Castle Cornet Castle

Address: Castle Cornet, St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1FG

Website: https://www.castlecornet.gg

Hours: Apr-Oct typically daily 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar reduced hours - check Castle Cornet official site for current times

Admission: Adult £10-£12 (check seasonal rates); concessions and family tickets available

Castle Cornet is a medieval coastal fortress on a small island guarding St Peter Port harbour in Guernsey. It dates back to the medieval period and was expanded in later centuries to adapt to changing military technology.

On site are a medieval keep and extensive ramparts and batteries, which illustrate the long history of harbour defence at St Peter Port; many parts of the castle are accessible to visitors and contain displays about the island’s military past. The grounds include gardens and promenades around the fortifications.

The castle has been a prominent landmark for the town across centuries, functioning historically as a defensive fortress and administrative residence.

Castle Cornet sits immediately offshore from St Peter Port and is visible from the town waterfront; seasonal visitor access is provided from the harbour area.

• Harbour position: The castle occupies an island position at the entrance to St Peter Port harbour and is approached from the town by a short causeway; it has served both defensive and administrative roles through its history.

What to See#

• The Keep: A central medieval keep and surrounding curtain walls dating from the original medieval construction phases that dominate the site’s silhouette.
• Ramparts and batteries: Seaward ramparts and gun batteries reflecting later artillery-era modifications that were added to strengthen the harbour defences.

Castle Cornet occupies a promontory at the entrance to St. Peter Port harbour. From the town centre it’s an easy 10-15 minute walk along the waterfront (follow signs toward the Castle). Regular ferries and flights connect Guernsey to England and the Channel Islands; once on the island, local buses and taxis serve St. Peter Port.

• Walk the ramparts at low tide for the best views of St. Peter Port harbour and the chain of smaller fortifications.
• Plan to arrive mid-morning when local school groups leave and the museums inside first open their doors.
• Buy the combined ticket to visit the maritime museums inside - maritime artefacts and the wartime exhibitions repay an hour or two.