Things to do in the channel islands

The Channel Islands archipelago is a cluster of islands and islets whose golden beaches, rocky coves, and dramatic inland landscape any motorhoming enthusiast is welcome to tread. The favourite haunt of swimmers and surfers, Jersey is the largest of the islands. Yet, beach-bound tourists looking for things to do in the Channel Islands can have their pick of the beaches in Jersey, Guernsey,Alderney and Sark. In fact, there's much more to the islands than the coastline. From splendid waterfalls and orchid gardens to war tunnels and classic car displays, there's no shortage of things to do in the Channel Islands.

What Every Motorhomer Should Know
Before we begin, you should know that the maximum speed limit on Jersey is 40 mph, and only 15mph on green lanes. Luckily, you'll be driving on the left hand side, but keep in mind that the traffic is notoriously confusing. In fact, Sark has banned vehicle traffic altogether. Many roads are narrow and with limited access, and parking can be very tight in bays. Still, there are plenty of things to do in the Channel Islands that are nowhere near the coastline. So, this shouldn't hinder you from exploring many of the best places to visit in the Channel Islands. Special permits will be needed if you plan to bring your own caravan. Some type of dispensation may also be necessary to explore the island, so be sure to check your campsite's terms.


Let the Journey Begin
Your sojourn on the islands will inevitably start at one of the three airport serving Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey, respectively. When you set off from the Jersey airport, the Daisy Cottage Campsite in Saint Ouen is your closest retreat for caravanning and motorhoming in the Channel Islands, only 10 minutes away by car. Alternatively, Rozel Camping Park in Saint Martin is a 25-minute drive eastward.

When in Jersey, sail an electric Micro-Boat at the Tamba Park. It's only a 10-minute drive from Saint Ouen. Then visit The Eric Young Orchid Foundation, the brainchild of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist. It's nestled in Victoria Village, in the Parish of Trinity, on the eastern side of the island. This all-season attraction comes with ample free parking and a view sprinkled with all the colours of the rainbow, for you to behold while you enjoy a family picnic. Within walking distance is The Pallot Steam Museum, ready to send you to an era of steam engines, gramophones, church organs, classic cars and farm machinery through some kind of strange time warp. Then brush off that nostalgia and drive 15 minutes south to Saint Saviour. It's here that you can let your hair down as you ride pillion on one of Limobikes Jersey's Harley Davidsons.

If you're up for another 15-minute drive west, then go to Saint Lawrence. Whatever your faith or lack thereof, drop by St. Matthew's Glass Church. If nothing else, it's a splendid landmark with amazing architecture and décor, designed by Lalique. Only 5 minutes away, close to the airport, lie the Jersey War Tunnels. Formerly German barracks, the tunnels were converted into the Ho8 underground hospital during Nazi occupation in WWII. The War Tunnels café is also a fantastic pit-stop for those of you who have the fitness to brave the rocky terrain of the island cycling. While you're there, try your hand at deciphering the German Commandant's puzzles at the Escape Tunnel, if you're visiting in groups of four to eight.

When you've had your fill of the 'crapauds' (French for 'toads'), as the Jerseymen are called rather unceremoniously, then hop on the Condor Ferries to Guernsey. It's all aboard for the Tennerfest (in October), a food festival known for its mouth-watering delights, many of which have earned a Michelin star accolade. Guernsey also hosts several walks weeks in spring and autumn, recently rebranded The Walking Festivals. In terms of places to visit in the Channel Islands, you could never go wrong with a trip to the Candie Gardens in Saint Peter Port. While you're there, consider walking to the Hauteville House, where Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables. The Fauxquets campsite, only 10 minutes away by car, lies in the centre of the island.

If you'd like a break from your motorhoming in the Channel Islands, Bumblebee Boat Cruises will take the family, bike and dog included, to Alderney in just over an hour. The Alderney shipwreck, on display at the award-winning Alderney Museum. You may also enjoy a short trip to Les Etacs on a boat provided by the The Alderney Wildlife Trust. This rocky islet shelters thousands of Northern Gannets, while Burhou is a sanctuary for puffins and other colourful birds.

Another hidden gem that can be reached from Guernsey by ferry is Shelm Beach on Herm Island. Only 20 minutes away, this island was once roamed by woolly mammoths. More recently, it was a pirate's alcove, a monk's home, and a Nazi outpost. Now a resort devoid of TVs, telephones or any other type of technology, Herm Island is the perfect place to spend a few hours in utter tranquillity, before returning to the excitement of motorhoming in the Channel Islands.

Photo credit: MacBeales via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-ND