What's on inChannel Islands

There is something particularly un-British about the Channel Islands. Perhaps it is the weather - almost (but not quite) tropical that gives them an exotic feel. Or perhaps it is their location, caught midway between Britain and France.

The Channel Islands archipelago are classed as British Crown Dependencies and sit just off the coast of Normandy. They contain two distinct bailiwicks, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Neither are classed as being part of the UK, but instead are remnants of the Duchy of Normandy and are administered separately of each other and independent of each other. The total population of the islands is approximately 158000 and in addition to Guernsey and Jersey, the other inhabited islands are Sark, Alderney, Herm and the smaller Lihou,Brecqhou and Jethou. There also a number of uninhabited islets including crhous, the Minquiers,Les Dirouilles and Les Pierres de Lecq as well as the Casquets and Burhou.

The islands have been inhabited for over 25000 years, all the way back to when they were attached to the European mainland. This is evidenced by a number of fascinating archaeological sites, such as the Jersey burial mound at La Hougue Bie, or the statue menhirs of Guernsey. Excavations have also found many relics from the Iron Age and relics from early Christian and Norse settlements. In 933 the islands were annexed to the Duchy of Normandy and by the time of Henry III the Channel Islands became possessions of the Crown but were declared separate from the UK. Much later the islands were the only region of the British Commonwealth that was occupied by the Germans in World War II and the islands suffered greatly with 2000 islanders deported. To this day the German Underground Hospital remains in Jersey, a reminder of the occupation.

Other, more peaceful sights worth seeing include the tranquil solitude of Alderney, Sark and Herm and the beaches of Beauport Bay. Historical sights to visit include medieval Mont Orgueil Castle, Elizabeth Castle in St Aubins Bay and the impressive Corbiere Lighthouse; also Hauteville House, the home of Victor Hugo and the beautiful Guernsey Tapestry Valley.