| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 22/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 53 |
| Copyright: Other |
Destination overview by Jane Archer
Getting away from the hustle and bustle
Islands offer opportunities for all
ALTHOUGH Jersey and Guernsey attract the lion’s share of holidaymakers to the Channel Islands, they are a good jumping-off point for trips to the smaller and more laid-back destinations of Alderney, Herm and Sark. Each of the five islands has its own charm, style and pace of life, as well as differing landscapes.While the big two have wide stretches of coastline, their smaller sister islands are ideally suited to those who want to get away from it all. For example, Sark is free from cars and is the perfect choice for walking and cycling, and Herm and Alderney offer plenty of relaxation.
Jersey
At nine miles by five miles, Jersey is the big brother of the Channel Islands and the one most likely to appeal to a younger clientele.
Even so, families are the main market in summer while couples aged 40-years plus go for short breaks year-round, attracted by ease of access from the UK and the island’s reputation for good food.
The capital, St Helier, is a bustling town with high-street retail names and a busy indoor market selling mountains of fresh produce.
It is also home to three of the island’s main attractions. These are Jersey Museum and the Maritime Museum, both featuring lively interactive displays of the island’s past and Elizabeth Castle, which guards the entrance to the harbour.
It is possible to walk over the causeway to the castle when the tide is out. Otherwise World War II amphibious vehicles, known as Ducks, ferry visitors across.
Other attractions include the Living Legend, where the island’s history is told in a multimedia presentation; Jersey Zoo, which was founded by Gerald Durrell to save species of animals threatened with extinction, and Jersey Pottery, where visitors can watch potters at work before indulging in one of its famous fruits de mer platters.
The island’s beaches range from picturesque coves such as Bonne Nuit Bay and Boulay Bay, to the wide sands of St Ouen’s Bay.
In addition, Jersey’s Green Lanes cycle network is great for those who don’t want to travel the island by hire car.
Jersey Travel Service product manager Jo-Ann Canevali said: “Jersey has so much to offer with its fabulous countryside beautiful beaches and St Helier’s vibrant centre.
“There are different types of holidays for different groups, from keen walkers to families, to those looking for a romantic break.”
Sample product: Jersey Travel Service offers three nights at the Atlantic Hotel in June for £410 bed and breakfast including flights from Gatwick.
Sark
Sark is a 35min ferry ride from Guernsey. Like Herm, no cars are allowed and a stout pair of walking shoes is needed to see Sark in a day.
A hired pedal bike is a better way to get around. Alternatively, there are horse-drawn carts for visitors to travel on.
Premier Holidays director Sue Papworth said: “People like the fact there are no cars so you can really get away from it all and enjoy the cliff walks and scenery.”
“We get a lot of people who go for a week or 14 nights for a complete break. Sark is also ideal for children aged three-10 years as it is so safe.”
Sample product: Premier offers three nights at La Sablonnerie for £375 bed and breakfast in June with flights from Gatwick and sea transfers to Sark.
Acres of sand: the island offers many broad beaches such as Greve de Lecq
Mane attraction:visitors enjoy the slower pace of life on Sark with the help of some local transport
Alderney
Despite a brief moment of fame last year as the best place to watch the total eclipse of the sun, Alderney remains the least known of the Channel Islands.
Life goes on at such a gentle pace on Alderney that Jersey and Guernsey look particularly frantic by comparison, and that is the main attraction for anyone looking for a holiday away from it all – it is a great place for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. Premier product manager short haul Beverley Scarr said: “There are nice bays and beaches but it is not for families.
“It is ideal for couples who like the outdoors as there is a lot of good walking. St Anne, the capital, is a very pretty place with cobbled streets and a harbour.”
Sample product: Premier offers three nights at the Belle Vue on Alderney for £318 bed and breakfast in June including direct flights from Southampton.
Guernsey
Guernsey’s beaches range from tiny bays tucked around the southeast corner of this triangular island, just eight miles by six miles at its longest extremes, to the wide expanses of sand at Vazon and Cobo Bay – ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, surfing and water skiing.
The island’s capital is St Peter Port, an attractive town which rises up from a pretty harbour.
Visitors should check out market day, on Thursday afternoon, which brings a host of craft stalls into town.
This is where writer Victor Hugo lived for 15 years, after being exiled from France. The house where he wrote Les Miserables is one of the town’s attractions – the other is Castle Cornet, by the harbour, which houses military and maritime museums. Other attractions on the island include the Little Chapel, a scaled-down replica of the church at the Lourdes shrine built in the 1920s and decorated with seashells, glass and pottery; Le Friquet Butterfly Farm; and Oatlands Craft Centre.
Guernsey has a strong family following in summer but in the shoulder seasons the main market is older couples – those aged 50 years plus who are looking for some peace and quiet.
Thomas Cook Channel Islands product manager Andy Noble said: “Guernsey is my personal favourite for the scenery. It is my ideal break.”
Sample product: Thomas Cook offers three nights at the St Pierre Park Hotel in June for £405 bed and breakfast with flights from Gatwick.
Quiet comforts: get away from it all on Herm
Herm
Herm is a 20min boat ride from Guernsey and has just one hotel, the White House. Cars are not allowed and you can walk around the whole island in a couple of hours.
Hordes of visitors arrive on day trips to see Shell Beach, which is packed with shells that glisten in the sun but for a real feeling of tranquillity, you need to stay overnight.
Islanders managing director John Penson said: “Herm is a magical place. It’s not for people who want nightlife but ideal for those looking for some quiet relaxation.”
Sample product: Islanders offers three nights at the White House Hotel for £246 half-board. Return flights from the mainland to Guernsey start from £99. Transfers to the island cost £22.
Castle Cornet: the St Peter Port landmark houses bothmilitary and maritime museums