ISLE BE BACK…
When planning a summer holiday, the temptation to holiday at home is greater than ever. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on beautiful weather, glorious beaches and delicious cuisine. The Channel Islands can provide all of these things – the best elements of a British seaside holiday, with the weather and beaches you would expect from a holiday abroad.
Which is why David Ellis and Matthew Lawson, of Escape Yachting, both agree that there is no better way to see the islands than by boat. A sailing holiday might seem like a daunting prospect if you have never sailed before, but Matthew tells me that, in fact, 99 per cent of those who book yachting holidays haven’t sailed before.
‘The most important priority for us is to ensure that people have a positive, happy and memorable experience,’ he says. ‘Whether this means they get involved with putting up the sails, helming the yacht, or just sitting back and relaxing on deck in the sunshine with a glass of champagne.’
With its unique, individual charm, Alderney is often the first port of call when embarking on an island-hop. Once on the island there are a whole host of things to keep you occupied, be it for a day or longer. Book a tour of the Alderney Lighthouse on the northeast coast. The lighthouse has kept sailors safe since it was constructed in 1912. It’s worth taking a deep breath and climbing the stairs of the 32-metrehigh building, to savour the beautiful views. Alderney has long been a favourite for bird watchers. Be it land or seabirds, twitchers will be in their element. Longis Bay and Bibette Head are two great spots but you can also book a boat trip and indulge in seabird watching. The Alderney Wildlife Trust – www.alderneywildlife.org – and Voyager (01481-823666) organise daily boat tours, which is a great way to see the island’s birds, such as puffins and gannets.
For fans of all things vintage, the island’s cinema is a must. Built in the 19th century, it has the latest releases – with an interval, reminiscent of the old days, as the projectionist changes the film reel. Another one for vintage lovers is a ride on the Alderney Railway – www.alderneyrailway.com – which is made up of reclaimed London Underground carriages.
You do not need permission to fish on the island so it’s a case of picking your spot and casting out. The island holds an angling festival every October, so if you are a keen fisher, plan your trip around that time – www.alderneyangling.com For those with sports in mind, the island has a nine-hole golf course – www.alderney.org/golf – overlooking the sea.
For more extreme sports, Arch Bay is one of the many top spots for water sports, including windsurfing and water-skiing. You can even enjoy a spot of surfing on the island at Corblets. There are also many delightful walks to be enjoyed around the island, many of which are listed by the Alderney Wildlife Trust.
Dating back to the 15th century, St Anne is the island’s main town. Its cobbled streets are lined with delightful places to dine and shops to purchase holiday gifts. The church is one of the largest on any of the islands and also home to a museum.
A short sail through the Swinge to St Peter Port on Guernsey, provides some exciting sailing and is a lovely place to explore, with its many shops, restaurants and bars. Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables, lived in exile on the island for 15 years. His house, Hauteville – www.victorhugo.gg/hautevillehouse/ – is decorated and adorned with second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac collected from shops around the island and remains relatively untouched. Tours of the house are available but do book to avoid disappointment. Guernsey is a treat for culture vultures with countless museums. St Peter Port is home to four museums: the Story of Castle Cornet Museum, the Maritime Museum, the 201 Squadron RAF Museum and the Militia Museums.
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery exhibits fascinating pieces, which highlight the development of the people and the island. St James Concert & Assembly Hall plays host to a wide variety of concerts and performances, and also houses the popular Bailiwick of Guernsey Millennium Tapestry.
The National Trust of Guernsey Folk & Costume Museum, and Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum, are also highlights for tourists. And there are several museums dedicated to the Second World War; Martello tower German Occupation Museum, La Vallette Underground Military Museum, Fort Hommet and the German Military Underground Hospital.
Once in Guernsey you are well placed to explore the smaller islands of Herm and Sark – each with their own unique character. Unspoilt by the modern world, no cars are allowed on the island of Sark, making it the ultimate hideaway. But the slower pace of life that islanders enjoy does not mean there is a lack of activities. There are guided tours of the beautiful La Seigneurie Gardens and the private gardens of Sark, where you can enjoy the array of wildlife on the island, from butterflies to birds.
Sark is also a haven for fishermen and lovers of water sports, the clear waters making it ideal for divers, too. There are horseand- carriage rides around the island, or you can hire a bike. Stargazers benefit from clear views, thanks to the unpolluted night sky. In January 2011 Sark was awarded Inter- recognition for its exceptional quality of unpolluted darkness, becoming the world’s first Dark-Sky Island.
The beaches of Herm, meanwhile, are simply stunning – wake up from a nap on the beach and you will hardly believe where you are. The long, sandy beaches and cool blue water are perfect for sun worshippers. During high season (April to September) you can enjoy a tour of the island’s plants, with the island’s head gardener Brett Moore. The smallest of the islands is also a prime spot for bird watchers.
Sailing further south, you reach Jersey. The largest of the Channel Islands, it is home to a number of arts and crafts shops and museums where you can learn about its history, watch goods being made and buy pieces to take home. Jersey Pottery in Gorey Village is devoted to the history of ceramics in the area.
At La Mare Vineyard, learn about winemaking and distilling, and join tours of the vines and winery. The onsite shop also sells delicious condiments and Jersey apple brandy – perfect take-home gifts. The Jersey Lavender Farm is a delight for the eyes as well as the nose. Learn about the process of cultivation of lavender oil and how they are used to make perfumes and other goods.
For animal lovers, the Durrell Wildlife Park is a must. Opened in 1959 by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, the park is committed to saving species from extinction. So as well as being able to come face-toface with gorillas and other such animals, the team has also planted flowering and fruit trees native to island.
Jersey is also home to some firstclass restaurants, taking full advantage of the amazing local produce and seafood.
Seven days on an Escape Yachting holiday, including crossing the English Channel each way, or crossing the Channel by air/ferry and meeting the yacht there for five days, costs from £597 per person, all inclusive. Escape Yachting: 01202-313607, www.escapeyachting.com
Which is why David Ellis and Matthew Lawson, of Escape Yachting, both agree that there is no better way to see the islands than by boat. A sailing holiday might seem like a daunting prospect if you have never sailed before, but Matthew tells me that, in fact, 99 per cent of those who book yachting holidays haven’t sailed before.
‘The most important priority for us is to ensure that people have a positive, happy and memorable experience,’ he says. ‘Whether this means they get involved with putting up the sails, helming the yacht, or just sitting back and relaxing on deck in the sunshine with a glass of champagne.’
With its unique, individual charm, Alderney is often the first port of call when embarking on an island-hop. Once on the island there are a whole host of things to keep you occupied, be it for a day or longer. Book a tour of the Alderney Lighthouse on the northeast coast. The lighthouse has kept sailors safe since it was constructed in 1912. It’s worth taking a deep breath and climbing the stairs of the 32-metrehigh building, to savour the beautiful views. Alderney has long been a favourite for bird watchers. Be it land or seabirds, twitchers will be in their element. Longis Bay and Bibette Head are two great spots but you can also book a boat trip and indulge in seabird watching. The Alderney Wildlife Trust – www.alderneywildlife.org – and Voyager (01481-823666) organise daily boat tours, which is a great way to see the island’s birds, such as puffins and gannets.
You do not need permission to fish on the island so it’s a case of picking your spot and casting out. The island holds an angling festival every October, so if you are a keen fisher, plan your trip around that time – www.alderneyangling.com For those with sports in mind, the island has a nine-hole golf course – www.alderney.org/golf – overlooking the sea.
For more extreme sports, Arch Bay is one of the many top spots for water sports, including windsurfing and water-skiing. You can even enjoy a spot of surfing on the island at Corblets. There are also many delightful walks to be enjoyed around the island, many of which are listed by the Alderney Wildlife Trust.
Dating back to the 15th century, St Anne is the island’s main town. Its cobbled streets are lined with delightful places to dine and shops to purchase holiday gifts. The church is one of the largest on any of the islands and also home to a museum.
A short sail through the Swinge to St Peter Port on Guernsey, provides some exciting sailing and is a lovely place to explore, with its many shops, restaurants and bars. Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables, lived in exile on the island for 15 years. His house, Hauteville – www.victorhugo.gg/hautevillehouse/ – is decorated and adorned with second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac collected from shops around the island and remains relatively untouched. Tours of the house are available but do book to avoid disappointment. Guernsey is a treat for culture vultures with countless museums. St Peter Port is home to four museums: the Story of Castle Cornet Museum, the Maritime Museum, the 201 Squadron RAF Museum and the Militia Museums.
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery exhibits fascinating pieces, which highlight the development of the people and the island. St James Concert & Assembly Hall plays host to a wide variety of concerts and performances, and also houses the popular Bailiwick of Guernsey Millennium Tapestry.
The National Trust of Guernsey Folk & Costume Museum, and Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum, are also highlights for tourists. And there are several museums dedicated to the Second World War; Martello tower German Occupation Museum, La Vallette Underground Military Museum, Fort Hommet and the German Military Underground Hospital.
Once in Guernsey you are well placed to explore the smaller islands of Herm and Sark – each with their own unique character. Unspoilt by the modern world, no cars are allowed on the island of Sark, making it the ultimate hideaway. But the slower pace of life that islanders enjoy does not mean there is a lack of activities. There are guided tours of the beautiful La Seigneurie Gardens and the private gardens of Sark, where you can enjoy the array of wildlife on the island, from butterflies to birds.
Sark is also a haven for fishermen and lovers of water sports, the clear waters making it ideal for divers, too. There are horseand- carriage rides around the island, or you can hire a bike. Stargazers benefit from clear views, thanks to the unpolluted night sky. In January 2011 Sark was awarded Inter- recognition for its exceptional quality of unpolluted darkness, becoming the world’s first Dark-Sky Island.
The beaches of Herm, meanwhile, are simply stunning – wake up from a nap on the beach and you will hardly believe where you are. The long, sandy beaches and cool blue water are perfect for sun worshippers. During high season (April to September) you can enjoy a tour of the island’s plants, with the island’s head gardener Brett Moore. The smallest of the islands is also a prime spot for bird watchers.
Sailing further south, you reach Jersey. The largest of the Channel Islands, it is home to a number of arts and crafts shops and museums where you can learn about its history, watch goods being made and buy pieces to take home. Jersey Pottery in Gorey Village is devoted to the history of ceramics in the area.
At La Mare Vineyard, learn about winemaking and distilling, and join tours of the vines and winery. The onsite shop also sells delicious condiments and Jersey apple brandy – perfect take-home gifts. The Jersey Lavender Farm is a delight for the eyes as well as the nose. Learn about the process of cultivation of lavender oil and how they are used to make perfumes and other goods.
For animal lovers, the Durrell Wildlife Park is a must. Opened in 1959 by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, the park is committed to saving species from extinction. So as well as being able to come face-toface with gorillas and other such animals, the team has also planted flowering and fruit trees native to island.
Jersey is also home to some firstclass restaurants, taking full advantage of the amazing local produce and seafood.
Seven days on an Escape Yachting holiday, including crossing the English Channel each way, or crossing the Channel by air/ferry and meeting the yacht there for five days, costs from £597 per person, all inclusive. Escape Yachting: 01202-313607, www.escapeyachting.com
Island Events
- 7 April The Wedding Show at Fermain Valley Hotel, Guernsey: 0800-316 0314, www.fermainvalley.com
- 12 April The Spring Starfest, Sark: 01481- 832345, www.simplysark.co.uk
- 19 to 25 April Wine Tasting Weekend: 01481-750075, www.herm.com
- 20 to 28 April Spring Floral Guernsey Festival Week: 01481- 723552, www.visitguernsey.com
- 23 April Lindy Hop Dance Workshop, Jersey: 01534-700444, www.artscentre.je
- 4 to 14 May Seafood Festival, Alderney: 01481- 822811, www.visitalderney.com/events
- 6 May Guernsey Race Club Horse Race: 01481-265167, www.guernseyraceclub.com
- 11 to 18 May Spring Walking Week, Jersey: 01534-448800, www.jersey.com
- 13 to 20 May Mermaid Tavern May Beer Festival, Herm: 01481-750050, www.herm.com
- 18 to 25 May The Jersey Food Festival: 01534-448800, www.jersey.com/foodfestival
- 5 to 7 July Sark Folk Festival: 01481-832345, www.simplysark.co.uk
- 27 July Rocquaine Regatta, Guernsey: 01481-723552, www.visitguernsey.com
- 25 August Alderney Horse Show: 01481-822811, www.visitalderney.com/events
- 7 October to 4 November From Field to Plate Pork Sueco Cookery Course, Guernsey: 01481-720969 www.suecooutsidecatering.com