Saumarez Park

Saumarez Park is the largest public green space in Guernsey, covering a substantial area on the western side of the island with far-reaching views across the island to the sea beyond. The park was the private grounds of Saumarez House, the historic home of the de Saumarez family whose name appears throughout Guernsey's history, and was given to the public by the States of Guernsey in the mid-20th century, preserving it as a shared space rather than allowing it to be subdivided or sold for development.

The formal gardens retain much of their Victorian character, with terraced flower beds, a rose garden that is at its best in early summer, and ornamental ponds connected by small streams. The planting scheme follows the tradition of bedding-out that was fashionable in the 19th century, with seasonal displays that change several times a year, and the contrast between the formal beds and the informal meadow and woodland areas gives the park a variety of atmosphere within a single visit.

The Guernsey Folk Museum is located within the park and occupies a collection of traditional Guernsey buildings including a 16th-century farmhouse, a cobbler's workshop and a smithy, all moved to the site and preserved as exhibits. The museum gives a detailed picture of rural Guernsey life before tourism and finance became the island's main industries, with exhibits covering the fishing industry, local crafts, agricultural practices and domestic life.

Nature trails wind through the park's woodland areas, which include mature trees and a variety of native and naturalised planting that provides habitat for birds and insects. The trails are suitable for families and for less mobile visitors, and the surface is generally firm enough for buggies and wheelchairs on the main paths. A children's play area near the main entrance is popular with locals and provides a practical reason to visit for families.

The park's elevated position means that on clear days there are views from the higher paths that extend across the island to the sea on three sides. The experience of green open space with these views is a reminder of Guernsey's island position and the agricultural character that still underlies the island's modern economy, and the park functions as both a recreational space and a quiet Green space in an increasingly built-up island.

The park is popular with local families and visitors alike, and its combination of ornamental gardens, woodland walks and open meadows makes it a place where different moods are catered for within a single afternoon visit.

It is the largest public park in Guernsey and offers a wide variety of landscapes from formal gardens to woodland walks within a single site.

The Guernsey Folk Museum gives a rare picture of the island's rural and maritime heritage in an authentic collection of historic buildings.

The park provides panoramic views across Guernsey and is easily accessible by bus or car from St. Peter Port.