The Channel Islands are a group of small rocky islands off the North West coast of France, and 90 miles South of England. The group consists of Jersey and Guernsey, two or three smaller islands - Alderney, Sark and Herm - and various tiny islets of rock or seacrags.

Jersey is the largest island covering 45 square miles and the most southerly. It is renowned for its mild winters and long hot summer days.The main towns are St. Helier, and St. Aubin.

Guernsey is the second largest island and together with the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England.Today, Guernsey is a delightfully cosmopolitan destination particularly loved by beach and watersport enthusiasts.

Alderney is the most northerly and third largest of the islands but is only three and a half miles long and one and a half miles wide the ideal location if you want to get away from the usual tourist attractions and have a quiet holiday.Sark is only nine miles southeast of Guernsey. There is no airport; nor are there any cars. Visitors travel by foot or bicycle. Although only two square miles in area, Sark enjoys almost 40 miles of picturesque coastline with many bays and coves, caves and deep crystal pools with deserted beaches. Herm is just a 20-minute boat ride away from Guernseys capital; St. Peter Port. With very few rooms for overnight guests, most visitors come for a day trip from Guernsey to spend a quiet, relaxing days at the beach.

Short Breaks Channel Islands
The channel Islands are a popular short break destination from the UK. With flights from local airports in the UK to Jersey and Guernsey as well as ferry crossings it makes the channel islands a good choice for a weekend break. Drive your own car over on the ferry or fly to Jersey and rent a car at Jersey airport. For an online quotation for holiday car hire in Jersey or Guernsey see our Holiday Car Hire

Channel Islands Restaurants & Food

You will find most international cuisines on the larger islands, an opportunity to try the fresh local seafood should not be missed. Although St Peter Port boasts the majority of restaurants, the islands are full of restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. Whether enjoying the picturesque countryside of Guernsey's rural parishes, windsurfing off the west coast or relaxing on the smaller islands, you are never far from a good place to eat and drink. Heading offshore, Sark offers stylish dining, plus bar meals and cafés. Herm also enjoys two restaurants and hearty bar meals, as well as its acclaimed oysters.

Channel Islands Accommodation

Hotels, which range from small country inns up to deluxe full service hotels offering a complete range of facilities. In Jersey hotels are graded using the Jersey Sun Rating System. 5 suns represents facilities and service you would expect from a top class hotel to one sun that indicates simpler, basic accommodation .

Guest houses are usually smaller properties and are mostly proprietor run. They are graded with diamonds 3 diamonds indicate the highest standards of comfort and service. 1 diamond indicates simple, basic accommodation.

Self-catering accommodation (flats and cottages) and campsites have no grading system. Information about facilities and amenities can be found at your local UK travel authority.

Weather in the Channel Islands

During the main holdiday season, from May to September temperatures average 20-21C (68-70F). These months give an average of 200 and 260 hours of sunshine. Rainfall is mainly during the cooler months. The sea is 17C (63F) on average during the summer.

Banks and Currency

Although Jersey has its own coins and notes, all trade in Jersey is conducted in Pounds Sterling. English money is freely accepted as are UK cheques supported by a bankers card and most credit cards. All banks exchange currency and there are a number of Bureaux de Change.

Banks normally open the same hours as the UK, some open Saturday mornings. Building Societies facilities are restricted. There are Link card machines in St. Helier, Red Houses and St. Saviour but no counter service is available. Cash transactions through building Societies differ from those in the UK and Ireland. Please check with your Travel Agent before departure.

Visa Requirements

British Citizens and Citizens of the Irish Republic do not require passports or entry visas for travel between their respective countries and Jersey- they will require passports for trips to France. Other EU citizens require only their ID cards for travel to Jersey. Citizens from non-EU countries will need a passport and should check before travelling to the Island if a visa is required

Driving in the Channel Islands

In Jersey, you drive on the LEFT. Take precautions many of the roads are quite narrow and twist and turn between the fields and farms. The maximum speed limit throughout the entire island is 40mph/64kms per hour.

Visitors wishing to drive must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (UK International Driving Permits are not valid). Photocopies are not acceptable. A nationality plate must be displayed on the back of your vehicle. Speed limits range from 15mph in designated Green Lane, where pedestrians and cyclists have priority, to a maximum of 40mph. A speed limit of 30mph operates in residential areas and this drops to a 20mph limit in areas with special risks.

Goeasy Travel have arranged the best value Car Rentals in the UK for you. To get your free quotation call or email goeasy travel now.

Calling Home

The code for Jersey is 01534 from the British Isles or +44 1534 from any other countries. Please be aware that most mobile phone networks will work in Jersey but will require a roaming facility. Please check with your supplier before travelling. However, Pay as You Go mobile phones do NOT work in Jersey.

In case of an Emergency

You should check to make sure your own medical insurance covers you overseas; otherwise you will need to take out additional insurance.

Emergency Number - 999
Call this number - free of charge - from any phone for Police, Ambulance, and Fire emergency services

Channel Islands tourist board
To find out more about the channel islands you can contact one of our friendly travel agents at goeasy travel by calling 08700 540 220 or for a great source of information on the Channel Islands go to the Islands Tourist Authority:

Jersey Tourist Board
Guernsey Tourist Board
Alderney Tourist Board
Sark Tourist Board
Herm Tourist Board

Events in the Channel Islands

The Cannel Islands have a huge variety of annual festivals and events. For information on upcoming festivals and events please go to the Islands websites.

Car Rental Channel Islands with goeasy travel

Book your holiday car hire with goeasy travel, to get a quote to hire a car in Jersey or a car rental in Guernsey call or email goeasy or book on line using our Holiday Car Hire

Driving tips in Channel Islands
In Jersey, you drive on the LEFT. Take precautions as many of the roads are quite narrow and twist and turn between the fields and farms.

The maximum speed limit throughout the entire island is 40mph/64kms per hour.
Visitors wishing to drive must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (UK International Driving Permits are not valid). Photocopies are not acceptable.

A nationality plate must be displayed on the back of your vehicle. Speed limits range from 15mph in designated Green Lanes, where pedestrians and cyclists have priority, to a maximum of 40mph.

A speed limit of 30mph operates in residential areas and this drops to a 20mph limit in areas with special risks.

Goeasy travel in Berkshire are an Independent travel agent offering advice on booking a short break or holiday to the Channel islands. To receive a quote on a holiday to Jersey or Guernsey complete our
Holiday Planner or by telephone 0844 811 2550.


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