The scenic Channel Island of Guernsey can be reached only by air or by ferry, which sail between the five islands of Guernsey located not far from the northern coastline of France and the port of Portsmouth which is in south-east England.

Condor Ferries operates the Clipper Conventional which provides ferry crossings six days a week throughout the year. This ferry can hold up to 300 passengers and 100 vehicles during each crossing. The journey is usually fairly long, at about 13 hours, while the return trip is usually seven hours. Motorists must arrive 40 minutes and pedestrians must arrive at least 60 minutes before their expected ferry departure times.

Facilities aboard the Clipper Conventional include comfortable reclining seats, a duty free shop, an area for children, a lounge bar and a brasserie offering a wide variety of meals and drinks. Two of the ferry’s 40 cabins are equipped for wheelchair users, and cabins with two, three, or four berths are available. Cabins are especially popular during the Guernsey to Portsmouth ferry overnight crossing, so booking online is strongly recommended.

The ferries dock at Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port, a small town with a large amount of duty free shops and restaurants. Among Guernsey’s other attractions are 25 pristine beaches, six scenic cycling routes, and the Little Chapel built from seashells, pebbles, and colourful pieces of china.

Going the other way, ferries arrive at the Royal Navy’s historic home of Portsmouth, which is also famous as the birthplace of writer Charles Dickens. The former Dickens home is now a museum filled with exhibits of his life and work, while the Royal Naval Museum proudly displays Portsmouth’s equally impressive naval history. Over 90 designer outlet shops can be found at Gunwarf Quays.

Tags: Condor Ferries, England, France, Guernsey, Portsmouth, St Peter Port