Looking for an exciting new holiday destination for next year? One of the most overlooked destinations for travellers in the UK is the Channel Islands, a group of islands in the English Channel close to the northern coast of France. Jersey is the largest of these islands, but Guernsey has arguably the most character.
Guernsey is less than an hour from the UK and just a short 30 minutes from France which means that you get the feeling of going on an overseas holiday in terms of the weather while exploring a country with strong cultural and social links to the UK.
READ MORE: Here is our list of the 10 best islands to visit around the globe
This part of the British Isles remains little visited by tourists, so anyone looking for a unique travel destination in this part of the world should make a visit to the Channel Islands top of their bucket list for 2023. Expect peaceful and pristine beaches, beautiful wildlife, fascinating heritage, and plenty of activities to suit all ages. To make your trip even more special, explore Guernsey and the other Channel Islands on a cruise from Southampton which will give you a unique perspective of this extraordinary remote region.
So, what exactly makes Guernsey such a good holiday destination?
Guernsey has spectacular scenery
First, you have spectacular scenery. The geographical location of Guernsey provides some breathtaking natural beauty that is quite different from anywhere on the UK mainland, including sandy beaches and secluded bays with beautiful turquoise waters backed by dramatic cliffs. Loll on the sand and soak up some sunshine, or head out to sea in a boat for a day of sailing to explore hidden coves and take in the majestic headlands from the water.
Guernsey is also renowned for its lush countryside which blossoms with vibrantly coloured orchids in spring and early summer. Imagine the picturesque vistas of tulip fields in The Netherlands but with the rambling charm of an English wildflower meadow. Spending time in nature can be a great way to recharge your batteries, something that all of us are in need of following a turbulent couple of years. The astonishing scenery in Guernsey is an idyllic place to revitalize yourself, mind, body and soul.
Appreciate the walking & wildlife
Following this, Guernsey is also a fabulous place for walking and wildlife spotting. Invigorating clifftop walks and gentle hiking trails through the lush countryside make Guernsey a great place for those of all physical skill levels, from hiking enthusiasts to those who simply enjoy getting out and exploring nature. This restful activity is improved even more by the mesmerizing views out of the ocean.
You can also take boat rides out to sea and see all kinds of incredible wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and a wide range of birdlife. Alderney is a particularly good spot for birdwatching with many migrant birds straying from the French mainland. Bird enthusiasts will delight in trying to pick out the more rare species that can be found here, including the European Bee-Eater, Montagu’s Harrier and the Red Kites that like to wheel high in the sky on the sea breeze.
The island is steeped in history & folklore
Last but certainly not least, Guernsey has a rich history that is central to a trip here. It is clear from the evidence of Roman settlements on the island that Guernsey has been an important country for millennia, and there is also evidence of inhabitation long before the Roman Empire rose to power. During the Middle Ages, this neglected area became a haven for pirates due to its useful geographical position between the UK and Europe. More recently, Guernsey was a key military base for both Napoleon in the 1800s and German troops during WWII in the 20th century.
There are plenty of historical landmarks, museums, churches, and tours that will allow you to discover the fascinating history of Guernsey, and there are options for all tastes and ages here. Folklore is also prevalent in Guernsey which adds to its appeal – prepare to be enchanted by myths about faeries living in secluded caves and old tales of witches, ghosts, and ghouls.
Guernsey is a fantastic place for your next holiday as it has so much to offer and is just a short trip from the UK. As part of the British Isles, English is the main language that is spoken in the Channel Islands, so for many travellers, there will be no language barrier that can sometimes make holidaying challenging. Its easy-to-reach position, variety of things to do, and familiar culture make it a particularly good option for families with children.
