The Channel Islands

THE CHANNEL ISLANDS - AT A GLANCE

• Expect hidden beaches, lush valleys, tranquil lanes and dramatic coastline all basking in surprisingly warm temperatures.
   
• Get into the swing of island life at an easy pace, see castles, stroll past wisteria-clad cottages, then tuck into freshly caught lobster, crab, scallops and oysters.
   
• Jersey is the largest of the islands. Its Victorian markets and the elegant shops of its capital, St Helier, are contrasted by sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and gently rolling countryside, perfect for walking.
   
• On Guernsey, you can explore the picturesque St Peter Port with its cobbled lanes and brightly painted yachts bobbing in the harbour. Thrill-seekers can indulge in plenty of outdoor activities, from coasteering to windsurfing. For gentler fun, try exploring its 5,000 years of heritage from castles to Neolithic burial chambers.
   
• You can fly to the Channel Islands via Jersey from around Britain. From London it’s about a 1 hour flight. If you’d prefer to travel by hire car, you can get a ferry from Poole or Weymouth which takes about 4 hours to reach the island.