Sometimes it can be tempting to stay in Cornwall for the summer. After all, with sun, surf and Tribute on tap, you may ask why venture further afield?
But now with flights operating three times a week to Jersey and Guernsey from Cornwall Airport Newquay, you can hop over to the Channel Islands and enjoy the beautiful beaches and special micro-climate that attracts visitors year after year.
The flight to Jersey takes just one hour, with the option to connect through to Guernsey with Flybe franchise partner Blue Islands.
So what is it about the Channel Islands that keeps people coming back? We’ve got 5 reasons to pack that weekend bag and book your flight today…
1. Spend the day on the beach
The Channel Islands are known for their stunning beaches, which on their best days can be mistaken for the Caribbean. Jersey’s St Brelade’s Bay beach is popular with visitors, with a promenade, family friendly amenities and plenty of restaurants nearby to lunch. Petit Bot Bay in Guernsey is a secluded bay that is often visited by kayakers and SUPers, as well as day-trippers. With crystal clear waters and a sheltered bay, the beach itself is pebble and sand set amongst cliffs.
2. Walk across the causeway to Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle sits across on a rocky islet in St Aubin’s Bay and has watched over Jersey’s main seaway for over 300 years. At low tide you can walk along the causeway to the castle, spend the day exploring the castle, battlements and gift shop before hopping on a water ferry to return.
3. Visit Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo is well known for its conservation work and is worth a day of your holiday if you are visiting the island. Established by the well-known author Gerald Durrell, the park is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens that in themselves are worth a visit. Focussing on rare species, the zoo inhabitants include gorillas, monkeys and a whole host of reptiles. You can even stay at Jersey Zoo, with a hostel and glamping facilities onsite!
4. Experience Victor Hugo’s home
The close proximity to France can be seen everywhere in the Channel Islands and it doesn’t get more French than Victor Hugo. Exiled from France for 15 years, Hugo lived in Guernsey with his wife and they spent that time writing and decorating in a very flamboyant manner at Hauteville House, which can now be visited after extensive renovations over the last few years.
5. Relive the World War II occupation
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by the Germans during the second world war and the remains of the occupation can be visited throughout the Islands. Occupation for 5 years meant that Nazi fortifications litter the Islands, several museums on both Jersey and Guernsey are dedicated to various aspects of the period and you can even visit The German Military Underground Hospital in Guernsey, built entirely by slave workers.
Book to fly to Jersey and Guernsey from Cornwall Airport Newquay this summer with Flybe