Added: 05/19/2006 |
Guernsey Bird Gardens and Other Impressive Eye-Catchers!Situated 30 miles west of the Normandy coast in France and 75 miles south of Weymouth in England, Guernsey Island is a dependency of the British Crown. Guernsey Island includes number of other islets such as includes Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, Burhou, etc. The island is approximately 24 sq. miles (63 sq. kilometers) with population of about 59,807 people. Official languages are English that is predominant, French that is legislative one and Dgorn-siais, which is recognized as the regional language.
Guernsey is proud of its magnificent sceneries from the cliffs, unique nature, reflected in many of its parks and gardens, and wealth of attractions. The most visited and magnificent attractions include the Norman Castle Cornet, Fort Grey, Guernsey Aquarium, Guernsey Woodcarvers, Sausmarez Manor, the Little Chapel and of course Bird Gardens. Now let's have a little tour of these Guernsey sights. If you have never been to this island town it will be useful to get some brief information about its places of note.
Norman Castle Cornet is an ancient royal guard fortress that has stood over the town for nearly eight centuries. The Castle four museums - the Story of Castle Cornet Museum, the Maritime Museum and Hatton Gallery, the 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum, the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum - offer the visitor the most complete history of the Castle and Guernsey itself. Norman Castle Cornet houses four well-groomed "period" gardens where visitors can enjoy the beauty of various plants. Another one aspect rather interesting for tourists is the Noon Day Gun that is fired daily by soldiers in 19th century costume.
Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey's west coast. Many ships have shipwrecked in beautiful but traitorous shores. Nowadays it is the house of Shipwreck Museum with a surprising variety of objects recovered from the wrecks. There is the rich collection of wrecks dated back to 1777. Each vessel remains have information panels that tell the breath-taking disaster stories.
Guernsey Aquarium has been situated in La Vallette tunnel for 31 years. In forty-seven displays the visitors are able to see local sea fish, European freshwater fish, tropical marine fishes, anemones and other representatives of aqueous medium such as frogs, toads, terrapins and basilisks and lizards. This amazing water world is an attraction for both adults and children and one of the best ways of spending time.
Guernsey Woodcarvers is a family run business that deals with manufacturing of wooden gifts and fine furniture, antique restoration, repairs, carving, wood turning, cabinet making and French polishing and modern finishes. Here the visitors have an opportunity to watch as the skilled hands of woodcarvers create beauty out of wood. The interesting fact is that over 60 different types of timber are used in their work.
Sausmarez Manor probably is one of the most interesting, beautiful and varied places on the island. Sausmarez Manor is a house to the third largest dolls collection in Britain - THE DOLLS' HOUSE COLLECTION - that is open to the public. The highlight of this collection is a miniature dolls' house dating from 1830. Another peculiarity of this manor is ART PARK where one can enjoy sculptors works related to sea as well as a wonderful array of figurative, abstract, classical, and contemporary work, to suite every taste and pocket. Sausmarez Manor SUBTROPICAL GARDEN is an exotic, luxuriant and probably one of the richest vegetation collections in Britain.
Built by Brother Dodat in 1914, the Little Chapel - a stunning work of art - is possibly the smallest chapel in the world. The creator planned to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. Decorated with seashells, pebbles and colorful pieces of broken china, the Chapel is an enduring masterpiece. Being housed in La Villiaze, the Bird Gardens captivate millions of visitor with the large collection of parrots, and hundreds of exotic birds in their aviaries. Guernsey Bird Gardens possess nearly 80 kinds of different species. Some of the Bird Gardens inhabitants are under the threat of disappearance.
If you are ready for a completely different way of life, fantastic scenery, beautiful walks and cycle routes and a wealth of things to do, Guernsey is waiting for you!
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