Low rugged hills, warm summers and a beautiful coastline is a fitting description of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. Combining the comforts of England with the delicious flavours of France, Jersey is perfect for a short break whilst adding that extra zing of excitement that a staycation can sometimes fail to ignite.

Lively and atmospheric, the capital of the island Saint Helier is found on the southern shore, close to Jersey Airport, and welcomes most visitors with open arms. With many attractions waiting to be explored, fabulous restaurants to wow over your taste buds, endless valleys, breath-taking countryside and warming coastal waters to dip your toes into, a visit to Jersey is sure to be unforgettable.

Don’t forget though, that Jersey is surrounded by her beautiful little sisters and each is just a hop, skip and a jump away. If you fancy a change of pace, hop on a ferry at Jersey Harbour and spend some of your days delighting in the beauty of the smaller surrounding Channel Islands….

Sark

Blissfully free of traffic except the odd tractor or two, a trip to Sark will see you step into simple and untouched beauty. On your approach, the sight of towering cliffs adorned in wild flowers will give you a taste of what’s to come! Stepping off onto solid ground at Sark quay, make your way to the village to pick up a picnic lunch from the quaint shops and let your explorations begin. Perhaps the best way to get around if you prefer not to walk is on a hired bike; feel the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face as you pedal leisurely along the winding coastal tracks. Perhaps head to Port Gorey or even Seigneurie Gardens; the Gouliot Headland on the other hand affords breathtaking sea views. If you decide to stay past sunset, you will be in for the best stargazing show of your life as Sark enjoys completely uninterrupted night skies. This is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Alderney

With its own airport and harbour, Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islands and more populated than Sark and Herm combined, but despite this you can still enjoy your own little slice of island heaven that’s blissfully free of crowds. For a different way to explore, jump into a kayak and gaze in awe at the island from the view of the water before you find your own private cove in which to take a break and relax. Rich in history both on land and offshore you can step back in time on Alderney; dive underwater and experience the Elizabethan Wreck. Boasting excellent fishing, this is the ideal place to try your hand, or if you would prefer, enjoy a game of tennis or even golf at the 9 hole course. There are plenty of activities to make your day trip to Alderney memorable!

Herm

Measuring just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, the island of Herm is tiny by anyone’s standards and although it is inhabited, less than 50 people call it home. Sandwiched between Guernsey and Sark, it’s another island on which you can truly appreciate Mother Nature and her creations! The beaches are hard to beat and you can nearly always find a sandy stretch to call your own; take a dip and go snorkelling in the clear waters and discover the wonders of the sea in the tidal rock pools. You might prefer a walk amongst the flora towards the cliffs with some binoculars where you can enjoy a spot of bird watching as terns and puffins come and go. However you spend your time, you will be sure to enjoy it crowd free and at your own pace.

A day trip to any or all of these islands will be the perfect complement to your holiday in Jersey. Have you ever visited Sark, Alderney or Herm? Share your experiences with us!

With longer days and chilly temperatures the norm at present, many of us are beginning to book our long awaited summer holidays. With so much choice however, it can be difficult to choose and then there’s the matter of deciding whether to travel abroad or enjoy a staycation? Well, the answer you’ve been searching for could be right under your nose!

Have you considered the Channel Islands? A short distance from the UK and speckled with a French twist plus a nice dose of sunshine, you might find that these wonderful little islands offer the perfect holiday blend for you. All that you really have to decide is whether to visit Jersey or Guernsey so we have shone the spotlight on both…

Jersey

Officially known as the Balliwick of Jersey, it is the largest of the Channel Islands. The capital of the island, Saint Hellier, is found on the southern shores and boasts a bustling marina and a great atmosphere. The magnificent Elizabeth Castle will allow you to step back in history; the award winning maritime museum is definitely worth a visit whilst the range of interesting shops and boutiques will easily keep you entertained.

When it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from here so you’ll be somewhat spoilt for choice; enjoy a traditionally British fish and chip dinner or step it up a notch and sample some delicious French cuisine. From Michelin starred dining to seafood feasts, there’s something to whet your appetite. With evening entertainment in mind, there are plenty of bars and music venues to visit.

The weather also adds significantly to the appeal of this quaint Channel Island; although similar to the south of the UK, the temperatures are generally a few degrees warmer and over all, Jersey enjoys a mild climate with the most annual sunshine in the whole of the British Isles.

There is plenty to see and do and the island has over 350 miles of paved roads to help you explore with Jersey car hire. Travel around and discover crowd free sandy beaches and the likes of tiny, picturesque St John’s village and St Mary’s village. With fantastic scenery on offer, the island is perfect for walking, hiking and bike riding so if you like to keep active on holiday you won’t go wrong here. When it comes to attractions there is a wealth of museums, galleries and historical buildings to choose from as well as family friendly places to visit.

Despite its compact size, Jersey combines something to suit everyone, making it a great holiday spot within spitting distance from home. Set about exploring it!

Guernsey

Found off the coast of Normandy, the island of Guernsey is slightly smaller than Jersey. With a bustling harbour and a strong architectural display, the island’s capital, St Peter’s Port is a welcome introduction to Guernsey. The harbour is frequented with ferries and is lively a hub of activity while the restaurants, shops and boutiques vie for your attention in the background.

Just 6 miles long and 3 miles wide, Guernsey is pretty and petite with lovely landscapes and a wonderful coastline. It doesn’t compromise on things to do either; explore Castle Cornet, Hauteville House and the German Occupation Museum for an interesting start. Embark on a walking tour and discover the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum and the Underground Hospital. For other active adventures, sea kayaking tours off the coast prove very popular. For a more relaxing way to enjoy the water in the summer months, enjoy a swim or give surfing a go; there are around 27 beaches to choose from ranging from rocky coves to sandy inlets.

Seafood features prominently on menus across Guernsey but there is also a delicious mix of other international cuisine to choose from. Similarly to Jersey, you can find all manner of food on offer from fine dining right through to fish and chips with a cider, sitting on the wall watching the sunset over the harbour. When it comes to lunchtime, picnics are perfect; pack some French bread, pate and cheese plus some local tomatoes and wine and have a delicious lunch with great views from the cliffs. What could be better? An indulgent Guernsey cream tea should also be sampled during a visit here; enjoy a cream tea basket on the beach or head to one of the cafes to sample in style!

This special island will leave a lasting impression so why not settle on Guernsey for your 2012 summer holiday.

Have you ever been to Jersey or Guernsey or plan to go? Share your thoughts!

We have compiled 5 suggestions to whet your appetite.

• Spend a long weekend in Marrakech, Morocco. Wander around the country’s largest souk and marvel at the traditional fare. Explore the old city and sample some local cuisine.

• Head to Riga, Latvia for a weekend away with a twist. Climb to the top of St Peters Church and enjoy the panoramic views over the city. Traverse along the cobbled streets and appreciate the local architecture.

• Journey to Dubrovnik, Croatia, walk along the old city walls, relax on the beach and taste some local wine. Visit Trsteno Arboretum and see the two trees that are over 50 years old and indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

• Walk through the War Tunnels in Jersey; visit one of the local Conservation Parks and travel to aMaizin, a maze and adventure park. There is something for all the family to enjoy here.

• If the sun is not what you seek, book a skiing break over Easter at Bansko, Bulgaria. Whether skiing or snowboarding is for you, or even if it’s the après ski you wish to enjoy, Bankso has a myriad of facilities to cater for all.

Whatever you decide to do over Easter, remember that Easter car hire is selling out fast so make sure you book sooner rather than later!