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Fans of the book, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows will get to enjoy the movie adaptation today when it premiers on Netflix. And, if the movie has your clients falling in love with Guernsey, an island near the French Coast, you’ll want to suggest these travel experiences.

Guernsey is known for its beach resorts and the scenery of its coastal cliffs; the island also played a role in WWII, as along with other Channel Islands, it was the only portion of the U.K. to be occupied by the Germans—your history buff clients might enjoy these tours, too. Many relics of the occupation can still be seen such as German-built concrete outposts along the coast. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed tours and hotel packages will give your clients the perfect opportunity to experience the locations depicted in the movie scenes, as well as in the book, for themselves.

1. A Luxurious Stay = Basecamp

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Make your client’s stay at the Old Government House Hotel & Spa the base point for their Guernsey tours. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)

The Old Government House Hotel and Spa, the island’s five-star hotel, which is part of the Red Carnation Collection, is located in the heart of St Peter Port. The onsite Brasserie Restaurant focuses on fresh, local produce that’s served in a sunny conservatory that overlooks the private gardens and St Peter Port harbor. In celebration of the film release, the Old Government House is offering guests the Guernsey in the Limelight package, which includes 2-nights accommodations, a themed dinner for two in the Brasserie Restaurant featuring a menu inspired by life during the occupation, and a copy of “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” book. Rates start at $300 per night dbl in a classic double room. This property is an ideal starting off point for fans of the book and film to discover the island’s history and take part in many of the tours offered. And for those interested in history, the hotel was occupied by German officers during the war, initially as a military headquarter, and then as a Soldatenheim (a soldier’s home) where officers could spend their downtime. Historic transcripts and correspondence generated during the occupation can be found on the premises. For more information, visit theoghhotel.com/offers/guernsey-in-the-limelight.

2. Walk in the Characters’ Footsteps

Take a walk along the Guernsey coast cliffs. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)

For guests who prefer to explore on their own, VistGuernsey has added a Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed walking tour to its collection of Tasty Walks options. The walk also takes guests to the streets of St. Martin, where characters from the story lived, as well as the south coast cliffs, which are scattered with remnants of the German Occupation. Other landmarks from the book and film are included such as Sausmarez Manor, Calais Lane, and La Bouvee. These free tours are available to download as an audio guide, or as a 1-page route map from visitguernsey.com. This tour could be an added perk to your client’s custom itinerary.

3. Stroll Through the History 

Views of Castle Cornet. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)
Views of Castle Cornet. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)

Gold Accredited Guernsey Tour Guide Gill Girard offers travelers a 2-hour Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed walking tour, which takes guests to the capital of St Peter Port. During this tour, guests will learn about the history of the evacuation, occupation, and liberation of Guernsey. The 2-hour tour for up to 10 guests starts at $198.

4. Arrive by Boat Like the Characters

Book your clients on a ferry ride with Condor Ferries and have them arrive by boat just as the character of Juliet does in the story. ((Photo Courtesy of: STUDIOCANAL.)

Guernsey can be easily accessed with frequent flights from London’s Gatwick Airport, and also through the Channel Island’s ferry operator—Condor Ferries, which is encouraging guests to visit by boat, just as Juliet does in the story, through special packages such as a 4-night package in October starting at $290 pp that includes roundtrip car ferry from Poole Harbour as a foot passenger, breakfast, a 2-course dinner on the first evening, and a half day Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society themed tour. The price also includes accommodations at Saints Bay Hotel in St. Martin—the parish where the characters lived in the novel.

5. More Historical Spots Tied to the Book & Film

The halls of the Underground Hospital. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)
Visit the Little Chapel—the smallest chapel in the world—when visiting Guernsey. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)

Other spots that you can send your clients to that are tied to the book and its history are: The German Occupation Museum, which gives insight to life in Guernsey during the occupation from 1940-1945; the German Underground Hospital, which are underground tunnels constructed during WWII and are the largest construction in the Channel Islands; The Castle Cornet, which housed anti-aircraft units through WWII and, many structures added during 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 1940-1945 and is set in a complex of tunnels that were built by German forces. Other spots travelers might be interested are The World War II German Naval Observation Tower; Fort Saumarez; The Ship and Crown Pub, formerly known as the Crow nHotel; Guernsey Market, where guests can find market stalls on Fridays and Saturdays selling local crafts and homemade food; High Street & Le Pollet, popular shopping areas in St Peter Port; Candie Gardens, an example of the late 19th century public flower garden; Little Chapel, possibly the smallest chapel in the world, and is decorated with seashells, pebbles, and colorful pieces of broken china; Fermain, the picturesque cliff path to the St. Peter Port; and Dehus Dolmen, the second largest Neolithic tomb in Guernsey.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The tunnels of the German Underground Hospital. (Photo courtesy of VisitGuernsey.)

For more information, attractions and tours related to the book, visit visitguernsey.com/guernsey-literary-potato-peel-pie-society. For other tours inspired by books and TV, check out Experience “The Crown” Filming Locations with CIE Tours.