Channel Islands Discovery: Guernsey, Herm & Sark

Travel by ferry from Poole to Guernsey. The journey may be short but the second largest of the Channel Islands feels a million miles apart from the hectic pace of 21st century life. Winding lanes reveal rolling pastures, tree-filled valleys dotted with traditional farmhouses, dramatic cliff views and glorious sandy beaches. St Peter Port, the island’s capital, is a bustling harbour town, a tapestry of architectural styles that tell the story of the region’s changing fortunes and give some indication of Guernsey’s 5,000-year history. Bistros, restaurants and boutiques jostle for your attention, while in the harbour, elegant yachts share the cooling sea breezes with working fishing boats. Spend three nights at the Duke of Richmond Hotel in St Peter Port, an ideal base from which to explore with a wonderful restaurant and friendly and efficient service.

Stay: Duke of Richmond, St Peter Port , Guernsey

Make the three-mile trip from Guernsey to Herm, a truly away-from-it-all island just a mile and a half long and half a mile wide. Enjoy unspoilt beaches, open countryside and wonderful views across to Sark and the French coast. Herm has one pub, one church, one farm, a couple of shops and one hotel, the excellent White House, where you’ll stay for two nights.

Stay: White House, Herm 

End your week on Sark, an unplugged world peacefully bereft of traffic - save a few tractors - yet blessed with 40 miles of one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world. Sark is actually two islands, Great Sark and Little Sark, joined by a thin isthmus, La Coupee. Across them both, narrow lanes and high cliff paths give way to stunning views. Your base will be within the beautiful stone buildings and south-facing gardens of the Stocks Hotel.

Stay: Stocks Hotel, Sark