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Guernsey

The second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey has great beaches and is even more picturesque than its larger neighbour of Jersey. Its main port, St Peter, is steeply terraced and laden by flower baskets. History also abounds and the island was the home-in-exile of the giant of French literature, Victor Hugo, who wrote Les Misérables. Guernsey's sea air encourages a hearty appetite, and the island's fertile sea and soil provides the island's cuisine with a host of ingredients, from seafood to locally grown vegetables.

Who goes there: 

Guernsey is incredibly child-friendly and an ideal family holiday location. It's also very attractive for watersports enthusiasts, food lovers and everyone in between.

Where in the world: 

Guernsey is situated in the Gulf of St Malo, 50km (30 miles) from the coast of France and 130km (80 miles) from the south coast of England. The cliffs on the south coast rise to 80m (270ft), from which the land slopes away gradually to the north. Guernsey is an ideal centre for excursions to the other Channel Islands and France. The islands of Alderney, Brecqhou, Herm, Jethou, Lihou and Sark are dependencies of Guernsey.

When to go: 

Thanks to its location off the coast of southern England, Guernsey experiences a reliably warmer climate than the rest of the country. The most popular holiday season is from Easter to October, with temperatures averaging 20-21°C (68-70°F). These months give an average of 200 and 260 hours of sunshine. Rainfall is mainly during the cooler months. The sea is 17°C (63°F) on average during the summer.

Beach: 

Guernsey has a remarkable total of 27 beaches. Pembroke, on the north coast, is recommended for families and sunbathers, with its huge sweep of gently sloping sand. It's also good for watersports, and has some kiosks and a restaurant. Cobo, to the west, is a popular sandy bay, edged by granite rocks, and attracting avid surfers. It's also great for snorkelling, rock pooling, swimming and windsurfing, though water quality has deteriorated in recent years. L'Eree is another western sandy stretch that rarely feels crowded and is good for swimming, though rocks are evident at low tide. Also to the west, horseshoe-shaped Port Soif Bay is a lovely beach, and is a sheltered arc of fine white sand, popular with families for its good water quality.

Beyond the beach: 

Discover the pretty Regency and Georgian lanes, tumbling terraces, blooming gardens and hidden alleys in Guernsey's capital of St Peter Port. Those who want to stretch their legs further are served well by the spectacular cliff-top paths and rural lanes across the island, where walkers can discover semi-tropical plants, secluded bays and stunning coastal vistas. The Water Lanes leading to the shore make for a great trip, particularly at Moulin Huet and Petit Bôt. Throughout the summer months of April to September there are numerous guided walks on offer.

Family fun: 

There are lots of chances for bucket-and-spade fun at Guernsey's many sandy bays. For a change, just south of the picturesque St Peter Port harbour, there are some sculpted rock pools where you can take a dip. It's also fascinating to take a tour of Victor Hugo's eclectic residence, Hautville House (www.victorhugo.gg), where he lived in exile for 14 years. Families will also enjoy the Guernsey Aquarium (La Vallette), which is housed in an old tunnel and has displays of fish, frogs, terrapins and lizards.

Retail therapy: 

The best shopping is found in St Peter Port with its alluring boutiques and pretty lanes. The thing to buy on the island is a Guernsey jumper, knitted to a special pattern that makes them excellent for withstanding the weather - traditionally a fisherman's secret weapon. Local pottery, gold and silver jewellery and candles are also great buys on the island. Shoppers can also take advantage of the island's duty-free status and stock up on electrical and luxury goods. Although there is no VAT on the island, there is a Guernsey Bailiwick tax imposed on goods such as spirits, wines, beers and tobacco.

Night on the town: 

Although Guernsey is small, it buzzes at night, with lots of life in the main port of St Peter. A lovely harbour-front pub is Albion House, while for live music (mainly tribute bands), you should check out the Dog House (The Rohais). During the summer months live music and cabarets are often organised in some of the larger hotels and the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre (www.freedomzone.gg) in St Peter Port has a cinema, theatre, bars and a cafe.

Eating out: 

The island setting provides ample delicious seafood options, as well as a bounty of locally grown vegetables. Guernsey has some splendid places to eat, from scrumptious sandwiches to awesome seafood, with a dominantly French cuisine. Try the local beach kiosks, a Guernsey institution, for a cheap and cheerful snack of crab rolls, or a scrumptious cream tea. Fermain Beach Café, on the east coast, is a bistro-cafe specialising in seafood: try a local crab sandwich, scallops with bacon or locally caught monkfish, with wonderful sea views. In summer, you'll need to book well in advance. Le Petit Bistro (56 Le Pollet Street, St Peter's) is another delicious spot. Visitors should also try the local speciality of Guernsey gâche (a fruit loaf served with local butter).

Getting there and around: 

Buses link Guernsey's settlements (www.buses.gg), but if you don't fancy the bus, hire a car or bike. You can access the other Channel Islands and the English mainland via ferry, and there are flights from here to England.

Exploring further: 

Take a boat trip over to Herm (journey time - 20 minutes) a tiny island ringed by sugar-white beaches and dotted by wild flowers. It has no cars, motorbikes or bicycles, one hotel and campsite, and there are some lovely walks winding across the island. Completely geared to tourism, it feels a little unreal, but in a good way.

Splashing out: 

Guernsey has some wonderful restaurants, but if you really crave a treat, then make a beeline for La Frégate (www.lafregatehotel.com) (Les Cotils), a hotel housed in an 18th-century mansion that perches above St Peter Port. Views are fabulous, with food to match.

Flying in: 

Guernsey (GCI)

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