The Channel Islands are a sunny archipelago, located in the English Channel. They’re a paradise for walkers, tourists, and people who just want to get away. The islands have lots of animals and plants that are entirely unique to them, as well as lots of things to visit including zoos and stately homes. The Channel Islands comprise Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Alderney, Herm, Jethou, Brecghou, and Lihou.
In this article, we are going to outline some of the attractions that you need to see if you’re going to visit the Channel Islands:
Victoria Tower
Victoria Tower provides the best view in Guernsey. It is located in Saint Peter Port and was erected in 1846, commemorating a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. If you’re fit enough, then you can climb all the way to the tower’s top and witness panoramic views over the ocean and surrounding islands. Thousands visit the tower every year, because of the stunning views that it offers. The tower’s open to everybody, but children must be supervised. If you’re going to be spending time on the island, then it’s definitely somewhere that you’ll want to visit.
Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo is one of the island’s most exciting attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Jersey, then it should be at the top of your list. The zoo was first opened in 1959, by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, whose wildlife trust still manages it today. There are over 1,400 animals housed at the zoo, including many endangered and rare animals. If you’re a fan of wildlife, which many people who visit the Channel Islands are, then you’ll have hours of fun exploring the expansive zoo that is situated in a 35-acre estate. The zoo receives over 160,000 visitors every year, which stands as a testament to how entertaining the park is.
Hauteville House
Hauteville House is one of the Channel Islands’ most famous landmarks. It was formerly the home of famous author Victor Hugo, who lived there for over 14 years during his exile from France. The house today stands as a museum and monument, dedicated to Hugo’s life and time there. Hauteville House is located in St Peter Port, Guernsey, not too far from the Victoria Tower. Ownership of the house was donated to the City of Paris in 1927. The house has been preserved exactly the way that it was when Hugo lived there. If you’re traveling from Europe to London, then stopping off on the island to see the house is something to consider.
German Occupation Museum
The Channel Islands has something for everybody. If you’re into history, then you’ll want to visit the German Occupation Museum in Guernsey, which contains hundreds of artifacts from the Second World War, during the Nazi occupation of Guernsey. There are also lots of educational displays, documents, and reproductions that are worth seeing. The museum also has an onsite café, so you can stop and have something to eat or drink after touring the museum. There’s also a gift shop that’s worth visiting.
Le Grande Greve
Le Grande Grave is one of the Isle of Sark’s best outdoor attractions. It’s regarded as one of the nicest beaches in all of the Channel Islands (which is saying a lot). The beach is surrounded by high cliffs, which give the beach a secluded, closed-off feel. Because the weather’s so nice and the Channel Islands receive over 2000 hours of sunlight every year, there’s never a bad time to visit. You can sunbathe, relax, lounge around, or go swimming during your visit. The beach is also a great place to go fishing and digging Lugworm. It’s a great location to catch Bass at low tide.
Shell Beach
Shell Beach is another great beach to visit. It has long stretches of white sand, with deep, blue waters, which are great for swimming. The beach is surrounded by forests and hills, which makes it a great place for an outdoor adventure. The beach has a kiosk on its southern end, which sells refreshments and some souvenirs. Fishing is also permitted on the beach, with its Bass being one of its star attractions. Some travel experts have compared the beach more to a Caribbean island, than a British beach.
The Sand Wizard
The Sand Wizard’s gallery is an exciting, unique tourist attraction that’s worth a visit if you take a trip to Jersey. The gallery showcases elegantly designed and detailed sandcastles. Fans of modern art are sure to enjoy this unconventional gallery. The largest sandcastle sculpture inside the Sand Wizard’s gallery took over 130 days to complete and is made from more than 50 tons of sand. While the Sand Wizard’s gallery isn’t a day out in and of itself, it’s definitely a great place to stop off during your trip to the zoo or one of Jersey’s many famous beaches.
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery
Another of Guernsey’s popular tourist attractions is the museum and art gallery, which showcases the Channel Islands’ unique culture and history. The museum rivals the Second World War museum in scope, featuring historic clothing, archaeological sites of importance, and lots of interesting artifacts. The Channel Islands’ history is little known outside of its residents, so if you’re interested in finding out about it, then the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery is the place to visit.
Folk and Costume Museum
In addition to Guernsey’s museum and art gallery, there is also a folk and costume museum, which is a great place to visit for people interested in history. The museum is operated by Guernsey’s own National Trust, and it houses restored clothing, restored and renovated farm buildings, set within a courtyard. The museum tells the story of over 200 years of Guernsey’s history.
Jersey War Tunnels
Another fantastic historical attraction worth visiting is Jersey’s war tunnels. The tunnels stretch over 1km and were dug into the hillside by slave labourers during the Second World War. The tunnels allowed troops to survive air raids and attacks and were later turned into a hospital.
If you’re interested in visiting the Channel Islands, then as this article shows there is lots for you to do. There’s also lots of other fun places to visit, including castles and more museums. Make sure to do your research beforehand and create a list of places that you want to see, so you can schedule everything in.
