Things to do in Channel Islands

St. Brelade’s Bay Beach is perhaps the most popular and iconic stretch of sand on the island of Jersey. The medieval edifices of the Parish Church of St. Brelade and Fisherman’s Chapel decorate the beach’s northwestern corner, while hotels, spas and cafés are at its rear. Capture photos of the jagged green headlands enclosing the bay in the distance.

St. Helier Beach is a charming crescent of soft sand with a long pier stretching into the town’s marina. Dramatic tides and rock pools characterize the strand, which offers an unobstructed vista of Elizabeth Castle. Stroll along the waterfront with your family and stop at one of the hotels and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Enclosed within a cast iron structure from the island’s Victorian era, St. Helier Central Market showcases some of the local culture with colorful flowers and a great range of local produce. Rising from its core is a majestic fountain, whose base contains a shimmering school of goldfish. Let the colorful display of fruit, vegetable and plants light up your senses as you enter the market.

Since the late 1500s, the imposing Elizabeth Castle has reigned over the rocky tidal island just west of St. Helier. It rises above St. Aubin’s Bay, with its battlements and gunfire demonstrations serving as reminders of Jersey’s military history. Tour the castle to understand its extensive past, including its time sheltering a monarch from parliamentarians. Piece together its surprising history via reenactments and exhibits.

The Jersey War Tunnels site paints a picture of the defenseless island during its German occupation in World War II. The museum features more than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of tunnels built to withstand potential Allied bombardment. Inspect the profound exhibits and put yourself in the mind of a Jersey resident in those dark times.

Petit Bot Bay feels like a real treasure. This compact cove with minimal facilities is hidden among the cliffs of Guernsey’s dramatic southern coast. While it isn’t the kind of beach that has lifeguards and watersports equipment, it’s a perfectly picturesque place to spend a day sunbathing and exploring. Explore the hidden pools scattered across the rocky landscape then have a rest by the edge of the waves.

Marvel at the colorful, unusual interiors of Hauteville House, the home of writer Victor Hugo while he lived in Guernsey. Not only does the house show you how the author of Les Misérables lived, but it also displays several medieval-themed rooms that were the result of his creative designs. Explore these colorful spaces and picture Hugo hard at work with views of St. Malo Bay below.