Castle Cornet, Military fortress at Saint Peter Port, Bailiwick of Guernsey
Description
Castle Cornet is a stone fortress standing at the entrance to Saint Peter Port harbor, built with defensive walls and bastions overlooking the water. Inside, four separate museums display military artifacts and objects from the island's past.
History
The fortress was built in 1206 after King John lost Normandy to France, and it grew over centuries as conflicts between England and France continued. The structure was regularly updated with new fortifications as military technology and threats changed.
Culture
The castle displays exhibitions about local military units and their role in protecting the island through centuries of conflict. Visitors can see uniforms, weapons, and personal objects that reflect how soldiers lived and worked in this fortress.
Practical
The fortress is reached by a causeway and offers viewing points across the harbor and sea from different levels of the structure. There are walking paths through the bastions, so wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since there are many stairs and uneven surfaces.
Did you know?
Each day at noon during the open season, uniformed guards fire a real cannon in a ceremony that has continued for over 300 years. This ritual marks the midday hour and is one of the few places where visitors can still witness this old military tradition today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Saint Peter Port).
Little Chapel
4.6 km
Hauteville House
841 m
Footes Lane
2.9 km
Sausmarez Manor
2.4 km
Bréhon Tower
3.4 km
Fort George, Guernsey
804 m
Town Church, Guernsey
753 m
Vale Castle
3.8 km
The Vale Church, Guernsey
4.5 km
Chateau des Marais
2.3 km
St James, Guernsey
1 km
Artparks Sculpture Park
2.5 km
The Track
3.4 km
Victoria Tower
1.3 km
Doyle Monument
3 km
Saumarez Park
4.3 km
St Martin’s Parish Church, Guernsey
2.7 km
Priaulx Library
1.3 km
The Corbet Field
3.8 km
Les Fouaillages
5 km
Moulin Huet Bay
3.7 km
Castle Breakwater Lighthouse
271 m
Saint's Bay
4.1 km
LA VALETTE UNDERGROUND MILITARY MUSEUM
630 m
Fermain Tower
2 km
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery
1.3 km
Clarence Battery
833 m
Doyle Column
3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes