The Glorious CHANNEL ISLANDS
When we think of an island getaway, our minds are often filled with the thought of Caribbean sand or South East Asian heat. But the UK has some amazing sights, fascinating history and impressive wildlife on islands just on its doorstep – why not make the most of it?
Gathered together just off the coast of France, the Channel Islands – made up of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark – burst with picturesque coastlines, beautiful hidden harbours and old-school cobbled lanes, all for the explorer in you to lap up. Just a skip and a jump away from Britain and mainland Europe, the Channel Islands are the perfect getaway destinations for people from all walks of life: young, old, families, couples, the islands will have something to suit everyone’s needs and exceed expectations. Although all situated close together, each island oozes with it’s own unique character; offering select treasures. So what do the Channel Islands have to offer? ‘A lot’ would be the short answer, but Inspired Travel is here to give you all the details you need to know about these action-packed islands.
One of the most treasured elements of these scenic islands is their history – one of the main reasons so many people visit. During World War II, the Channel Islands were the only British grounds to be occupied by the Nazis. Adolf Hitler considered the Channel Islands a smart landing destination for the invasion of mainland France, as the islands sat just 20 miles away from the French coast. The underground tunnels buried deep within the islands give visitors the ability to learn all about the effect of the German army on the islands and their residents. There are a number of castles, including the Elizabeth Castle, built on a rocky isle in St Aubin’s Bay, which has been defending the isle of Jersey for over 300 years, bringing an all-new historic experience to your visit.
History is not the only element these beautiful islands have to offer – there are many activities to get involved in, and places to see. The Channel Islands are host to some of the most gorgeous, sandy beaches, including St Brelade’s Bay Beach – overlooked by close-by shops and restaurants. Additional landmarks – other than the multiple castles scattered around the islands – include the Corbiere Lighthouse with great views across the calm waters, Le Petit Train – an incredibly relaxing tour around the islands, along with various interesting and informational museums.
Jersey and Guernsey are the larger islands out of the bunch, and are the main entry points into the array of destinations for you and the pioneer that lies beneath. With regular ferries from both Britain and France, travelling to and from the islands is stress-free, and if you don’t like travelling long distances then a trip to the Channel Islands is definitely for you! The travel links between the main islands of Jersey and Guernsey and the quieter island of Alderney are extremely good, while ferries await to connect visitors to the other, more secluded islands.
Jersey is the home of some well-known and frequently visited attractions – the War Tunnels and informative German Underground Hospital included. If history and culture is something that tickles your fancy then these are places to visit – again, taking you back to the WWII occupation of Jersey. However, if animals and wildlife are more your thing then you’re in luck as Jersey is also the home of Durrell Wildlife Park, where you can become familiar with all the wonderful creatures that live on the island.
Exploring Alderney, Sark and Herm – the lesser known of the Channel Islands – is guaranteed to be just as fun as Jersey and Guernsey. These islands in particular host a whole load of adventure for grounds so small. Although they are different islands with different personalities, Alderney, Sark and Herm are hosts of similar elements to their larger neighbours – activities for the traveller in you to become immersed in.
Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islands, but isn’t actually large at all with a length of three miles and width of one-and-a-half miles – all the more impressive that there is such a large amount of activities, wildlife and history. Although Alderney is a destination that covers a wide range of holiday activities, it is best known for its spectrum of wildlife – birds and the rare ‘blonde hedgehog’ especially. Many different species of seabird scale the beaches and cliffs of the coastal island, often spotted by passers-by. Herm and Sark are similarly the perfect destinations for a truly relaxing getaway, offering a well-equipped stay with a minuscule amount of cars, crowds and certainly no stress!
A visit to one of the many glorious Channel Islands has proved to be incredibly successful with previous holidaymakers, but why listen to the experiences of other people when you can just discover for yourself?
The Glorious CHANNEL ISLANDS
