The Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are just a short journey from the UK mainland and the coast of Normandy.

Located within the English channel the five islands have a warm climate and long hours of sunlight making them ideal for quick breaks all year around and as you’re leaving the mainland, a trip to the Channel Islands feels like a real adventure! The group of islands comprises of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.

Jersey

The largest and one of the better known islands, Jersey is the second closest of the islands to France and has been part of the British Isles since 1066. Despite its proximity to France, Jersey uses the British pound as its primary currency and English is the main language, though you will find places that still use a local form of the Norman language, so depending on where in Jersey you choose to visit, you can really pretend that you’ve travelled into Europe. If that wasn’t enough of an incentive to visit, it is also the birth place of Superman himself, Henry Cavill.

The island is a must for history buffs with a host of fascinating architecture, including castles and ruins perfect for exploring. For a time, it was the home of King Charles II after he was exiled, so there is lots to learn about that particular era. It’s also an ideal destination for foodies, particularly if you’re into sea food – oysters, mussels, lobster and crab are all common sights on restaurant and hotel menus. Not to mention, the fact that Jersey milk, cream and butter are well known for being very rich meaning that their fudge, ice cream and other cream based products are incredibly popular with tourists and who can forget the Jersey royal potatoes?

Jersey is just nine miles by five in total which makes it a great destination for weekend breaks, you can easily fit lots of activities and attractions into your trip. There are a host of heritage discoveries right on the doorstep, plus miles of beaches, watersports, boat trips and more all offering accessible experiences. Add this to the wide range of accommodation on offer and you have the perfect location for a short break.

Guernsey

Much like its neighbour Jersey, Guernsey has a rich and diverse history with some castles dating back further than the Tower of London and a host of ancient burial sites from the Neolithic period. The island was popular with smugglers and you’ll be able to find lots of old caves and more on your trip.

During the second world war, the island was occupied by German forces and much of the fortification and bunkers still exist to this day, especially along the coast line – it is a real haven for history lovers.

If you’re not into history, there are plenty of other things to see and do here, including watersports, beach activities and of course shopping!

When it comes to eating out, Guernsey has an enviable reputation. The island’s unique landscape means that there is an abundance of delicious seafood as well as fresh fruit and veg and incredible home reared meat. Add this to the incredible creamy butter and milk from the island’s famous cows and you have plenty of delectable delicacies to sample.

When it comes to accommodation, Guernsey is your oyster, whether you want to book a quiet cottage, a campsite in the middle of nowhere or a luxury hotel with everything you would expect from a European holiday resort, you’ll find it here.

Alderney

Alderney is the northernmost of the inhabited Channel Islands and is part of the Balliwick of Guernsey making it easy to island hop and explore the whole region. It is most famous for the number of rabbits – the island is full of them! Alderney features incredible golden beaches, some historical intrigue and is a real paradise for bird watchers thanks to its rich wildlife. It is also home to the only working railway in the Channel Islands, with regular flights and ferries, there are plenty of opportunities for travelling around.

You’ll find lots of links to British royalty while visiting the island, Henry VIII began much of the island’s fortification and during the Victorian era, the prime minister at the time commissioned more. Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert made visits to the island and the Albert Memorial remains to this day to commemorate the occasion.

For those of you who love a party atmosphere, this is a great place to spend some time. Make sure to visit the island during the first week of August for Alderney Week, the island’s annual summer festival which lasts eight days. The island also regularly hosts the annual Miss Alderney competition and a Comedy Rocks event where well known and established comedians from across Britain play several live stand up shows throughout the summer. The island also holds a regular performing arts festival and literary festival and for the more energetic of you, the Alderney Annual Motor Sprint and Hill Climb.

Like the rest of the Channel Islands, it is perfect for lovers of seafood and fish, much of which is caught daily from the island’s natural harbour.

Sark

Considered the crown jewel of the Channel Island, Sark is a beautiful location and was the world’s first Dark Sky Island. Cars are prohibited allowing you to really enjoy the island’s unspoiled natural landscape. The island is mostly unpaved, which can be an issue for those with limited mobility, however there are horse drawn carriages and areas that are easily accessible to wheelchair users.

The island has no street lights making it the place to go for stargazers. You can stare at the uninterrupted night sky, particularly in the summer when the nights are clearer and enjoy the entire galaxy right from your accommodation.

Speaking of accommodation, while it is small, there is a huge amount of choice including privately run cottages, sprawling hotels and cosy B&Bs, all with facilities designed to help those with additional needs.

Herm

Like Sark, Herm is also car free and is located just three miles from Guernsey, so its perfect for those who want to do a spot of island hopping, especially if you’re someone who enjoys sandy, white beaches and Europe’s must southern puffin population.

Herm is a wonderful choice for a family get away, the rock pools that can be found on Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay provide hours of fun for the children and the clear waters give the impression that you’re much further afield.

As it is such a small island, there is just one hotel on Herm – it is set within award winning gardens and features spectacular views across the Channel, that isn’t your only option though, you’ll also find a host of charming holiday cottages and campsites for those that want a self catering alternative.

The island’s perimeter is just 3.9 miles and you can walk around the entire island in around two hours depending on your pace – it is a great location for day trips all year around.

Interested in visiting the Channel Islands? You can find accessible accommodation here, suggestions for accessible places to eat here and ideas for things to do here.