Guernsey
Guernsey is one of those places that feels familiar and foreign at the same time. It is British, but the French influence is obvious in the names, food and general atmosphere, while its position in the English Channel gives it a character quite unlike anywhere on the mainland.
The capital, St Peter Port, is the island's great attraction. Built around a beautiful harbour and backed by steep, narrow streets, it is an extremely picturesque town. The harbour is busy with boats, the waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants, and the views across the Channel are magnificent.Dominating the harbour is Castle Cornet, a substantial fortress that has guarded the entrance to St Peter Port for centuries. It is now a museum complex, but the real attraction is climbing around the fortifications and enjoying the superb views over the harbour and surrounding islands.
Away from the capital, Guernsey becomes wonderfully rural. Narrow lanes, pretty cottages, hedgerows and cliff paths lead to a succession of beaches and secluded coves. The southern coast is particularly spectacular, with cliffs providing wonderful walking and panoramic views.
One of the island's more unusual attractions is the Little Chapel, sometimes rather grandly referred to as the "Shell Church". Hidden away in a wooded valley, it is a tiny chapel decorated with thousands of seashells, pieces of china and coloured stones. It began life as a simple imitation of the grotto at Lourdes and was repeatedly enlarged and decorated by its creator, Brother Déodat. The result is wonderfully eccentric — a little piece of religious whimsy that looks as though someone emptied a craft cupboard over an entire building.Guernsey also has a darker and more recent history. The island was occupied by German forces during the Second World War, and the fortifications, bunkers and other remains are still scattered across the island. For anyone interested in military history, there is a surprising amount to discover.
Food is another reason to visit. Local produce, seafood, dairy products and the island's famous Guernsey Gâche all reflect the island's agricultural traditions. And, naturally, there are plenty of places to enjoy a cream tea while pretending that you haven't been walking uphill for the last hour.What makes Guernsey particularly appealing is its size. You can explore much of the island without spending half your holiday stuck in traffic, yet there is enough variety to keep things interesting. Beaches, cliffs, gardens, history and villages are all within easy reach.
It is not the cheapest destination, and the weather can occasionally remind you that you are still in the Channel rather than the Mediterranean. But when the sun comes out, Guernsey can look absolutely stunning.
Beautiful coastline, a fascinating history, a charming capital — and a tiny chapel covered in shells. Guernsey may be small, but it certainly isn't short of character.
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