Channel Islands Holidays from NZ$1,694

Channel Islands

Comprising five different islands off the coast of Normandy, the Channel Islands are but a short distance from both the U.K. and mainland Europe. Discover uncrowded beaches and historic World War II war tunnels in these pleasant climes, where summer are warm and sunny, and winters mild.

Though the island of Jersey is one of the largest, it only measures 9 miles (14.5 kilometres) by 5 miles (8 kilometres). It does, however, pack in a lot of attractions. Gaze at the animals at Durrell Wildlife Park, a conservation-themed zoo established by author Gerald Durrell. Explore the secret rooms of the Mont Orgueil Castle, which protected Jersey from French invasion more than 600 years ago, and head into the Jersey War Tunnels for a sobering reminder of the German Occupation of Jersey during World War II. Enjoy lazy beach walks and delicious seafood in restaurants overlooking the sea on this island where the water is never more than 10 minutes away.

Stroll along the seafront marina of St. Peter Port in Guernsey, which dates back to Roman times. Head to Castle Cornet at noon to see the firing of the gun and wander the period gardens. Enjoy a wide range of watersports such as kayaking, sailing and windsurfing, in addition to a range of active outdoor pursuits including rock-climbing and cycling.

Hop on a ferry over to Alderney, the island closest to France. Visit “The Nunnery,” one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Britain and take a self-guided walk through the Longis Nature Reserve.

Hop between the laid-back islands of Sark and Herm. Explore La Coupée, a dramatic peninsula that connects car-free Sark to Little Sark and sunbathe on Shell Beach, Herm’s most dazzling white-sand beach.

Fly from the U.K. to Jersey or Guernsey in less than an hour or take a more leisurely ferry ride from either the U.K. or France. Rent a car or bike to explore each island, then island-hop using the local ferries.

Relatively undiscovered by visitors to the U.K., the Channel Islands make a magical extension to any trip to this part of the world.