Planning a getaway closer to home this year? Your next luxury destination might be an even shorter journey away than you think. The jewel of the Channel Islands, Guernsey boasts an array of picturesque harbour towns, secret coves and long, sandy beaches – and with its numerous puffin colonies, it’s a great place to see some wildlife, too.
Located just off the Normandy coast, the island offers a continental feel just a stone’s throw away from UK shores, and with short flight and ferry times making travelling to the channel islands easy, plus a variety of low-cost luxury accommodation to choose from, it could be the perfect place for a last minute weekend getaway this summer.
One of eight inhabited Channel Islands, Guernsey enjoys glorious sunshine through the summer months, and visitors can spend their days lounging at the picturesque Vazon Bay – previously voted Britain’s cleanest beach. Feast on fish and chips with your toes in the golden sand, or head up to one of the many tearooms nearby to enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea – as with a host of cafes, kiosks and bustling restaurants on the island, foodies are spoilt for choice.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing are both popular watersports on the island, so there’s plenty of action on offer for those who want it. The pretty seafront marina of St. Peter Port, meanwhile, is easily one of the most attractive in Europe and offers a great chance to soak up some of the island’s rich history. La Vallette Underground Military Museum and the 800-year old Castle Cornet are great places to start, before heading over to Les Miserables writer, Victor Hugo’s former residence – Hauteville House.
Wildlife spotters should head to the rocky southern coast to catch a glimpse of the island’s puffins – and if you fancy it, you can even get up onto the rocks and do some canyoning whilst there.
For more culture, the neighbouring islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney are not to be missed. Each has something unique to offer, meaning you’ll never have the chance to get bored – and with a flurry of festivals including the Channel Island Heritage Festival spanning all four islands, it’s worth checking your dates before you go.
Where to stay
The Old Government House Hotel & Spa is a luxury retreat that’s just a short distance from Saint Peter Port, dating all the way back to 1858. Boasting lavish suites with stunning views of the port town and the distant island of Herm, guests can enjoy some R&R in the thoroughly relaxing spa – as well as dining like royalty in the British brasserie, Mediterranean garden restaurant, curry house or afternoon tea parlour.
Getting there: Condor Ferries runs daily ferries from Poole and Portsmouth. Use discount code DAYOUT2018 to book your day trip for half price.
T&Cs: condorferries.co.uk
