UK Hotel Guide > The Channel Islands > Guernsey and Herm

Hotels in Guernsey and Herm

Guernsey is a veritable haven for the holiday maker with a modern airport, excellent harbour and a wide range of available accommodation. Street names are displayed in both English and French.. Now and again you catch a snatch of conversation between islanders in patois - a halfway dialect.

The island was once under the domination of the Norman dukes, then vassals of the French king. William II of Normandy, crowned William I of England in 1066, established the connection with England and ever since the Islands have been part of the dominion of the Kings of England, but never part of their kingdom. St Peter Port, the capital, is a flourishing commercial centre with a busy harbour. From the castle ramparts throughout the summer, there booms the noonday gun - shades of the old Hong Kong.

Guernsey has many unique attractions for the visitor. The Little Chapel is the smallest in the world, lavishly decorated with pottery and shells and with room for only five worshippers at a time. Victor Hugo lived in exile in the town for 15 years and his former house is now a museum. There are a host of museums, a zoo, a butterfly centre and a variety of archeological sites; also spectacular cliff walks and beautiful countryside to explore.

The island is famous for its delicacies, not least Guernsey Gache, a sort of fruit loaf. A good place to buy some would be the Thursday Old Guernsey Market. Traditionally dressed stall holders sell all manner of island produced wares from freesia corms to the famous eponymous sweaters. There is much to fascinate the holiday maker on Guernsey. The islanders, proud of their heritage, will afford the warmest of welcomes.

Herm is three miles from the Guernsey coast and is reached by a daily 20-minute catamaran service. There is a regular boat connection (20 minutes) to the nearby island of Sark. 200 years ago 400 people lived on Herm, largely employed in quarrying stone which was subsequently used to build St Peter Port Harbour, Guernsey. The island was purchased by the States of Guernsey after the war and leased out to the late Major Peter Wood. His family still own the White House Hotel. Herm measures just half a mile square, and the island can be covered on foot within a couple of hours. It has unspoilt beaches and a clean, unpolluted environment, with no cars. The neighbouring island of Jethou is now owned by the reclusive Barclay brothers.

FEATURED HOTELS IN GUERNSEY AND HERM

The Farmhouse in La Route des Bas Courtils, St Saviours

The Farmhouse, St Saviours, Guernsey and Herm

Located in extensive grounds in the centre of the island, the original farmhouse building dates back to the 15th century. It has been totally renovated to provide first class facilities. From...