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'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'

22 June 2024 , 05:00
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Lucy in St Peter Port, Guernsey, as the sun was beaming near harbour (Image: Mirrorpix)
Lucy in St Peter Port, Guernsey, as the sun was beaming near harbour (Image: Mirrorpix)

Often compared to the Caribbean, Guernsey has soft sand beaches, secluded coves and dreamy turquoise waters. However, experiencing life on this small island doesn't require a long-haul flight or a lengthy queue at passport control.

In under 45 minutes, you can be sipping cocktails on the harbour or sampling the local seafood on beautiful Guernsey, which sits just 27 miles off the coast of France.

With a gripping history, luxurious hotels and an exceptional dining scene added to the mix, this is an island escape which is so much more than a beach holiday.

After stepping off the first flight of the day from London City Airport, I simply picked up my luggage and strolled out of the airport. A quick three-mile taxi ride away is the island's capital, St Peter Port, an ideal location to start your trip.

'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK' eidqiueiduprwThe views in Guernsey are breathtaking (Mirrorpix)

First, lunch on The Quay, at a hotspot called Balthazar. Order a glass of something chilled while browsing the menu. Oysters or crispy pig cheek make lovely appetisers, and the monkfish tempura with chips and mushy peas is standout perfection.

Holiday hack to get 48 days off by booking just 19 days of annual leave in 2023Holiday hack to get 48 days off by booking just 19 days of annual leave in 2023

While you're there do excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, Here you'll discover the "Balthazar boogie button". Dare to press it and the loo morphs into a mini disco. Your holiday has started!

'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'Lucy enjoy an Aperol Spritz in Balthazar (Mirrorpix)
'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'There's nothing like fresh fish by the sea (Mirrorpix)

Then enjoy a walk along the port and through the town centre to take advantage of the tax-free shopping at the independent stores and boutiques. Or stop off for an ice cream or cake at Crepe Maison, which brings a little bit of Paris to this island.

For history buffs, the royal fortress of Castle Cornet, which has stood guard over the island for more than 800 years, is a must.

Providing a spectacular backdrop to the town and views over neighbouring Channel Islands, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Jersey, visitors can gen up on centuries of history in its four museums and stroll around its pristine period gardens.

There are reenactments of stories from Guernsey's past by the History In Action Company, a free guided tour at 10.30am, and at midday the Noonday Gun is fired by gunners in 19th-century costume.

'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'The stunning pool and relaxation area at the Old Government House Hotel (Mirrorpix)

For a luxurious stopover, book into the Old Government House Hotel. The only five-star hotel on Guernsey, it has been open for 167 years. Its three restaurants, two bars, seaview suites, spa, gym and heated pool are all beautifully styled.

After a restful night's sleep, I had a lovely breakfast in the all-green retro-style restaurant with outstanding service.

If you fancy a night out in the capital, Le Nautique in St Peter Port is Guernsey’s oldest restaurant and occupies vaults used in the 18th century by shipowners. From both of its floors, there are fantastic views over the harbour. Renowned for its seafood, try the scallops and shellfish ragout, grilled lobster or seafood platter with a fruity Sauvignon Blanc.

If you’re one of Britain's many wild swimmers, or if you simply want to cool off in the summer sunshine, visit the free bathing pools at Vive La Vallette – a spot on Guernsey's east coast where locals have enjoyed seawater bathing for 150 years – including Les Miserables writer Victor Hugo and Renaissance painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The place has had a recent revamp with a new cafe and there's a wonderful sun terrace.

'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'A rib ride is great fun for everyone - especially those with adrenaline for speed (Mirrorpix)

The coastline is the crown jewel of Guernsey, so a rib ride adventure is a great way to see it. With Island Rib Voyages you get to speed through the waves before stopping to admire some of the coves and you might spot puffins, dolphins and seals.

Brit tourist chased and shot dead while on holiday at luxury villa in JamaicaBrit tourist chased and shot dead while on holiday at luxury villa in Jamaica

Plus you will see plenty of Second World War history including defences built by the occupying German forces between 1940 and 1945. The tour also takes in Batterie Strassburg on the Jerbourg peninsula and the site of the first commando landing of the war. Tours range between £22.50 and £32.50 per person.

If you want to make the most of your time on the island, Amanda Johns, an accredited tour guide of Guernsey, is superb for walking and vehicle tours and will take you through some of the island's most fascinating Second World War history, including the War History Museum, the German Underground Hospital, and one man's life's work creating the German Occupation Museum. I then joined Amanda on a tour of the Batterie Mirus – where you will see the largest gun emplacement and arguably the most fascinating war site in Guernsey.

'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'Impressive views from the top of historic Castle Cornet (Mirrorpix)
'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'The Little Chapel is a must-see site

I also stayed at La Fregate hotel. Situated at the top of St Peter's Port with panoramic views of the harbour, the rooms are modern and spacious and I absolutely loved my sea-view balcony. The a la carte menu is very well thought out, from steak tartare to seafood platters, plus a set of mini desserts. Another excellent dining option on Guernsey includes Copenhagen. There's a Scandi feel to the decor and the menu features a daytime smorgasbord option.

If you fancy getting out into the country, you'll find Fleur Du Jardin Hotel and Restaurant in the lanes of Castel. It has a crowd-pleasing menu, real ales served at the bar, with highlights including Guernsey crab cakes, Guernsey beef and tasty west coast scallops.

'I went to 'Caribbean-like island with dreamy beaches' 45 minutes from the UK'Guernsey's 79th Liberation Day celebrations (Mirrorpix)

I toasted the end of my trip with a cosmopolitan on La Fregate's garden patio while watching the Liberation Day fireworks. This is celebrated annually on May 9 to mark the island's freedom from the German Occupation in the Second World War, with events on the beaches, music and a parade.

With top quality hospitality, fascinating history and a beautiful coastline, Guernsey proves that you don’t have to go far for a fabulous island escape.

Book the holiday

  • Aurigny flies from London City to Guernsey starting at £120 return. aurigny.com
  • Rooms at The Old Government House Hotel in St Peter Port, Guernsey, start at £252 a night B&B. theogh.com
  • Rooms at La Fregate Hotel in St Peter Port start at £202.50 a night B&B. lafregatehotel.com
  • More info at visitguernsey.com

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Lucy Marshall

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