Fort Grey Cup and Saucer
Explore the 'Cup and Saucer,' a historic Martello tower on a tidal islet, housing a shipwreck museum with stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Fort Grey Cup and Saucer
Best Time
Essential for access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 'Cup and Saucer,' a historic Martello tower on a tidal islet, housing a shipwreck museum with stunning coastal views.
"The real attraction is Fort Grey itself, with the most exciting part being viewing it from the outside."
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Access to Fort Grey is tidal. Always check the tide times before you go to ensure you can reach the fort safely.
Discovery Pass Savings :moneybag:
If you have a Discovery Pass, entry to the museum is often free. It's a great way to save money if visiting multiple sites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Cup and Saucer' Fort
Rocquaine Bay
Explore this iconic Martello tower, affectionately known as the 'Cup and Saucer' for its unique shape and tidal location.
Shipwreck Museum
Inside Fort Grey
Discover relics and stories of the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred around Guernsey's treacherous coastline.
Coastal Views & Hanois Lighthouse
From Fort Grey
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Rocquaine Bay and spot the distant Hanois Lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tidal Access & Timing
Discovery Pass Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Access to Fort Grey is tidal. Always check the tide times before you go to ensure you can reach the fort safely.
Discovery Pass Savings :moneybag:
If you have a Discovery Pass, entry to the museum is often free. It's a great way to save money if visiting multiple sites.
Combine with Roman Vessel :ancient_roman:
Visit the remains of a Roman vessel displayed at the nearby Guernsey Pearl cafe for a dual historical experience.
Parking & Entry Hassle :warning:
Parking and ticket purchase can take longer than the museum visit itself. Plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Access to Fort Grey is tidal. Always check the tide times before you go to ensure you can reach the fort safely.
Discovery Pass Savings :moneybag:
If you have a Discovery Pass, entry to the museum is often free. It's a great way to save money if visiting multiple sites.
Combine with Roman Vessel :ancient_roman:
Visit the remains of a Roman vessel displayed at the nearby Guernsey Pearl cafe for a dual historical experience.
Parking & Entry Hassle :warning:
Parking and ticket purchase can take longer than the museum visit itself. Plan accordingly.
Outside is the Real Star :star2:
While the museum is interesting, many visitors find the exterior of Fort Grey and its location to be the most captivating aspect.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Fort Grey to be an interesting historical site with a compact museum detailing local shipwrecks. While the museum itself is small, the fort's unique tidal location and scenic coastal views are consistently praised as the main attractions. Some note that the logistics of parking and ticketing can be a minor inconvenience.
"It's a small site with a compact museum documenting the many shipwrecks that have taken place in the vicinty. Worth a visit combined with the remains of a Roman vessel on display at the Guernsey Pearl cafe. This is the place to park for the fort."
David Renard
"A nice museum that shows all the shipwrecks around the island. It is £5 to go in or if you have a discovery pass then you can use that. Worth the money and across the road is a place for tea/coffee and something tho eat. Plus guernsey. Pearl a gift shop. Also while we was there a handover got stuck in the sea and had to be rescued"
robert english
"Quirky little display and info of the historic ship wrecks around Guernsey.
It's interesting. But it's so small that it takes more time to park up, get tickets (which aren't bought at the entrance itself), and then crossing back over the road to Fort Grey than it does to walk around the museum.
The inside feels a bit gimmickee. They had to use the space for something I guess. The real attraction is Fort Grey itself. But the most exciting part of it is viewing it from the outside.
The inside of the force is cool to check out. But the large number of bunkers around the island are more exciting."
Aiden Explore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Grey is located on the west coast of Guernsey in Rocquaine Bay. You can reach it by car, with parking available across the road. Public buses also serve the area. Remember to check tide times as it's on a tidal islet.
Yes, there is parking available across the road from Fort Grey. However, some visitors note that parking and getting tickets can sometimes take longer than the actual museum visit.
No, Fort Grey is only accessible during low tide. It's crucial to check the local tide times before planning your visit to ensure you can safely reach the fort and explore.
Guernsey has a good bus network, and many visitors find it convenient for reaching attractions like Fort Grey. Renting a car or scooter also offers flexibility.
The exterior of Fort Grey and the surrounding area can be explored, but access to the tower itself and the museum may be challenging due to stairs and uneven terrain. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Fort Grey museum typically costs around £5. However, if you possess a Guernsey Discovery Pass, admission is often included, making it a more economical choice for multiple site visits. +1
Tickets for the Fort Grey museum are not purchased at the entrance itself. Visitors usually need to buy them from a nearby location or at another heritage site.
Yes, the Guernsey Discovery Pass often grants free entry to Fort Grey, which is a significant discount if you plan on visiting several of the island's historical attractions.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Guernsey Museums website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
Yes, you can walk around the exterior of Fort Grey and enjoy the views even if you choose not to enter the museum. The external structure and its location are considered a major draw.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Fort Grey, you can explore the historic Martello tower, visit the shipwreck museum detailing local maritime disasters, and enjoy stunning coastal views of Rocquaine Bay and the Hanois Lighthouse. 
The museum at Fort Grey is described as compact and small. While informative, the visit to the interior is relatively brief, with many visitors highlighting the exterior and location as the main attraction.
Fort Grey is nicknamed the 'Cup and Saucer' due to its distinctive shape and its location on a small tidal islet, resembling a cup on a saucer when the tide is out.
Built in 1804 to defend against Napoleon, Fort Grey later served as a WWII German lookout and a 19th-century shipwreck refuge. It's a testament to Guernsey's strategic and maritime history.
Yes, the remains of a Roman vessel are displayed at the nearby Guernsey Pearl cafe. Additionally, the island has numerous bunkers that some visitors find more exciting than the fort's interior. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a place for tea, coffee, and food across the road from Fort Grey, which also houses the Guernsey Pearl gift shop.
While there aren't specific picnic facilities, the scenic coastal location offers opportunities for a picnic, especially during low tide when you can explore the surrounding area.
The cafe across the road offers refreshments like tea, coffee, and snacks. For more extensive dining options, you would likely need to travel to other parts of Guernsey.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities include the 'Cup and Saucer' structure itself, especially at low tide, the panoramic views of Rocquaine Bay, and the distant Hanois Lighthouse. Drone footage also captures unique perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Low tide is essential for capturing the fort's full context.
Drone footage of Fort Grey is popular, showcasing its unique location and the surrounding coastline. However, always check local drone regulations before flying.
The Hanois Lighthouse is a picturesque lighthouse located offshore. You can often spot and photograph it from Fort Grey, especially on clear days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to plan your visit around low tide to maximize exploration time and ensure safe access. The 'Cup and Saucer' nickname is also fun for kids to remember. Combining the visit with a stop at the Guernsey Pearl cafe for a treat can round off the outing nicely. Remember to check the tide times carefully to avoid disappointment or safety concerns.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the fort's exterior and imagine its past defensive and rescue operations. The surrounding coastline also holds historical significance, with evidence of Roman presence and numerous shipwrecks. Consider pairing your visit with other historical sites on Guernsey to gain a comprehensive understanding of the island's past.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
+1Drone pilots will find Fort Grey an excellent subject, with aerial views revealing the fort's isolation and the vastness of the surrounding ocean. The ability to capture the fort from above, especially during tidal changes, offers a unique perspective. Always ensure you are aware of and comply with local drone regulations before flying.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Cup and Saucer' - A Tidal Marvel
+1Historically, Fort Grey was constructed in 1804 as a defensive fortification against potential French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. Later, it served dual purposes: as a lookout point during World War II for German forces and, perhaps most poignantly, as a refuge for shipwreck survivors. The surrounding waters have a history of treacherous conditions, leading to numerous shipwrecks, making the fort's role as a rescue point significant.
Today, the fort houses a compact museum dedicated to these maritime tragedies. While the museum offers insights into the shipwrecks, many visitors emphasize that the true allure of Fort Grey lies in its dramatic exterior, its strategic location, and the breathtaking coastal vistas it offers. The experience of walking across the exposed seabed to reach the fort is often cited as a highlight, making it a must-visit for those interested in Guernsey's maritime heritage and unique landscapes.
Guernsey's Maritime Heritage: Shipwrecks and Resilience
The fort itself played a vital role in maritime safety. During the 19th century, it was utilized as a refuge for survivors of shipwrecks. Rescuers would bring stranded sailors ashore to the relative safety of the fort, providing them with shelter and assistance. This function underscores the fort's importance not just as a military structure but as a beacon of hope for those facing the fury of the ocean.
Visitors often express surprise at the sheer number of shipwrecks documented at Fort Grey, highlighting the constant vigilance required for seafaring in this region. The museum, though small, effectively conveys the risks and realities of maritime life, making it an educational and thought-provoking experience that complements the stunning natural beauty of the coastline.
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