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Jersey And Guernsey
Jersey
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Green lanes, great seafood and tax free shopping make the offshore islands of Jersey and Guernsey an idyllic haven for a weekend escape or a longer visit. Located in the English Channel just off the coast of Normandy, Jersey and Guernsey are the largest of the Channel Islands. They became a British Crown Dependency back in 1204 and combine the very best of French heritage and British culture. They are also one of the sunniest corners in Europe with mild winters and warm summers.
Jersey covers just 46 square miles and Guernsey is even smaller, making them perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace. Easy to reach by air or sea, these scenic islands offer quiet green lanes for hiking and cycling, narrow winding roads for driving at 40mph or less, and a coastline scattered with old forts, rugged cliffs and long sandy beaches. The small fishing communities supply the excellent seafood which can be found on most menus, from Michelin star restaurants to local fish and chip shops.
The capital of Jersey is St Helier; a small harbour town of old houses and shops. King Street is the place to browse for tax-free bargains in Rolex watches, high-end clothing and designer perfumes. Family-owned shops are interspersed with tempting bakeries and pavements cafés in the delightful town centre. The more modern Liberty Wharf with its branded shops is the island’s only covered mall.
St Helier has three museums which together tell the fascinating history of the Channel Islands. The Maritime Museum is the best option for those visiting with children. Located just behind the landmark steam clock, it has many interactive exhibits about smugglers, shipwrecks and pirates. The Jersey Museum covers almost every other aspect of island history, from local wildlife to a collection of artworks. There is even a recreated Victorian town house with a costumed guide.
Those interested in Military History will find the Occupation Museum recalls the period during World War 2 when the islands were under German occupation. The Jersey War Tunnels offer a fascinating look at the island’s history including the German Underground Hospital.
Orgueil Castle dates back to 1204 and is an imposing landmark at Gorey. Used as a fortress and a prison, it has also hosted many royal visits and ceremonies in its eclectic past. Elizabeth Castle is a popular Jersey attraction and you can walk across the causeway to the island at low tide and hear the canon which is still fired daily at noon.
Much of Jersey and Guernsey remain rural with beautiful old farmhouses set around cobbled courtyards. The La Mare Wine Estate offers vineyard tours and tastings of its wine and apple brandy. The Lavender Farm in Pleasant Valley is another of Jersey’s agricultural industries and you can cut your own lavender in season.
Guernsey is a short ferry ride from Jersey and its main and only town is St Peter Port. It has charming narrow streets and a very historic atmosphere. As well as scenic walks, fishing and boat trips, highlights on Guernsey include the 12th century Castle Cornet with its museum and gardens, and Hauteville House, home of the exiled French author Victor Hugo.
Whether you are looking for a traditional family beach holiday or a quiet vacation far from city life, Jersey and Guernsey offer gorgeous scenery and a peaceful charm that is increasingly hard to find in mainland England.