Walking holidays in the Channel Islands
Just eight miles off the coast of France, the Channel Islands are a fiercely independent archipelago big on British pride and French joie de vivre. Clifftop coastal paths come with awe-inspiring scenery as standard while history-rich seaside towns have all the laidback charms of a European resort. And because the islands are blessed with better than average British weather, you can enjoy spectacular stretches of white sand beach, fit to rival any you’ll find on the continent.
Explore the history of Britain’s relationship with Europe
Our Channel Islands walking holidays are like a study in centuries of Anglo-European relations. These much fought over isles have bags of history. So, when you’re not admiring a line-up of good-looking beaches and bays like St Aubin and St Ouen, you’ll stumble upon battle-worn castles, ruined forts, and places that played a pivotal role in WWII. Not least those around Jersey.
Learn about life under Nazi occupation with a visit to the Jersey War Tunnels and hike up to one of the German coastal fortifications – part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall against allied invasion. Don’t miss Jersey’s famous round towers or the 14th century Grosnez Castle, either.
Hop between islands
Though it’s Jersey that gets all the attention, the other Channel Islands are equally visit-worthy. Just a skip away from one another, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark lend themselves perfectly to island-hopping adventures.
See why Guernsey’s Le Gouffre Nature Reserve has earned Area of Outstanding Beauty status and stop by St Peter’s Port to discover the impressive Castle Cornet. Cross over to Sark for car-free lanes, country paths, and dramatic coastal scenery, while Alderney and Herm offer wildlife-spotting opportunities and waters that look positively Mediterranean.
