Day Trips

If you’d like to venture a little further whilst on holiday in Guernsey then why not take a day trip and experience some of the other Channel Islands? Guernsey has its own ‘bailiwick’ which includes the islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Burhou and Brecqou and therefore there are many day trips available between the islands. Although Jersey is a separate bailiwick, there are daily sailings and flights between Guernsey and Jersey.

Guernsey’s bailiwick

Sark

Step back in time and take a trip to Sark where the only transport is by bike, horse and cart or the odd quad bike and tractor, used for farming and to transport luggage. Sark is quite a steep island, rising splendidly out of the sea and is made up of the main island and Little Sark which is joined by a narrow isthmus, called La Coupée, a high narrow pathway connecting the two islands. Known for its special Dark Sky status it is a haven for star gazers at night due to low light pollution. Sark also has pretty gardens, La Seigneurie, a main village with shops and a pub, hotels, stunning coastal walks and some beautiful beaches along its 22 mile coastline.

• Travel to Sark with the Sark Shipping Company who offer regular daily sailings from St Peter Port.
• Te Aroha are a private charter company operating day trips between Herm and Sark.
• Lady Maris II operate a Thursday boat service between Sark and Alderney.
• Manche Iles Express sail weekly from France to Sark via Jersey.

Herm

Herm is closer and smaller than Sark but also blissfully traffic free with cars and bicycles both banned from the island. It makes for an easy day trip from Guernsey as it’s just 3 miles from coast to coast where sub tropical gardens and pretty beaches will greet you. In fact, you may be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed on a Caribbean beach if you visit on a hot day! Once you’ve arrived at the harbour you can take a short steep walk up to the village and head for refreshments or pack a picnic and explore the island. Spine Road runs straight across and offers splendid views or opt for a circular coastal trail which will take you past all the various bays and beaches. We recommend you stop off for a Herm ice cream at Belvoir Bay café or at Shell Beach where the powdery white sand is covered in lots of pretty shells. Herm’s head gardener also offers tours of the award winning gardens throughout the year.

• Catch the Travel Trident boat from Weighbridge Place in St Peter Port. The trip takes around 20 minutes each way.

Alderney

Alderney is the third largest Channel Island but is easy to navigate at only five square miles. Alderney is known for its unusual wildlife (there really are blonde hedgehogs!) as well as the forts and defences dotted around the bays and coves. Alderney was completely evacuated during World War II and the resulting German military take over left a lasting legacy. There is a working railway on the island, manned by volunteers and in service at peak times but hiring a bike or walking the route of the Alderney Stones is also a great way to get about.

• Bumblebee Boat Cruises operate regular services between Guernsey and Alderney.
• Each Thursday there’s a boat service between Sark and Alderney onboard Lady Maris II.
• Manche Iles Express ferry service operates between France and Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.
• Fly to Alderney from Guernsey.

Jethou, Breqhou and the smaller islands

There are smaller islands such as Jethou, Breqhou, Crevichon and Fauconniere. However, all are private and only tours to Breqhou can be booked from Sark.

Jersey

Jersey is the largest Channel Island at 45 square miles. It has a similar Anglo-French culture to Guernsey and some renown attractions such as Durrell Wildlife Park. The main shopping area is in the capital, St Helier, which lies a short walk from the marinas and seafront before the wide sweep of St Aubin’s Bay takes you round the island. At the rural heart of the island are lush green valley’s whilst the south and west coast have miles of golden sand. The north coast is more rugged with spectacular views leading around to quaint fishing coves in the north east and more rocky wildlife havens towards the south east. Jersey, like Guernsey, champions its fresh local food and has the prestige of having the most Michelin starred restaurants per square mile outside of London.

• There are regular flights from Guernsey to Jersey each day.
• Condor Ferries operate daily services between the islands.
• There are also several charter boat companies which offer trips between the islands.

Les Minquiers, Les Écréhous and Les Dirouilles

There are some much smaller islands in Jersey’s bailiwick which can be reached via a RIB ride or small boat. Les Minquiers, or The Minkies as they’re known, lie around 9 miles south of Jersey and actually have a larger land mass than Jersey itself, just most of it is submerged! The largest island, Maîtresse, has around twenty run down cottages on it but is a favourite for fishermen. Les Écréhous and Les Dirouilles lie to the north of Jersey where the shallow sand banks are surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

• Island RIB Voyages and Jersey Seafaris both operate RIB rides to the smaller islands.

France

It takes just two hours to reach St Malo by ferry or catch a flight from Guernsey to Dinard which is much quicker at around 25 minutes. The Normandy coast is rich with history and culture. Take a trip to see the D-Day landing sites, visit Mont St Michel or tour the ancient city of St Malo. Do remember you will need your passport though!

Barneville-Carteret

Blue flag beaches and great restaurants have made Barneville-Carteret a popular day trip. The port of Carteret leads to the medieval town of Barneville and together they have become a popular seaside resort.

Granville and Illes Chausey

Located on the Contentin Peninsula, Granville is a seaside port with good restaurants and bars. A museum dedicated to designer Christian Dior can be found in the town. A cluster of tiny islands known as the Illes Chausey, or French Channel Islands can be found 40 minutes from Granville. A castle, shop and noteworthy restaurant can be found on the main island.

St Malo

The ancient Port and walled city with its cobbled streets is a haven for shoppers and food lovers with restaurants, shops and bars a plenty. Surrounded by the Emerald Coast, traditional seaside resorts are close by whilst Mont St Michel is around 30 miles and Dinan around 12 miles.

Island Hopping

Day trips can be booked locally. Should you wish to know anything else or need help arranging a specialist island hopping package, please contact us on 01621 734555.