The Channel Islands typically enjoy good weather and a laid back atmosphere, attracting many tourists each year.

The scenery is lovely and the history of the islands particularly interesting. There are many attractions on offer and a lot of visitors also enjoy hiking or boating here. Holidays in Jersey, the largest of the islands, are particularly popular, especially as the island gets more sunshine than anywhere else in the British Isles.

Jersey Is An Island Steeped In History And Culture

The capital of Jersey is St Helier which is well known for its pretty harbor and award winning Maritime Museum. Other attractions here include the Jersey Museum, Jersey Opera House, theatres and an Aquasplash Leisure Pool.

Medieval history is on show at the Elizabeth Castle where Sir Walter Raleigh stayed during his tenure as Governor of Jersey. Today, brides and bridegrooms can also enjoy the facilities as the castle has a license to conduct marriage ceremonies. Gorey Castle, on the other hand, is a 13th century fortification that was originally constructed to keep French attackers at bay. It also served as a gaol for various types of criminals and for ‘witches’.

More recent history is in evidence at the Jersey War Tunnels, and holidays in Jerseys are an ideal opportunity to learn about the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II between 1940 -1945. These tunnels tell the story of the occupation. Alternatively, if history is not your cup of tea, then why not take a trip to Jersey Lavender Farm, a pleasant destination with beautifully scented fields. Here, a gift shop sells various products made from the lavender including soap, perfume and toiletries.

Animal lovers may prefer an excursion to Durrell Wildlife at Les Augres Manor, Trinity. It has been on the agenda for tourists taking holidays in Jersey since 1959 and was known previously as Jersey Zoo. The naturalist and author Gerald Durrell started the zoo and the priority has always been the conservation of threatened species. The collection includes various bats, tortoises, mooses, macaques, sand lizards and poison dart frogs.

There are also many popular annual events on Jersey, attracting visitors to come back over and over again. One such event is the Jersey Battle of Flowers which is a carnival with live music, funfairs, dance and a floral parade of floats. The Annual Jersey Film Festival is an event that raises money for charity.

Why Jersey Food Is A Culinary Delight

Jersey is quite rightly very proud of its fresh produce and has fine restaurants and culinary souvenirs for tourists to take home. Many dishes contain Jersey milk, a very creamy product from the Jersey herd of cattle. Potatoes are also particularly tasty from the island and Jersey Fudge is a popular item in the shops. Local cider and apple brandy is also sold, and of course holidays in Jersey just wouldn’t be the same without some locally caught seafood. In particualar, the island specializes in oysters, lobsters, crabs, conger and mussels.

So, with such a great sunshine record, lots of attractions, and just a short flight from the UK mainland, what are you waiting for!…