Channel Islands

THE CHANNEL ISLANDS – WHY GO?

Closer to France than England, the Channel Islands are a mix of tax haven, surfing mecca and sleepy UK outpost. Small though they may be, each of the five islands has its own distinct personality.

JERSEY

Cosmopolitan Jersey has stacks to see and do. Walk across the sandy causeway at low tide to Elizabeth Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh, see the antics of gorillas and orang-utans at Gerald Durrell’s famous conservation zoo, surf at St Ouen’s Bay or learn about the island’s wartime history at the German Underground Hospital, built by occupying German forces during WWII.

GUERNSEY

Neighbouring Guernsey boasts 27 beaches for bronzing.  Other attractions include the Norman Castle Cornet, and the house in which the exiled Victor Hugo wrote Les Miserables. Alderney has its beaches and shoreline walks, while tiny Herm – just a mile and a half long – has a resident population of just 40.

SARK

Europe's only remaining feudal state, tiny Sark has miles of spectacular shoreline perfect for walking and carpeted with flowers in spring. Be ready to hop on a bike here – no cars are allowed!