Places to visit
Whether you are looking for somewhere to walk the dog, have a picnic, go for a family day out or you just need somewhere quiet to go to get some fresh air, there are many beautiful places to see in Castel parish.
Beaches
Vazon Bay
Vazon Bay encompasses a beautiful large expanse of clean white sand. It is popular with families at either high or low tide, as it is great for swimming and surfing, or rockpooling.
Sand racing takes place on occasional Saturday afternoons during the months of May–September (check dates on the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club LBG website).
There is a pleasant coastal path to meander along, plenty of parking, convenient bus-stops and it’s easily accessible – not forgetting the kiosks and eateries along the way.
Dog walking is restricted on the beach between 1st May and 30th September. Dogs are recommended to be on a lead at the Richmond end of Vazon all year round due to the large amount of birds that can be found along the seashore.
Cobo Bay
As one of Guernsey’s liveliest beaches, Cobo Bay suits all age groups due to it’s easy accessibility, inviting waters and nearby kiosks, bars, Fish & Chip Bar, tearooms and hotels. The sunsets are truly stunning from this bay, over the red granite rocks at Albecq. Enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at The Rockmount or La Reunion or grab yourself a picnic from the local supermarket. Dogs are welcome on the beach in the winter months.
Green spaces
Fairfield
Fairfield is situated on the corner of Route de l’Eglise and Rue de la Foire, not far from Castel Church. It is a very tranquil area, ideal for dog walking or having a picnic.
There are toilets and limited parking can be made available for use.
Parish events such as Donkey Day have been held at Fairfield in the past and it is occasionally available to hire for private functions such as weddings and small corporate /charitable events. If you would like to hire the Fairfield for your event please contact us.
Saumarez Park
Saumarez Park is the largest public park in Guernsey. Popular with families, it has many facilities including the National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum, a Café and a recently refurbished children’s playground.
The Park is well looked after and boasts large grassed areas and a variety of trees and shrubs as well as beautiful, formal flowerbeds and rose gardens.
Saumarez Park plays host to many events during the course of the year. It is the home of the Classic Car Show, the Viaer Marchi, the Royal Show, the Donkey Derby and the North Show with the Battle of Flowers.
Historical sites
Fort Hommet
Castel, like many other parishes, has several bunkers built within it. The bunkers were built during World War (WW2) by the occupying Nazi Forces. The best way to safely experience what it was like inside a WW2 German Bunkers is to visit a bunker open to the public, as on the Fort Hommet headland.
Fort Hommet Shell Shrine is built inside a German search light shelter. This bunkers’ main room is lined with sea shells. It was created over several years and kept going all by volunteers. It is a beautiful, fascinating place within an unusual location. Fort Hommet can be accessed from Albecq and Vazon Bay and is a popular place for walking.
Le Grantez Mill
The land at the Grantez Mill has been kindly leased to the Parish for a peppercorn rent. The views from Le Grantez Mill towards Vazon Bay are stunning.
It is an ideal spot for a picnic or a walk up from Kings Mills via La Rocquesse which runs off La Sauvarinerie.