As some of my lovely readers may already know, I’m from a little island nestled away in the Channel called Guernsey – a stone’s throw from France, it’s actually still part of the United Kingdom but governed by it’s own Baliwick (and we have our own currency too). I’m a proud ‘Guern’, or ‘Donkey’ which is the bizarre nickname for a local.
(Guernsey is famous for having a ‘£1 note’)
Even though London life is great, there really is nothing better than heading back to the little isle, my ‘sarnia cherie’ (Guernsey Anthem name) to see friends and family. Sea air is just good for the soul and as idyllic as Notting Hill is most of the time, the balance of City and Island life is important for me.
Last weekend the boy and I popped back for a friend’s wedding – the perfect excuse for a little sejourn. Luckily, the weather was also 20 degrees – perfection – nothing is better than Guernsey in the sunshine. Arriving on the first flight in on a Saturday morning was the dream; the island is pretty small at 12 miles long…
If you haven’t yet been, I really recommend it as a holiday destination. If you like breaks away in Cornwall, Brighton or Norfolk in the UK you will love the little isle – it’s a 35 minute flight from Gatwick airport and return flights cost between £80 – £120, depending on when and how you book.
Amongst other things, Guernsey offers a real ‘quaint’ experience, from the narrow streets of St Peter Port where cafes and little boutique shops are nestled away, to coastal cliff walks to blow all the cobwebs away and admire the vistas or just to enjoy the white sandy beaches and fresh ice-creams and/or fish and chips from the kiosks. It’s got something for everyone.
This Little Miss travel guide is a collection of lovely things you might want to do if visiting the island, most of which capture the spirit of the mix of Guernsey/French that makes the place so unique.
(ABOVE: Vazon Bay – view taken whilst having lunch and a cold Rocqaine Cider at Vista cafe)
(ABOVE: Treat yourself to a pair of the famous Guernsey pearls)
(ABOVE: Local Guernsey slang and smiley fresh farm eggs)
(ABOVE: The perfect sunset taken from Cobo Bay)
(ABOVE: The Little Chapel – smallest chapel in the whole world – and the donkey in my back garden!)
(ABOVE: Example of Hedge Veg – people leave their veg, fresh jams, eggs, flowers for sale – honesty boxes take the money and the trust makes a fresh change from City life)
(ABOVE: If you visit, you must get the ferry over to Herm – the tiny, idyllic island where there is one hotel, no cars are allowed and sandy beaches are as white as the moon)
Hopefully this has given you a taste of the wonder of Guernsey – http://www.visitguernsey.com/ has all the information on hotels, other activities you can do whilst on the island and prices for flights, etc. I’m heading back in September and will let you into some of the best restaurants on the island following that trip, but, until next time Guernsey…
LMNH x
