• Canton 4 or Canton of the South

The islands of Herm and Jethou are also part of the parish. However, they are not part of any canton. These islands belong to the electoral district of Saint Peter Port South.

Sports and Fun Activities

St. Peter Port is home to Guernsey F.C., a football club that plays in the English Isthmian League. They play their games at Footes Lane. The Guernsey Rugby Football Club also plays at Footes Lane. They compete in National League 3 London & SE.

Local News and Media

St. Peter Port gets its local news from television programs like BBC Channel Islands News and ITV News Channel TV. The two main radio stations, BBC Radio Guernsey and Island FM, are based in the town. The local newspaper is the Guernsey Press.

Parks and Gardens to Explore

Candie Gardens is a beautiful Victorian garden.

Candie Gardens is a beautiful Victorian garden that has won awards. Here you can see statues of famous people like Victor Hugo and Queen Victoria. The Guernsey Museum at Candie and the Priaulx Library are both located within these gardens.

Cambridge Park is another fun park. It has Winston Churchill Avenue, a lovely tree-lined path named after Winston Churchill. There is also a skate park for skateboarding. In 2014 and 2016, the parish won gold medals in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition. This shows how beautiful the town's gardens are.

What to See and Do in St. Peter Port

St. Peter Port has many interesting places to visit:

• St Peter Port Harbour: The main port where boats come and go.
• Town Church, Guernsey: The main church of St. Peter Port, right in the town center.
• Important Buildings:
  • The Royal Court House (La Cohue Royale): This is where the States of Guernsey government meets.
  • Hauteville House: The house where French writer Victor Hugo lived when he was in exile. It is now a museum.
  • National Trust of Guernsey Victorian shop: A historic shop that shows what life was like in Victorian times.
  • Elizabeth College: A school founded in 1563 by Elizabeth I of England. Its main building, built in 1826, stands out in the town's skyline.
  • Victoria Tower: A tall tower offering great views.
  • Priaulx Library: A historic library.
  • Guille-Allès Library: Another important library in the town.
  • St James concert hall: A place for music and performances.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary Church: A beautiful church.
• Shopping Areas: The Market, the Arcade, the High Street, the Pollet, Smith Street, Mill Street, and Mansel Street are all great for shopping. Many of these streets are for pedestrians only.
• Old Town Charm: Explore the cobbled streets and narrow paths of the old town.
• Guernsey Museum at Candie (Candie Museum): Learn about Guernsey's history and culture.
• Marinas: Places for both visiting and local boats to dock.
• Military History:
  • Castle Cornet: A historic fortress that protected the port. It used to be an island, but a breakwater now connects it to the harbour.
  • German Naval Signals HQ: This was the headquarters for German naval communications during World War II. It used Enigma code machines.
  • Island war memorial: Located at the top of Smith Street.
  • Parish war memorial: Found at the bottom of Smith Street.
  • St Stephens war memorial: Inside St Stephens church.
  • Liberation monument: Celebrates the island's freedom.
  • Anglo-Boer War memorial: Located in the Avenue.
  • Fort George: A historic fort.
  • Cemetery at Fort George: A burial ground near the fort.
  • Commonwealth War Graves: At Le Foulon cemetery.
  • Clarence Battery: A military battery from the Napoleonic Wars.
  • La Vallette military museum: Learn about military history.
  • German fortifications: Built during the occupation from 1940–45.
  • Two 13.5 cm K 09 German World War I Cannons: Near Victoria Tower.
• The Guernsey Aquarium: This aquarium was in fortified tunnels built during the German occupation. It closed permanently in 2021.
• Bathing places at La Vallette: Spots for swimming.
• Protected Buildings:
  • Castle Carey: Built in 1840, this Gothic-style building is very old and important. It was once home to the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited here in 1859. Victor Hugo even mentioned Castle Carey in his novel Les Travailleurs de la Mer. During World War II, the Germans used it as an officers’ club.

Other Important Places in St. Peter Port

The parish of Saint Peter Port also hosts many important services and businesses:

• Government House: The office of the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey.
• St Peter Port Douzaine: A local government office.
• Guernsey Information Centre: Where you can get tourist information.
• Fire Station: For emergency services.
• States of Guernsey Police Service: The local police headquarters.
• Guernsey Ambulance and Rescue Service: Provides emergency medical help.
• Saint Peter Port Lifeboat Station: For sea rescues.
• Guernsey Border Agency: Manages borders and immigration.
• Guernsey Post: The island's postal service.
• Footes Lane: A major sports ground.
• Ladies' College: Another important school.
• Vauvert Primary School: A local primary school.
• Many shops, banks, and offices.
• The International Stock Exchange: An important financial center.
• Condor Ferries: A ferry company with its main office here.
• Countryside walks: Enjoy nature trails.
• Val des Terres Hill Climb: A popular car race event.
• St Peter Port Harbour Carnival and Town Carnival: Fun local events.

The Town Church is a central landmark.

The Liberation Monument celebrates freedom.

Main Roads in St. Peter Port

These main roads connect St. Peter Port to other parts of the island:

• Les Banques: Goes along the coast to St Sampson's and the north.
• Rohais: Leads to the parish of Castel.
• Mount Row: Connects to St Andrew's and the west.
• Ruette Brayes: Leads to St Martin's and the south.
• Fort Road: Also leads to St Martin's.

The following coastal roads are also very important. They provide access to shops, car parks, and the harbour:

• St George's Esplanade
• North Esplanade
• South Esplanade

Famous People from St. Peter Port

Many notable people have connections to St. Peter Port:

• Margaret Ann Neve – She was the oldest woman in the world until she passed away in 1903.
• Sir Isaac Brock – A Major General known as the "Hero of Upper Canada" from the War of 1812.
• Matt Le Tissier – A famous footballer.
• Alison Merrien MBE – A World indoors bowls champion.
• George Métivier – A poet.
• Heather Watson – A tennis player and Team GB athlete. She was also a Wimbledon Champion.
• Victor Hugo – A famous French writer who lived in St. Peter Port from 1855 to 1870.
• Cameron Chalmers – An athlete.

Money and Buildings: Guernsey Banknotes

Guernsey banknotes feature several buildings from St. Peter Port:

• One pound note: Shows the Market and the Royal Court.
• One pound commemorative note: Features the Market and Fountain Street.
• Five pound note: Displays the Town Church.
• Ten pound note: Shows Elizabeth College.
• Twenty pound note: Features St James concert hall.
• Fifty pound note: Displays the Royal Court house.

See also

In Spanish: Saint Peter Port para niños