Schools have gone back, mid-season hotel prices have become more reasonable so those able to enjoy the luxury of a short break might be wondering where to go. With no guarantees that the weather in the Med is going to be hot and sunny, why not think a little closer to home? A short break in the Channel Islands, taking a little time to explore the delights on the doorstep, is just the ticket.
Easy to get to, with flights available from just about all the major airports and a very short journey time make these beautiful islands a perfect short break destination. Guernsey in particular, the second largest of the Channel Islands, has a continental flavour that engenders a feeling of being abroad without having to travel very far.
There is a varied selection of very good hotels in Guernsey and the standard of accommodation and hospitality available is very high. A good example is the Sunnycroft Hotel located in the centre of St Peter Port. It is classed as a 2 star hotel but what you find is far superior to that. This little boutique hotel is very homely, very welcoming and very affordable. The rooms are all comfortably furnished with good bedding, free wi fi, hospitality trays and the other comforts that are expected in a 3 star hotel. This is a hotel that delivers above expectation. The majority of the bedrooms have terraces or balconies that offer the most amazing views out over St Peter Port to the harbour and neighbouring islands of Herm and Sark. A novel and welcome feature is its bar – an honesty one so you can help yourself and enjoy a drink in the comfort of the rooftop conservatory which is a lovely spot to sit and admire the wonderful view. It doesn’t have a restaurant for evening meals but being in the centre of the town, it is only a short walk to a multitude of restaurants which allows the luxury of trying out more than one eatery. Lobster, scallops, oysters – the seafood available in Guernsey restaurants is mouth-wateringly good and incredibly, the prices are extremely reasonable. If you happen to be there in October/November then you can make the most of the Tennerfest when nearly every restaurant offers a delightful menu choice for as little as a tenner.
If you want a short break with a little luxury then you would be hard pressed to find a nicer retreat than the Fermain Valley hotel. This four star gem is located in one of Guernsey’s prettiest valleys offering seclusion and peace yet is only a short distance from St Peter Port. It has wonderful views too out over Fermain Bay and added extras to enjoy such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna and its own private cinema for guest use that includes a full library of DvDs. Dinner in its AA Rosette restaurant followed by a movie a deux or a cocktail in the trendy Rock Garden cocktail bar is a nice luxurious touch. From the Fermain Valley it is a pleasant 20 minute walk along a beautiful cliff path to the centre of St Peter Port or if not inclined to make the most of the walk, the bus stop is right outside the hotel.
It is possible to get a bus round the entire island for just over £1 and it is a marvellous way to get acquainted with all the different areas and helpful in the decision making process in terms of what to do. Guernsey has quite different sides to it, with miles of white sandy beaches along one side and rugged coastal paths on another. Whatever the view, it is totally captivating.
For such a small island, there is plenty on offer catering to all interests. The history of this island is fascinating. Must see sights include the former home of Victor Hugo – he penned his most famous work “Les Miserables” while living on Guernsey. His house is quirky and its interior must have been a real talking point in his time. The German museum is also an essential visitor stop as is the German Underground Hospital. The occupation of Guernsey during World War II is a big part of its history, brought to the fore recently with the bestselling book “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”.
If you are a shopper then Guernsey won’t disappoint. It is a VAT free haven so perfume and electronic goods are practical buys. You can buy the latest iPhone unlocked which is very handy if you are a frequent traveller. Jewellery too is a feature of the island with the choice ranging from the exclusive Catherine Best to gold and silversmiths that make bespoke jewellery that you won’t find anywhere else.
Weather isn’t a factor on Guernsey. Rain or shine it offers more than enough enjoyment for a short break and the likelihood is that you won’t see nearly enough and will want to return. That’s where its proximity is a bonus – it is easy to return again and again as each time you go, at varying times of the year, there will be something to discover that you didn’t find the previous time.
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