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General Information
Description
The Channel Islands are an idyllic cluster of islands that lie 10 miles off the Normandy coastline of France in the English Channel. The two main islands are the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey, British Crown Dependencies. The Balliwick of Guernsey includes the smaller islands of Sark, Herm and Alderney. During the Second World War, the Channel Islands were under German occupation and became part of the 'Atlantic Wall', a system of coastal fortifications built between 1942 and 1944. The remains of bunkers, gun emplacements and concrete fortifications remind of the life during the World War II occupation. Nevertheless, the Channel Islands positively overflow with natural beauty, having an air of tranquility that is seldom found nowadays.
Jersey is the largest island of the archipelago (45 sq miles or 118 sq km). The coastline varies from low lying rocky headlands in the south, to sweeping sand dunes in the west, and rugged cliffs in the north. This unspoiled countryside consists of open fields and woodlands brimming over with flora and fauna. The island's capital is St. Helier, home to Jersey's parliament. On the south coast is the popular beach of St. Brelade's Bay with white sands and a sheltered position. At the edge of the bay sits St. Brelade's church with one of the few surviving medieval chapels on the Islands. At the extreme southwestern point of Jersey sits the world famous Corbiere lighthouse. Built in 1874, it is situated on a tidal island, connected to the mainland by a causeway that can be crossed at low tide. The cliffs overlooking the lighthouse are a wonderful place to view the amazing sunset. Built on a rock promontory at Gorey, facing the French coast, just 14 miles away, is Mont Orgeuil Castle, built in 1204. A fine example of a Neolithic burial chamber is La Hougue Bie, in Grouville. Dating back to 3500 BC, it is one of the best preserved Neolithic graves in Europe. Not to be missed are the Jersey War Tunnels and German Underground Hospital, at St. Lawrence.
The northwest coast features spectacular cliffs and small sandy beaches. Of note is Plemont Beach with caves, wading pools, and waterfall that cascading over one of the caves. Don't forget to pay a visit to the world famous Durrell Wildlife Park, a conservation center that is home to 130 different types of endangered species birds and animals. On the south coast you will find La Rocque, a beach featuring an 18th century fortification, Seymour Tower. At low tide you can reach the tower, over a reef known as the "Moonwalk" reminiscent of the moon's surface. Be aware of the tide - it changes by an incredible 40 feet, and it is very easy to get cut off. Off the northeast coast of Jersey lie a number of smugglers islands and rocks, Les Ecrehous, all but three becoming completely submerged at high tide. In 2005, the reef at Les Ecrehous was designated a wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention, due to the wildlife that inhabit the islands and surrounding waters. It is a breeding ground for bottle nose dolphins, seals and cormorants.
Guernsey is the second largest of the archipelago, at 25 sq. miles (65 sq km). Located on the east coast is the capital of St. Peter Port, a bustling little town sitting on a hillside overlooking the harbor. Guarding the entrance is the harbor, is Castle Cornet, a 13th century castle that sits on the tidal island of Cornet Rock.
With 28 miles (45 km) of cliff top trails, endless country lanes and common ground as well as 27 beaches (ranging from small rocky coves on the south coast, to vast sweeping sands on the west), Guernsey is both, a walker's dream and a beach lover's delight. Notable beaches in the south include Petit Port, which can only be reached by climbing down 272 steps on the cliff face, Moulin Huet, the inspiration for no less than 15 paintings by Renoir, and Saints Bay, which is the ideal beach for children who enjoying exploring. Vazon Bay, on the west coast, is a fine surfing beach, the Atlantic Ocean rolling in on two miles of sands. Fermain Bay, on the east, is a secluded sandy cove, that is rarely overcrowded, even in the height of summer. Reminding us of how treacherous the west coast is, Fort Grey, at Rocquaine Bay, houses a Shipwreck Museum, featuring a number of items recovered from disasters at sea, from the HMS Sprightly in the 18th century, to the Vermontborg in 2003. Don't forget to visit Hauteville House, which was the home of French writer Victor Hugo while he was in exile in Guernsey.
Sark, with its rugged cliffs and coastline, is 3 miles (4.8 km) long, and a mile and a half (2.4 km) wide, with 40 miles (64 km) of rugged coastline, standing a full 360 feet (110 km) above sea level. The island is covered in wildflower during the spring and summer; with over 600 recorded species of plants, it is an absolutely glorious sight when in full bloom. A causeway across a narrow isthmus links Greater Sark to little Sark. Known as La Coupee, it is 300 feet (91m) and sports 260 foot (79 m) drops on either side! As this is traffic-free island (with the exception of tractors and horse-drawn carriages) visiting this tranquil island is like stepping back in time. Sark also features the tiniest prison in the world! Built in 1856, it can hold just 2 people for a maximum of 48 hours. It is still operational, run by Sark's 'Connetable'. At the south end of Little Sark, you will find the Adonis and Venus Pools, two natural swimming pools that fill with sea water at high tide. Sark is also the world's first 'Dark Sky' island, the intense blackness of the night sky offering awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way.
Alderney is 3 miles (5 km) long and 11/2 miles (2.5 km) wide, situated just 10 miles (16 km) off the coast of France. Its close proximity to France means this beautiful little island has historically been the center of European conflict. It has an ancient and varied history, featuring a series of fortifications built along the coast between the 16th and 19th centuries. In 1940, the island was taken over by German forces, and four labor camps were set up. The entire coastline is dotted with camouflaged bunkers and anti-tank walls. Nevertheless, Alderney is an absolute paradise for lovers of nature, featuring stunning landscape and a huge variety of wildlife, with the majority of the island being designated 'green belt'. If you are really lucky, you may get a sighting of the elusive blonde hedgehog of Alderney! The town of St. Anne has a traditional cobbled high street, evoking a feeling of years gone by. For such a small island, Alderney features over 50 miles (80 km) of footpaths and glorious coastal walks; in fact, the best way to take in the sights of Alderney is by foot. Just off the northwest coast of Alderney lies the tiny island of Burhou that is uninhabited by humans, but home to 11 species of breeding birds. This bird sanctuary has a Ramsar designation to protect the wildlife.
The tiny island of Herm is a real gem. Just 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long, and half a mile (0.8 km) wide, it is 1000 acres (300 at low tide!) of pristine beauty. This is a car-free island, but never fear, it only takes two hours to walk the entire coastline of Herm. The center of the island features a grassy track called the "spine", with sweeping views of white sand beaches and turquoise water on either side. The most popular beaches on Herm are Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay. Shell Beach is renowned for tiny shells washed up on the shore, courtesy of the Gulf Stream.
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What Makes It Special
A holiday in the Channel Islands is like take a trip back in time, to a place where everything happens at a leisurely pace. With its quaint little towns and villages, country lanes, magnificent coastal paths and beaches, it truly is unspoiled beauty at its best. The islands are a haven for hundreds of species of wildlife, including certain types that are not found in any other part of Britain. The wildflowers that positively blanket the lush countryside in the spring and summer are a sight to behold.
The Islands are a history buff or archaeologist's dream, with places of interest ranging from ancient burial sites, 13th century castles and extensive World War II fortifications. Three areas of Jersey, Les Quennevais Dunes, Les Landes and Le Lande du Ouest, have been designated areas of Special Scientfic Interest (SSIs), due to their high ecological value, and a number of small islands and reefs, such as Les Ecrehous and Burhous, are protected by the Ramsar Convention, ensuring that the wildlife and wetlands aren't disturbed. The Channel Islands natives are some of the most welcoming people in the world, happy to share their little slice of paradise with visitors, if only for a short time!
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Directions To Destination
There are 3 airports in the Channel Islands, located in Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. Jersey Airport (JER) is located in the parish of Saint Peter 4.6 miles (7.4 km) west northwest of Saint Helier. Jersey Airport is the largest airport in the Bailwick of Jersey, the Island of Jersey and the Channel Islands. Guernsey Airport (GCI) is the largest airport in the Bailiwick of Guernsey and is the only airport on the island of Guernsey. Guernsey Airport is located in the Forest, a parish in Guernsey 2.9 miles (4.6 km) west southwest of St. Peter Port. Alderney Airport (ACI) is the only airport on the island of Alderney. Alderney Airport was the first airport in the Channel Islands. Located on the Blaye 1.2 miles (1.9 km) southwest of St. Anne, it is the closest Channel Island airport to the south coast of England and the coast of France.
Guernsey and Jersey are accessible by a number of flights from both the UK and Europe, leaving all the major airports. Flights from the UK take as little as 45 minutes. They are served by Aurigny Air, Blue Islands and FlyBe. Aurigny Air also offers several daily flights between Guernsey and Alderney. They also have a flight from Southampton on the UK mainland.
Jersey and Guernsey are also served by a number of larger airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus, but they tend to be more expensive than the smaller airlines, and the flights are less frequent.
While planning your trip to the Channel Islands, keep in mind that during the tourist season there is a significant increase in seasonal flights especially to Jersey Airport from many locations in Germany and various airports in United Kingdom.
Condor Ferries offers a high speed catamaran service from Weymouth and Poole on the south coast of England, to St. Helier in Jersey, and St. Peter Port in Guernsey. The high speed service takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to Guernsey, 3.5 - 4 hours to Jersey. Condor Ferries also has a conventional ferry from Portsmouth which takes 7 hours to Guernsey, 10 hours to Jersey.
The Trident Charter Company is a small shipping company based in Guernsey. This ferry operates a route to the island of Herm via St. Peter Port in Guernsey (a 20 minute crossing). The service is scheduled regularly from April to October, with limited service from November to March.
Sark can be accessed by using a year round ferry from St. Peter Port in Guernsey (weather permitting). The crossing takes about 50 minutes. The service is run by the Isle of Sark Shipping Company. Round trip costs about £17 (2012).
If you are interested in island hopping, or anyway researching routes between particular islands, visit the Web site of Manche Iles Express, a Norman shipping company providing services between Normandy (France) and the Channel Islands.
Alderney is accessible by boat from Guernsey from April to September, and by air year round. For further information on trips to Alderney, please visit the Web site of Visit Alderney. Another useful site is Direct Ferries - Ferry Crossings UK to Ireland, France, Spain, Holland offering a vast array of ferry services in Europe; routes to/from Guernsey and Alderney are among them.
Once you are on the islands, your ground transportation will depend on your specific locations. Keep in mind that Sark and Herm are traffic free! While you can hire a bicycle when visiting Sark, Herm is strictly on foot only. There is a regular bus service on Guernsey and Jersey that operates year round, traveling between all the towns, beaches and visitor attractions. For coach hire and bus services on Guernsey use Island Coachways - Guernsey web site; myBus from Connex Jersey can help you with ground transportation on Jersey.
Finally, if you want to explore the islands Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney on your own, there are a number of car hire firms on all three of them. More detailed information on car renting you can get on Web sites Visit Guernsey, Jersey Tourism’s Visitor Centre, and Braye Hire Cars (Alderney).
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Best Time To Go
Due to their location, The Channel Islands can boast being the sunniest place in the British Isles. The warm air from the Gulf Stream makes the climate warmer than other regions in that latitude, and the Islands average approximately 2,000 hours of sunshine every year. They tend to have mild, damp winters and warm, dry summers, with temperatures reaching as much as 80 °F (27 °C).
Many people favor visiting the Channel Islands between June and September, but springtime is also a lovely time to visit when the wild flowers are starting to bloom. At this time of year, temperatures average around 60 °F (15 °C). Another thing to take into account is that the more popular locations can become quite crowded at the height of summer, so if you want a truly secluded holiday, it may be better to avoid visiting islands during late July and early August. If you visit in the winter, you may find yourself confined to Jersey and Guernsey, as bad weather and stormy seas may make it impossible to visit the smaller islands.
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Where To Stay
We recommend the following hotels:
Jersey
L'Horizon Hotel & Spa (La Route de al Baie, St Brelade, Jersey JE3 8EF) - Overlooking the magnificent golden sands of St. Brelade's Bay is L'Horizon Hotel & Spa. Built in 1850, this elegant 4 star hotel is the perfect base for exploring the island. With 106 bedrooms, 4 restaurants and a beachfront terrace, this truly is a wonderful hotel. Indulge yourself with a day at their exclusive spa, featuring two treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and gym. Prices (here and below 2012) start at £130 for a classic double room, £190 for an ocean view room, and £360 for a luxury suite. (Prices are per room)
Guernsey
The Cobo Bay Hotel (Cobo Coast Road, Castel, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY5 7HB) - the Cobo Bay Hotel is a beachfront 3 star hotel on the west coast of Guernsey. Overlooking the beautiful Cobo Bay, it has a complimentary health suite, lounge bar, restaurant and beach terrace, its food winning 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Rates per room are as follows: single room £59 - £95, double room £95 - £155, double room with sea views and balcony £130 - £195. An extra bed costs from £15 - 30. The hotel also offers interconnecting and disabled friendly rooms, and free parking.
Sark
Aval du Creux Hotel (Harbour Hill, Sark, Channel Islands GY10 1SB) - located on the southeast coast of Sark, the 3-star Aval du Creux Hotel is a curved granite building surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens. It has a swimming pool, formal dining room and a casual limestone terrace restaurant. It features 22 double rooms, 2 single rooms and 2 family rooms, ranging in price from £99 to £210 per room. The Aval du Croix has its own orchards, organic gardens and greenhouse, and the majority of food served is sourced from the Island. Fish is caught daily in the surrounding waters and delivered directly to the Aval du Creux kitchen.
Alderney
The Braye Beach Hotel (Braye Beach, Alderney, Channel Islands GY9 3XT) - the Braye Beach Hotel sits virtually on the sands of the beach, offering spectacular views of the harbour and turquoise ocean beyond. Voted one of the top beach retreats in the United Kingdom, the 4 star hotel has 54 twin and double rooms ranging from £109 to £185 from November to March, £158 to £205 from May to September, and £136 to £190 in the months of April and October. The cost is per room, with 2 people sharing. Extra beds cost £20 per night (12 and under), and £40 per night (adults). The AA rosette restaurant serves fresh, Channel Islands produce.
Research and book hotels in or near The Channel Islands, United Kingdom
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Activities
Whether you are looking for a leisurely, relaxed holiday, or something a little more active, the Channel Islands has something for everyone: walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, kayaking, sunbathing, visiting historical sites, sailing or simply taking in the view. Most notable landmarks, attractions and activities include:
Castle Cornet - an imposing 13th century fortification that stands guard over the harbor at St. Peter Port in Guernsey. Sitting on a tidal island at the edge of a long breakwater, this castle houses five museums covering many aspects of Guernsey's past; The Maritime Museum, The 201 Squadron Museum, The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum, The Militia Museum, and The Cornet Castle Museum. They offer a guided tour every morning, and particularly fun for the children is watching soldiers dressed in 19th century costume fire the Noon Day Gun. It is open from April 1st to October 30th, from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission is £9.50 for adults, £6.75 for senior citizens and £2 for children (prices here and below are 2012).
Fort Grey - located at Rocquaine Bay in Guernsey, Fort Grey is a Martello Tower that was constructed in 1804 to defend the west coast of Guernsey. Housed at Fort Grey is a Shipwreck Museum, which serves as a reminder of the treacherous coastline. It features an array of objects recovered from a multitude of shipwrecks dating back to 1777. Admission is £5.75 for adults, £4.75 for senior citizens and £1.50 for children. It is open from April 1st to October 30th, 10.00am to 4.30pm.
Moulin Huet Bay - on Guernsey's south coast, you will find the cove of Moulin Huet, a beach so stunning that it inspired Renoir to paint 15 landscapes in the 1880s. This beautiful beach, with its azure water, is dotted with large rocks and caves, making it the perfect place for children to explore. Just above the beach there is a cafe and a garden area, offering a place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Guernsey Aquarium - the Guernsey Aquarium is housed in La Vallette, an old German tunnel at St. Peter Port. Featuring 47 different displays, you will find everything from freshwater and tropical fish to frogs, lizards and snakes. This is a fun place to visit for the entire family, especially if you happen to be there at feeding time! It is open from 10.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, and 10.00am to 5.00pm Sundays.
Hauteville House - the home of French writer Victor Hugo while he was in exile in Guernsey, where he wrote his most famous books, including Les Miserables. Hauteville House remains exactly as Hugo left it, richly decorated and extremely creative. Charles Hugo, his son, called the house "a veritable three-story autograph, a poem in several rooms." It is open from April to September, Monday - Saturday.
Mont Orgeuil Castle - Built on a rocky promontory at Gorey, on the eastern coast of Jersey, is the imposing 13th century castle of Mont Orgeuil (Mount Pride). This magnificent castle faces the French coast, standing as a warning sign against any attempted invasion. With high cliffs on three sides, and featuring a number of towers and walls in the form of a concentric castle, it proved to be almost impenetrable. The myriad of winding staircases, room and turrets provide something new to see at every turn, and the view from the top is glorious. Mont Orgeuil is open daily (10am - 6pm) from March 31st to November 4th, and Friday to Monday (10am - 4pm) from November 5th to March 30th. Admission is £10.50 for adults, £6.50 for children and students, and £30.60 for a family ticket.
Jersey War Tunnels and German Underground Hospital - everywhere in the Channel Islands you are reminded of the occupation in World War II, and no visit to Jersey could be complete unless you visit the War Tunnels and German Underground Hospital. They were built with the purpose of withstanding allied air raids, and also housed a barracks and ammunition store. When the threat of invasion was imminent, the War Tunnels were converted into an emergency hospital and casualty clearing station, with 500 beds, an operating theater and a dispensary. Today, the War Tunnels feature a museum and an exhibit called "Captive Island", dedicated to the civilians of Jersey. The Underground Hospital still contains the original hospital equipment and beds. Admission costs £10.90 for adults, £6.90 for children, £9.90 for senior citizens and £7.90 for students.
Corbiere Lighthouse - sitting on the southwest tip of Jersey is the famous Corbiere lighthouse. Standing 135 feet (41 m) above sea level, it was built in 1874 to warn seafarers of the treacherous coastline, and has saved many vessels from shipwreck over the years. The lighthouse is situated on a tidal island which you can reach by crossing a causeway at low tide. Beware though - the tide comes in very fast! An alarm sounds when the tide is rising, warning people to get off the causeway and back to the mainland.
Plemont Beach - a fabulous beach on the northwest coast of Jersey, with clean sands, caves to explore, and even a waterfall; it is the perfect place for the family to spend the day. Just remember to check the tides, as the sand gets entirely covered at high tide. If you happen to get there at high tide, take the time to walk along the cliffs overlooking the beach. Here, you will find a car park, a lovely little cafe, and toilets. There is a lifeguard on duty in the summer. Bear in mind that the only access to the beach is via a bridge and a set of steep steps, so it's not suitable for the disabled. That being said, just sitting on the terrace at the cafe and taking in the outstanding views is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Shell Garden - this truly unique garden was built by Colin Soudain in 1957, consisting of millions of shells collected locally. This has been an ongoing project, with new areas being added each year. The 3-level garden is a mixture of thousands of flowers and dolphins, mermaids, doves, sea horses and giant clams created entirely out of shells. Though small, this quirky little place is well worth a visit! Admission costs £1 per adult, children 50p.
Les Ecrehous - five miles northeast of Jersey lies Les Ecrehous, a cluster of small islands and tidal reefs, only three of which are visible at high tide. The reef has been designated a wetland of international importance, protecting the wildlife that call the area home. If you take a boat trip, you will be able to see a number of seabirds, bottle nose dolphins and seals. At low tide you can take a guided walk around the islands. The boat trip and guided tour costs £55.
Kayaking - a fantastic way to see the Jersey coastline is by kayak. Jersey Kayak Adventures offers tours from a few hours to an entire day, from April to late October. Between November and March special tours can be organized. This is an excellent opportunity to explore hidden caves and remote beaches that would be otherwise inaccessible. They also offer a trip to Les Ecrehous, a number of small islands and reefs off the northern coast.
The Durrell Wildlife Park - located in the Trinity area of Jersey, this 'zoo' was the brainchild of naturalist and author Gerald Durrell. But this is no ordinary zoo - set in 32 acres, it has 130 different types of birds and animals, and also an education center; its prime objective being saving some of the world's most endangered species. Species that have already been saved from extinction include the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, echo parakeet and the Mallorcan midwife toad. This truly is a wonderful place to visit, and the money raised from the ticket price goes directly back into the conservation program, as the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international charity. From April to October it is open from 9.30am to 6pm, November to March (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 5pm. Admission is £12.90 for adults, £9.40 for children and £10.50 for senior citizens. A family ticket (2 adults/2 children) costs £39.95.
'Moonwalking' at La Rocque - on the south coast of Jersey lies Vingtaine de la Rocque, with a harbor, small beach, and a causeway leading out to Seymour Tower, an 18th century fortification. The causeway is known as the "Moonwalk" due to the unique terrain, featuring reefs, sandbars and gullies, that reveals itself at low tide. Its other claim to fame is that it is covered by 40 ft of water at high tide. This means that you should be extremely careful when out on the causeway: pay attention to the warnings, and if possible, go with a guide. If, by some chance you find yourself getting cut off, near to Seymour Tower, there is a 40 foot metal platform that you will have to climb and wait out the tide!
Burhous Island - a tiny island that lies 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of Alderney. Even though it is only half a mile (0.8 km) in length and one fifth of a mile (0.3 km) wide, it is home to 11 different species of breeding seabirds. This is a designated Ramsar site, due to its environmental importance, and as such, is closed to the public between March 15th and August 1st. You can still take a boat trip around the island, allowing you to see the puffins, gannets and various other seabirds, and the Atlantic seal colony on the nearby reef.
Shell Beach - this beach located on the tiny island of Herm, is renowned for the millions of shells that cover the sand, some traveling from as far afield as the Caribbean. After beach combing at Shell Beach, don't forget to stop at the quaint Mermaid Pub which sits on the seafront. What better than watching a beautiful sunset with a pint of real ale in hand?
Horse-drawn carriage trip around Sark - the perfect way to see the wonderful sights of Sark is by taking a leisurely horse-drawn carriage trip operated by Sark Carriages. The drivers know the island like the back of their hand, and will make your guided tour seem extra special. Prices range from £7 per person for a 1 hour ride, to £11 for a 2 hour ride.
Walking and hiking in the Channel Islands - many people would argue that the best way to see the Channel Islands is on foot. From rugged cliff tops to scenic country lanes, and large expanses of common ground, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's a tough hike across rocky headlands or a leisurely stroll through the countryside. You can purchase a number of maps online prior to making your trip, or alternatively, you will be able to pick up a local map when you arrive at the islands.
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Useful Visitor Information and Tips
The Channel Islands have the same entrance visa requirements as the United Kingdom. If you hold a passport issued by the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada or the US, you don't need a visa. If you are a 'Visa National', you will need an entrance visa. A list of countries considered to be 'Visa Nationals' can be found on the UK Border Agency Website.
Jersey and Guernsey have their own currency (a variation on UK currency) that is used within the islands, but British Pounds Sterling are used by tourists. If you receive Channel Islands currency in change, be aware that it is not legal tender anywhere else (the exception are banks in the UK, which will exchange notes, but not coins). If possible, change your Channel Islands currency into UK sterling before leaving the Islands. Certain merchants will accept Euros, but not too many.
Beware of the tides around the Channel Islands. In just six hours, 40 feet (12 m) of water can come gushing in. If that doesn't sound like much - it can equate to as much as two inches per minute in the 3rd and 4th hour of the tide! La Rocque Bay in Jersey actually features a "point of no return" - a 40 foot high metal platform that is a 30 minute walk from the beach. If you get cut off, you will have to wait on this platform until you are rescued, or sit it out until the tide goes back down.
If you visit Corbiere Lighthouse and hear an alarm when you are on the causeway - make your way back to the mainland! The alarm means the tide is on its way in. In fact, a good tip is to avoid any causeway in the Channel Islands if any part of it is starting to get covered with water. The tide comes in extremely quickly, and you may well find yourself stranded. The currents and rip tides are also extremely strong in some areas. Always check the tide times before visiting certain beaches, as they can get completely covered at high tide.
Driving in the Channel Islands can be quite tricky - the road tend to be quite narrow, and some of the road signs may be unfamiliar. Pay attention to the speed limits! The maximum speed limit is 35 miles (56 km) per hour, in some places, it is even less, as little as 15 miles (24 km) per hour on country lanes. If you are caught speeding, you will be fined! The minimum age to hire a car is 20.
While cycling is a very popular way of getting around, some of the routes inland are extremely hilly. If you are somewhat out of shape, you may spend more time pushing your bike up hills than riding it!
Remember that both Herm and Sark are traffic-free! Herm is small enough that it can be walked around quite easily, and there is Avenue Cycle Hire, a shop that hire bicycles on Sark. It can be found on top of the hill that leads from the harbor.
If you happen to be visiting the Channel Islands in October or early November, take advantage of the Tennerfest, when Michelin-star restaurants offer set menus at the bargain price of £10 - £17.50 at more than 170 participating restaurants.
Many areas in the Channel Islands are areas of Special Scientific Interest, and the plants are protected. It is illegal to pick or uproot these plants, and you may be prosecuted if caught doing so.
The beaches in the Channel Islands are among the most magnificent in the world, partly due to the fact that people take good care of them. When visiting, please remember not to leave your litter behind, and if you happen to see something lying around - act like the locals and pick it up! It will be much appreciated!
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Additional Information
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Web Sites:
Aer Lingus - Cheap Flights to and from Dublin, Europe, UK & USA
Alderney, The Channel Islands
Aurigny Air Services, The Channel Islands
Aval du Creux Hotel
Avenue Cycle Hire
Blue Islands - Jersey Flights, Guernsey Flights, London, Manchester, Bournemouth
Braye Beach Hotel, 4 Star Alderney Hotels, Channel Islands
Braye Hire Cars - hire cars in Alderney, Channel Islands
British Airways Official Web Site
Condor Ferries: Ferries to France, St. Malo, Brittany, Jersey, Guernsey and UK
Direct Ferries - Ferry Crossings UK to Ireland, France, Spain, Holland and more
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Flybe UK - Cheap Flights & Budget Flight Tickets |
Guernsey Hotels - The Cobo Bay
Guernsey Museums and Galleries
Guernsey's Official Victor Hugo Website
Hand Picked Hotels
Herm Island
Island Coachways - Guernsey Buses, Coach Hire, Coach Tours and 4x4 Hire
Jersey.com - Meet the Locals
Jersey Heritage
Jersey Kayak Adventures
Jersey Walk Adventures
Jersey War Tunnels
JerseyWeb Jersey, Channel Islands
Lufthansa
Manche îles express - Séjour à Jersey, voyage à Guernesey
myBus Connex Jersey
News, Sport and Information from the Island of Jersey
Official Web Page of Isle of Sark Shipping Company Ltd
Sark Carriages - Islands of Sark Carriage Tours
Sark - Isle of Sark, Channel Islands
The Map Shop - Climbing Guides, Kompass Maps, Michelin Maps, Online, UK
Visit Guernsey - Guernsey Channel Islands
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