Fort Hommet, Military fortress on Vazon Bay headland in Castel, Guernsey
Fort Hommet is a defensive complex on the western coast combining a 19th-century Martello tower, Victorian gun batteries, and World War II German bunkers. The different structures are spread across the site and show how defensive strategies changed over time.
Early fortifications started around 1680, with a Martello tower added in 1804 during the Napoleonic Wars to strengthen coastal defense. German forces later occupied and reinforced the site during World War II, leaving concrete structures that remain visible today.
The fort shows different building styles that visitors can see while walking around, with older defensive structures mixed alongside German occupation remnants. You can observe how various periods left their marks on the structures.
Access is best on foot, with paths to the tower and bunkers having varying slopes and uneven surfaces. Wear sturdy shoes and be careful during windy weather, as the location sits on a coastal headland.
The Martello tower here is smaller than typical British versions and features a rare external staircase leading to the upper level. This design sets it apart from other towers of the same type in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.