Pembroke and L'Ancresse Bay

Pembroke and L'Ancresse are two broad sandy bays at Guernsey's northern tip, separated by a low headland and backed by L'Ancresse Common, an area of grazed grassland and dune that holds several dolmens and a golf course laid out around them. The water is shallow and sheltered, which makes these the family beaches, and loophole towers stand at both ends. The common was used for grazing under ancient rights that still exist, which is why it was never built on and why the dolmens survive at all. Cattle are still put out on parts of it in summer.

What you actually see

• The two bays - broad sand separated by a low headland.
• L'Ancresse Common - the grazed grassland and dune behind the beaches.
• The dolmens on the common - prehistoric chambers among the golf course.
• The loophole towers - the 1780s granite towers at either end.

When to go

May to September is the season. Low tide exposes very wide flats. Winter winds across the common are severe.

Honest expectations

The common is a working golf course and walkers should watch for play. The beaches are exposed and windy. Facilities are seasonal kiosks.

Nearby

Rousse Tower is southwest, and Vale Castle is south.