Guernsey’s only landlocked parish is the home of a thrilling war site, a strikingly colored chapel and charming villages in the heart of the island.
Leave Guernsey’s coastline behind and head inland to the quiet rural region of St. Andrew. The parish is often bypassed by visitors travelling to the island’s famously gorgeous beaches. Linger in St. Andrew, however, and you can enjoy staying in picturesque villages surrounded by fields and visiting two of the island’s most unusual attractions. Uncover different aspects of the island’s history by seeing a quaint and tiny church building or heading underground to a military hospital.
Explore the storied region, which is traditionally known as St. Andre de la Pommeraye. Many of the buildings here are rich with history, such as the 12th-century St. Andrew of the Apple Orchard Church and the Fontaine de St. Clair, a fountain with waters believed to have healing powers.
One of the region’s most impressive attractions is the German Underground Hospital, a remnant of the German occupation during World War II. Head beneath the hills to find this vast network of corridors, which spreads out over 75,000 square feet (6968 square metres) in the centre of the parish.
Read about the hospital’s construction, which led to the deaths of many slaves over 3.5 years. Wander around the atmospheric tunnels and stop by the museum exhibits, which tell more stories of the occupation. Afterward, explore the German Occupation Museum, which is just outside the parish, to learn more about this chapter in Guernsey’s history.
Pay a visit to the multicolored Little Chapel, a miniature church that lives up to its name. It was built in 1923 to mimic the grotto in Lourdes, and is meticulously decorated with shards of china and colored pebbles. Take photos of the delightful exterior and its bright blue spire, then head inside to marvel at the mosaics that cover the walls.
St. Andrew is located next to the airport in Guernsey, making it is easy to access. Drive here in about 10 minutes from the capital of St. Peter Port or the northern beaches at Cobo and Vazon. Quiet St. Andrew is a pleasant destination to visit at any time of year, with mild weather in most seasons.
