Guernsey invites travelers to discover the scenic British Isle with special "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" themed tours and packages

Monday 30 July 2018

Directed by the legendary Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and starring in the movie are Lily James (Downtown Abbey, Darkest Hour, Cinderella) and Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones, The Age of Adaline).  The film sheds a new light on the German occupation of Guernsey and the Channel Islands during WWII and follows the story of a free-spirited journalist who forms a life-changing bond with the eccentric Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; a book club that united islanders through literature when German soldiers controlled the island.

 

Fans of the book and film can now experience the Guernsey depicted in the novel and the film on themed tours that encompass locations featured in the story and stay in hotels offering special film themed packages.

 

While Guernsey can easily be accessed with frequent flights from London’s Gatwick Airport, Channel Islands’ ferry operator, Condor Ferries, is encouraging passengers to visit the island by boat, just as Juliet (Lily James) does in the film, with its special packages to tie in with the film release. Four-night packages during October with CondorBreaks.com start from £219 per person  and include round-trip car ferry from Poole Harbour as a foot passenger, breakfast, two-course dinner on the first evening and a half day Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed tour.  The price includes accommodations at Saints Bay Hotel in St Martin – the parish where the characters lived in the novel.  For more information visit: www.condorbreaks.com/about-the-channel-islands/guernsey/the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society

 

Gold Accredited Guernsey Tour Guide Gill Girard offers a two-hour Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed walking tour of the capital of St Peter Port, describing the history of the evacuation, occupation, and liberation of Guernsey.  A two-hour private walking tour for up to 10 people starts from £150. For more information visit: gillgirardtourguide.com/tours/the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society

 

For those who prefer to explore independently, a Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed walk has been added to VisitGuernsey’s collection of self-guided Tasty Walks, which are available to download as an audio guide or as a one-page route map, from VisitGuernsey.com. The walk explores the streets of St Martin’s, where characters from the novel and film lived, as well as the south coast cliffs, which are dotted with remnants of the German Occupation. The walk also covers other local landmarks that are referred to in the book and film, including Sausmarez Manor, Calais Lane and La Bouvée. The walk is free to download and can be followed at any time of year: www.visitguernsey.com/tasty-walks/potato-peel-pie-occupation-walk-st-martins-tasty-walk-20

 

One of the most romantic spots on the island is the southern bay of Moulin Huet - a tranquil piece of coastline and known to inspire Renoir with some of his finest paintings. Next to Moulin Huet is Petit Port, an idyllic, sandy and secluded bay, which is where the two characters from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society first met. Just a stone’s throw from Moulin Huet is The Bella Luce, an understated, classically elegant 12th century manor house.  Prestige Holidays offers a three-night package at the Bella Luce starting from £439 per person. The offer is based on two adults sharing, bed and breakfast, and includes round-trip flights to/from Southampton.  For more information: www.toursprestigeholidays.co.uk/bella-luce www.bellalucehotel.com

 

The Old Government House, the island’s five-star hotel and part of the Red Carnation Collection, boasts a prime location in the heart of St Peter Port. The Brasserie Restaurant focuses on fresh local produce, served in a spacious and sunny conservatory overlooking the private gardens and St Peter Port harbour beyond.  To celebrate the Netflix release of the film, the Old Government House has created special package including two nights’ accommodations, a themed dinner for two in the Brasserie Restaurant and a copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society book.  Rates start at £228.70 per room, per night, based on double occupancy in a classic double room.  For more information www.theoghhotel.com/offers/guernsey-in-the-limelight

 

Other points of interest tied to the book and film include:

 

The German Occupation Museum, providing a unique insight into life in Guernsey during the occupation from 1940 to 1945. The museum is complete with an authentic recreation of an occupation-era street, exhibitions on maritime history, and Second World War fortifications. www.germanoccupationmuseum.co.uk

 

German Underground Hospital –underground tunnels constructed during WWII and are the largest construction in the Channel Islands, hewn out of solid rock www.visitguernsey.com/german-underground-hospital

 

The Castle Cornet, which during the German Occupation was known as Stuzpunkt Hafenschloss (Strongpoint Harbour Castle). Through the Second World War it housed Luftwaffe Flak (anti-aircraft) units. Many modifications were made to the castle during this period as the defenses once again had to be brought up to date for modern warfare. Many structures from this period including personnel shelters and gun emplacements can still be seen today.

 

La Vallette Underground Military Museum, which covers Guernsey's German Occupation from 1940 to 1945, as well as the island's own militia. Set in a complex of tunnels that were built by German forces as a fuel storage facility for their U-Boats, the museum is near La Vallette bathing pools and features various military and occupation memorabilia.

 

The World War II German Naval Observation Tower, offering magnificent views from this southwest coast spot, from which Hanois lighthouse and Lihou Island can be seen, as well as Jersey and the French coast on clear days.

 

Fort Saumarez, an example of the islands WWII fortifications. It is located on the headland that forms the northern tip of L'Eree and extends to the Lihou causeway.

 

The Ship and Crown Pub, formerly the Crown Hotel.

 

Guernsey Market – shopping area in St Peter Port. Market stalls can be found here on Fridays and Saturdays selling local crafts and homemade food.

 

High Street & Le Pollet – shopping areas in St Peter Port.

 

Candie Gardens - Award winning, restored Victorian Candie Gardens offer the best view across St Peter Port harbour, a rare example of a late 19th century public flower garden. Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery is ideal for anyone looking to discover the story of Guernsey. www.museums.gov.gg/candiegardens

 

La Grande Havre - located in the western end of what was known as the Braye du Valle. Open bay with a panoramic landscape. www.visitguernsey.com/le-grande-havre

 

Little Chapel - Decorated with seashells, pebbles and colorful pieces of broken china. It is possibly the smallest chapel in the world and was built by Brother Déodat who started work in March 1914. www.visitguernsey.com/content/little-chapel

 

Sausmarez Manor – Stately historic manor with a sculpture park and subtropical gardens. www.sausmarezmanor.co.uk

 

Fermain – Fermain Bay and the picturesque cliff path to St Peter Port.

 

Dehus Dolmen - The second largest neolithic tomb in Guernsey includes a guardian and four side chambers which is open to the public. www.visitguernsey.com/le-dehus-burial-chamber

 

 

For more information visit: www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey-literary-potato-peel-pie-society

 

 

Media Contact:

Chuck Mardiks

Mardiks PR

chuck@mardikspr.com

646.283.5273

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Media Team

pressandpr@visitbritain.com

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