Destination:
Channel Islands

Overview

These islands have been a dependency of Britain since the Norman Conquest in 1066, and English is the official language, but there is no doubting that the character-filled Channel Islands are also flamboyantly French. Hardly surprising since they are situated just off the north west coast of France, about 90 miles (145km) south of England.

The clutch of five islands is very small, their total area adding up to less than 80 square miles (207 sq km). The largest, and most visited are Jersey and Guernsey. The other three are Herm, Sark and Alderney.

The laid back beach and country lifestyle of the island group reflects the French factor in this unusual Anglo-French fusion, most of all in the cuisine, particularly the seafood dishes, and jolly festivals such as Jersey's annual 'Battle of the Flowers'.

For British holidaymakers, in particular, the islands provide a comfortable 'home from home' vacation station in the sunniest and warmest corner of the British Isles. Apart from lovely, scenic beaches where abundant watersports are on offer, there is plenty of history and heritage to explore and discover in the main towns of St Helier (Jersey) and St Peter Port (Guernsey). Museums, historic buildings and traditional events map out the islands' colourful past, including its more recent military and maritime history as the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by the Germans during World War II.

Hiking, cycling and golf are also enjoyable leisure pursuits well catered for on the islands, adding to the well-deserved reputation of this twin-cultured destination as an ideal choice for a quiet outdoor-oriented holiday.

Attractions

Airports

Guernsey Airport

Website: www.guernsey-airport.gov.gg

Location: The airport is situated two miles (4km) from St Peter Port on the island of Guernsey.

Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1481 237766. Email: airport@gov.gg

Time Zone: GMT (in the summer months GMT+1).

Departure tax: None.

Facilities: The airport has an ATM, bank, restaurant, cafeteria, bar, duty free shop, newsagent, gift shop, tourist help desk and VIP lounge.

Parking: The public car park is open during Airport hours and operates on a 'pay station' system. There is space for 275 cars and the first hour is free.

Transfer to the city: Island Coachways operates a bus service between the airport and St. Peter Port. Taxis are available from the Airport forecourt. Pre-booking is recommended.

Car rental: Europcar and Valu-Rent-a-Car have desks in the Airport Concourse, open from 8am to 9pm daily.

Jersey Airport

Website: www.jerseyairport.com

Location: 4.6 miles (7.4 km) north-west of Saint Helier

Contacts: Tel: +44 (0)1534 446000.

Time Zone: GMT (in the summer months GMT+1)

Facilities: There is a a Bureau de Change at the information desk in the departure hall, as well as two ATMs. There is free Wi-Fi broadband (Internet access) at the airport, postal services and executive/business lounges. There is also first-aid and special assistance available at the airport.

Parking: There is short- and long-term parking available at the airport.

Transfer to the city: There is a regular bus service (bus 15) from Jersey Airport to St Helier, via Red Houses and St Aubin's Village. The airport bus stop is situated in front of the arrivals hall and passengers travelling to the airport disembark in front of the departure hall. Private coaches operating at the airport include Minibus Direct, Tantivy Blue Coach and Waverley Coaches. There are also chauffeur driven luxury and executive vehicles for hire.

Car rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Avis, Europcar and Hertz.