ESCAPE TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS: JERSEY, GUERNSEY & ALDERNEY

Natalie French

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Located off the French coast of Normandy - just a short flight from mainland UK - you’ll find Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. Expect beautiful beaches, delicious local produce and a mini microclimate ensuring buckets more sunshine than Blighty. Natalie French shares the best way to enjoy a slice of the Channel Island magic.
JERSEY
The biggest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is one for the foodies - from Jersey Royal Potatoes and delicious gut-friendly dairy to oysters and lobster from the surrounding shores – and did we mention the gin? Along with exciting new restaurants, you’ll also find honesty boxes full of local produce dotted around the nine by five-mile island. Then there’s the beaches… from the three-mile stretch of golden sand at St Ouen’s Bay – a surfer’s paradise for over 80 years - to the serene, swimmer-friendly St. Brelade’s Bay. 

STAY... This cool, white, beachside hotel has a little hint of the Med’ with an unmistakably British vibe. Set right on the golden sands of St. Brelade’s Bay, L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, you can expect plenty of sea air, abundant natural light and welcoming staff. With 106 bedrooms and suites, be sure to bag one with a balcony to take full advantage of the breath-taking sea views; the alfresco Terrace is perfect for seafood snacks and sundowners. There’s an indoor pool with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi and – on the floor above – you’ll find a spa. 

L'Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa, St Helier


VISIT

Mont Orgueil Castle, St Martin

Not only does Mont Orgueil Castle have one of the best views on the whole island, at over 800 years old, the Castle is steeped in history – from the Norman conquest, the French invasion and Jersey’s long-standing connection to the English Crown. Today you can explore a network of staircases, towers and secret rooms or, if you visit on a weekend, you can join the famous Saturday morning yoga with Kalimutki.


FEAST

Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, St Helier

Visit the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Jersey, found at The Club Hotel & Spa in the seafront capital of St. Helier. Bohemia Bar & Restaurant, led by Head Chef, Callum Graham, offers modern European fare using the finest fresh and seasonal ingredients found in Jersey and the surrounding islands. If you want the best seat in the house, book Bohemia’s Chef’s Table (for 4-6 people) and you’ll feast in the heart of the kitchen, where all the action is. 


GUERNSEY 
Jersey’s laid-back little sister, comes with buckets of charm (we’re looking at you St Peter Port) and is the perfect place to recharge the batteries. From the miles of clifftop paths with incredible views, to the unspoilt beaches with gin-clear waters and seaside cafes selling the tastiest local delights. Guernsey is the perfect place to begin an island-hopping adventure, too, with its neighbouring siblings - Herm, Sark, and Alderney– just a boat ride away. 

STAY

Fermain Valley Hotel, St Peter Port

Shoulders will drop on arrival at the Fermain Valley Hotel, sitting high above Guernsey’s glorious southeast coast, surrounded by acres of lush green grounds, this is one for the nature lovers. The hotel has 49 super-comfy home-from-home bedrooms, an indoor heated pool and residents’ private cinema; book a balcony room for glimpses of the twinkling bay below.


VISIT
Take the coastal path from Fermain Bay towards St Peter Port stopping at The Bathing Pools at La Vallette on route. These free-of-charge salt-water baths have been enjoyed by Guernsey residents for more than 150 years with the water coming directly from the sea at high tide. Look out for the brand-new Finnish wood-burning sauna by Hot Haus perched on the hill beyond the bathing pools. 

FEAST

Buho Restaurant, Guernsey

For lunch, stroll down the zig-zag hill to the crystal-clear waters of Fermain Bay - a pebble beach tucked away on the rugged east coast. Don’t miss the freshest crab sandwich from the Fermain Beach Café – locally-caught, you can spot the crab pots in the bay beyond. A short stomp up the hill from Fermain Valley Hotel you’ll find the Mexican Buho Restaurant. Pop in for a good choice of tacos and lip-lickingly tasty margheritas.

Les Douvres Hotel, Guernsey

A short drive away, you’ll find Les Douvres Hotel; bag a table by the inside-outside glass fireplace and peruse the extensive menu with everything from woodfired pizza to blackened salmon. 


ALDERNEY
It may be small – with a population of just over 2,000 people – but Alderney is a wildlife lover’s dream; keep your eyes peeled for seals or pods of dolphins in the scenic bays, Glanville Fritillary butterfly (more common here than in any of the British Isles) or the curious Alderney Blonde Hedgehog that was introduced to the island in the post-war period. Expect uncrowded beaches, blow-away-the-cobwebs cliff paths and night skies made for stargazing.

STAY

Braye Beach Hotel, Alderney

Positioned on the edge of pristine white sands, just steps from the bay’s turquoise waters, Braye Beach Hotel has its location licked. The popular beach bar and sun terrace have a tropical feel, while the Vaults – a lively steakhouse based at the hotel – offers fabulous food and wine.  If you’re looking to escape the bustle and simply rest and recharge, this is the island you’ve been looking for. 


VISIT


Visiting between mid-February to the end of September? Don’t miss the Gannet colony of Les Etacs, situated just 100m from the coastline. Almost 6,000 pairs of these majestic birds can be spotted; one of our largest sea birds, watch in awe as they circle high above the waves before diving head-first into the sea, sometimes at speeds of up to 60mph.

FEAST
A trip to Alderney would not be complete without a visit to one of the island’s favourites: Braye Chippy. Located adjacent to the inner harbour, the chippy is open in the evenings all-year round for much-loved fish & chips by the sea. Bring your own bottle to enjoy with your feast. Head to the terrace for amazing sunsets or soak in harbour views from a cosy window seat.