10 Best Things to Do on the Channel Islands

Victoria Tower stands in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, and was erected in 1846 to commemorate a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Today, it is a major attraction in the area, and you can climb to the top of the tower to get a panoramic view of the west, north and east coasts, viewing vast horizons of the ocean and the entire surrounding city and islands.

It's a deeply picturesque and stunning view, and thousands flock here annually to catch pictures of the ocean waters and the Channel Islands.

The Hauteville House is also called the Victor Hugo House, and it was the home of the famed author during his exile from France. Hugo lived here for over 14 years, and the house now stands as a monument and museum dedicated to his time there. 

You can find the house in the heart of St Peter Port in Guernsey. The house was officially donated to the City of Paris in March of 1927, making it one of the more unusual historic attractions among the Channel Islands. The home has been preserved exactly the way it was, with the rich creativity of Hugo on full display in every room.

German Occupation Museum is one site you'll want to visit in Guernsey if you're an aficionado of World War II history. This museum contains hundreds of exhibits dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Guernsey during the war and includes genuine artefacts, documents and educational displays as well as reproductions.

You can also stop at the onsite cafe to grab a bite to eat after your trip through the museum, and there's a gift shop so you can pick up something to commemorate your travels in the area.

Jersey Zoo is a must-visit if you're looking for family fun on your travels to the Channel Islands. This zoological park was opened in 1959 by the famed author and naturalist Gerald Durrell. Today, it's sponsored and maintained by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. 

The Zoo hosts over 1,400 animals representing over 130 species and is an exciting and educational experience for adults and kids of all ages. It's also an ideal place for you and the kids to see plenty of species, including many rare and endangered animals, all displayed in their natural habitats.

La Grande Greve is your source for outdoor adventures and a beach holiday in Guernsey that the entire family will love. This island inlet features a wide sweep of soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming due to a relatively calm surf. 

It's known for being among the loveliest beaches in all the Channel Islands and is a hidden gem of the area, isolated from the surroundings by high cliffs. When you're here, it's like time stops and you're lost in it. La Grande Greve offers the chance to lounge, sunbathe, swim and just relax.

Shell Beach is a scenic and family-friendly beach in Guernsey with a long stretch of soft, white sand and deep, blue, crystal-clear waters. It's also surrounded by lush and verdant green forests. Its waters are great for swimming, and at the southern end of the beach is a kiosk with resources for visitors. 

Shell Beach is one of the more exotic but relaxing locales on the islands and it’s also known for the millions of tiny shell fragments that wash in from the Gulf Stream. Some even say that it resembles a Caribbean island in the United Kingdom. 

Portelet Beach is a bay beach known for its scenic cliffside surroundings and the quiet inlet with calm surf surrounding. This is an ideal place to take the kids for a quiet getaway on your holiday, and it's perfect for safe swimming. 

The stretch of white sand and dark-blue waters is often placed on the list of the best beaches in Jersey. Whether you're looking to just relax in sun and sand, go swimming in cool bay waters or catch a photograph of natural cliffside rock formations and the scenic inlet, Portelet Beach is a great choice.