Channel Islands

A small archipelago between the south coast of England, and the north coast of France

Elizabeth Castle on Jersey

The Channel Islands are a small archipelago between the south coast of England, and the north coast of France. Technically, they aren't a part of the UK - instead, they are classed as a separate possession of the British crown. Despite this, and because of the islands' proximity to Normandy, the buildings and culture display a clear French influence. It is this mixture which characterises the entire region.

Visitors often notice this as soon as they arrive in one of the bigger towns, and catch sight of the French street names. One of the most common arrival points is the harbour of St. Helier, which is the capital of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. This attractive town is the best place for both shopping and dining, particularly at the Victorian marketplace, or at one of the spectacular continental-style restaurants.

This is also the best place for finding out about the history of Jersey. The islands' stories are told at St. Helier's three local museums - and more dramatically, at Elizabeth Castle. This imposing fortress is built out at sea, on a small islet that is only accessible at low tide. The property is open to the public, and contains many different exhibits and displays.

The other big town in the archipelago is on the eastern side of Guernsey, the second-largest of the islands. This is St. Peter Port, a coastal town renowned for its maze of steep, narrow lanes, lined with colourful houses. Like St. Helier, it also features an eye-catching castle, built just offshore.

In fact, there are many different castles and fortifications on both Guernsey and Jersey. Due to their location between the European mainland and Britain, they have often been considered as having high strategic value - and this is why, throughout history, they have frequently been the site of many battles and conflicts. They have been under French control several times, and in World War II, they were the only parts of Britain to be captured by German troops. If you walk round the coast of either island, you can still see the remains from various structures built during the war, including several antique gun turrets.

In fact, slipping on your walking boots and getting out of the big towns is the best way to come face-to-face with what the Channel Islands really have to offer. They're only small, but they're packed full of beautiful scenery, from lonely cliffs, to idyllic woods. You can see lush fields, where the native cows produce their famous milk. You can also catch sight of several other well-known landmarks, such as Jersey's Corbiere Lighthouse, a dramatic structure built on an outcrop of high, jagged rocks. You can take part in organised walks, where knowledgeable guides show you the best places to go and the best routes to follow. There are also several wildlife walks, where you can see some of the many seabirds which are native to the islands.

Aside from the Jersey and Guernsey, there are also several smaller islands, which are accessible by ferry. These include Alderney, the only island with a railway, and Sark, which is car-free. All of them are well-kept, beautiful places, largely untouched by modern urbanisation.

This is also true of the whole archipelago in general. By coming to the Channel Islands, you can get away from the busy mainland, relax a little, and spend your time taking in some of the prettiest scenery in the United Kingdom.

Nearby Articles