At Red Carnation Hotels, we are passionate about the extraordinary culture, heritage and experiences that make every destination unique. On the island of Guernsey, inspiration is found not only in its beautiful coastline and historic harbour town, but in the quiet freedom that island life offers those who explore it. This International Women’s Day, we 'Celebrate Her Journey'. Not only how far women have come, but how travel continues to open doors, build confidence and create moments of belonging along the way. Throughout history, women’s journeys have not always been simple. Travel once required permission, accompaniment and explanation. Yet women continued to move forward, exploring the world around them with resilience and curiosity. Every step widened what was possible for those who followed. Today, travel continues to hold meaning in many different ways. Women travel to celebrate, to reconnect, to discover new places and sometimes simply to pause and breathe. Inspired by this spirit, we have created a Women’s Trail of Guernsey. A thoughtfully curated journey across the island celebrating nature, heritage, creativity and the quiet confidence that travel can bring. The Women’s Trail Itinerary Begin the Day: Sunrise at the Bathing Pools Celebrating the freedom and wellbeing found in the sea Begin the trail early with sunrise at Guernsey’s historic Bathing Pools. Sea swimming has long been associated with wellbeing, resilience and connection to nature. Watching the sun rise over the water offers a peaceful and grounding start to the day. Local instructor Jane England often leads yoga sessions by the sea, welcoming both residents and visitors to experience movement and mindfulness beside the ocean. It is a reminder that women continue to shape Guernsey’s culture today, creating spaces that encourage wellbeing and connection. Walking time to next stop: approximately 15 to 20 minutes into St Peter Port. Morning Rituals: Breakfast at Coco Celebrating creativity and independent enterprise Continue into the harbour town of St Peter Port and begin the day properly with breakfast at Coco, a much loved local café. Independent cafés such as Coco reflect the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape communities across the island. Enjoy coffee, fresh pastries and a relaxed moment watching the harbour come to life before continuing the journey. Walking time to next stop: approximately 5 minutes to St Peter Port harbour. Island Independence: Exploring Sark Celebrating the legacy of Dame Sibyl Hathaway From St Peter Port harbour, continue the trail with a boat journey to the neighbouring island of Sark, one of the most distinctive destinations in the Channel Islands. Sark holds a remarkable place in history through the leadership of Dame Sibyl Hathaway, who served as the Dame of Sark from 1927 until 1974. Known for her determination and diplomacy, Hathaway remained on the island during the German occupation of the Channel Islands and negotiated directly with occupying forces to protect the community. Today Sark remains car free, preserving a slower pace of life where visitors explore by bicycle, on foot or by horse drawn carriage. Walking the island’s dramatic coastal paths offers a sense of freedom and independence that captures the true spirit of travel. After exploring Sark, return by boat to St Peter Port to continue the trail. Boat travel time each way: approximately 45 minutes. A Courageous Voice: Remembering Mary Ozanne Honouring one of Guernsey’s most courageous women Back on Guernsey, continue the journey with a moment of reflection on one of the island’s most remarkable historical figures. During the German occupation of the Channel Islands in the Second World War, Guernsey resident Mary Ozanne spoke out against the persecution and deportation of Jewish residents by Nazi authorities. Her refusal to remain silent led to her imprisonment, where she later died in 1943. Today she is remembered as a symbol of courage and moral conviction. Visitors can learn more about Guernsey’s wartime history at the German Occupation Museum, where the experiences of island residents during this extraordinary period are carefully documented. Travel time by taxi from St Peter Port: approximately 15 minutes. A Timeless Tradition: Afternoon Tea at The Old Government House Hotel & Spa Honouring a ritual rooted in women’s history No journey through British culture feels complete without Afternoon Tea. The tradition was popularised in the nineteenth century by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who introduced the custom as a social gathering between lunch and dinner. What began as a simple refreshment soon became an elegant ritual centred on conversation and hospitality. At The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, Guernsey’s only five star hotel, guests can enjoy this timeless experience in the elegant lounge or in the garden during warmer months. Afternoon Tea provides a perfect pause in the trail. A moment to reflect on the day’s discoveries while enjoying delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones and handcrafted pastries. Sunset by the Sea: Rockmount Ending the day with island views As the afternoon transitions into evening, head to Rockmount Restaurant & Bar, one of Guernsey’s most beautiful spots to dine and watch the sun set across the sea. With the sound of waves nearby and views stretching across the bay, it offers a relaxed and atmospheric setting to enjoy fresh fish and chips and a glass of local cider. Watching the sky change colour over the water provides a fitting moment to reflect on the stories, places and discoveries experienced throughout the day. Seasonal Island Moments Those visiting Guernsey during the summer months will often discover vibrant local events taking place across the island. From Cobo Balcony Gigs and Seafront Sundays to the West Show, Lé Viaër Marchi, sailing regattas and outdoor cinema evenings at Castle Cornet, these gatherings celebrate the island’s community spirit and offer visitors a chance to experience Guernsey’s culture in a lively and authentic way. Seasonal highlights such as The Big Eat bring the island’s food scene to life, with local restaurants and producers showcasing their flavours. At The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, guests can also enjoy special events throughout the year, including Fizz & Chips on Friday 10th April as part of The Big Eat celebrations, as well as an atmospheric, a first-of-its-kind Murder Mystery Evening hosted within the historic hotel on Saturday 18th April. A Journey to Remember Through this journey across Guernsey, travellers discover the island through moments of nature, heritage and connection. The Women’s Trail of Guernsey is more than an itinerary. It is a celebration of exploration, resilience and the many ways travel continues to inspire. At Red Carnation Hotels, celebrating women and their journeys is woven deeply into the fabric of the company. Founder Beatrice Tollman believed that hospitality should always be an expression of generosity, warmth and care. Her vision shaped a family business that continues to place people, connection and thoughtful service at its heart. Today that legacy continues through the Tollman family, with Vicki Tollman working alongside her niece Ella Tollman to guide the future of Red Carnation Hotels across destinations including Guernsey. In many ways, the Women’s Trail of Guernsey reflects this same spirit. It is a journey through stories of courage, discovery and independence, and a reminder that every journey taken has the power to inspire another. For guests exploring the island, the Old Government House Hotel & Spa offers the perfect base from which to begin and end the day’s discoveries. And as travellers follow the trail across Guernsey, the hope is that they too feel inspired by the journeys that have come before them and perhaps reflect on their own along the way. Celebrate Her Journey The Women’s Trail was created as part of our Celebrate Her Journey philosophy at Red Carnation Hotels. It reflects our belief that travel can be empowering, inspiring and deeply personal. By highlighting the stories of remarkable women alongside the places that define each destination, these trails invite travellers to explore with curiosity and perspective, discovering not only the history and culture of the city or island, but also the journeys that continue to shape it.
