Experience a warm welcome in Guernsey, where the proudly independent residents will readily tell you about their home’s numerous attractions. Spend your days here hopping between engrossing museums and historical sites, or simply find a quiet corner of coastline to relax by the waters of St. Malo Bay.

Guernsey has a colorful history, visible in every corner of the island. Explore the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery or marvel at the Guernsey Tapestry for an insight into the island’s past. This vast artwork depicts a thousand years of history, including the moment Guernsey became tied to the British crown, with the Norman invasion of 1066. Today the island is a crown dependency, sharing an allegiance, but not a government, with the U.K.

The tapestry and museum and gallery are in St. Peter Port the charming coastal capital, home of numerous other attractions and restaurants. Medieval Castle Cornet has been standing watch over the town since the 13th century, and today it hosts five museums and four formal gardens. Discover the town’s other historical sites, including Hauteville House, which was the home of Victor Hugo, and the Victorian Candie Gardens.

The neighboring parish of St. Martins is equally full of places worth visiting. Stately Sausmarez Manor and the nearby German Occupation Museum chronicle different aspects of the island’s history. Explore the coastline to find hidden coves, such as the picturesque Petit Bot Bay.

The neighborhood of Castel is one of the north coast’s highlights, as it hosts tranquil Saumarez Park and the beautiful beachside town of Cobo. Head to the western corner of the island to find Fort Grey, a tower built in 1804 that houses a fascinating museum on local shipwrecks.

Fly into Guernsey for the quickest route to the island from major cities in the U.K. Alternatively, board a ferry from Poole and Portsmouth or from towns in Normandy. Come in summer for warm days to spend on the beach or visit in spring to see the hills come to life with wildflowers.