There’s a set of a dozen or so islands in the English Channel between England and France and Jersey and Guernsey are the largest. Jersey and Guernsey like the cows? Yes! The two smaller doe-eyed breeds did originate on the islands. The two islands have more than 90% of the entire population of the group as well as lovely scenery, history and culture. They retain their association with the United Kingdom, but they are not quite English and not quite French. But they are quite the nifty getaway and GetAway Travel is ready to get you there.

Resilient inhabitants survived occupation

 Visitors to the islands can get an idea of what the island residents had to go through because both islands, as well as several nearby smaller islands were actually the only part of British soil occupied by the Nazis during WWII. Great Britain made the decision to not defend the islands , because they feared a terrible loss of life, and occupants were offered a chance to evacuate to the mainland before the Germans invaded.

Some did, many did not and they found themselves enduring forced labor to build underground tunnels and fortify existing areas for the Nazis.

You can explore the war tunnels and an underground German Hospital on Jersey. There are war-themed escape rooms in the tunnels and you can sit in the Garden of Reflection and reflect on the information you picked up in the tunnels, and the resiliency of the human spirit.

On Guernsey the German Occupation Museum has artifacts, machinery, vehicles, photos and videos dating back to WWII. The German Naval Headquarters

Guernsey embraces military roots

 Castle Cornet overlooks the harbor of St. Peter Port. While the castle is a museum in its own right, there are three other museums in the castle. Every day at noon, uniformed soldiers do a gun salute. Learn the history of the castle and its various inhabitants using reconstructions, replicas and models and original artifacts.

The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Regimental Museum details WWI skirmishes on the island with storyboards, but there are also original weapons, uniforms and medals. The Royal Guernsey Militia Regimental Museum tells the history of the militia formed to defend the island around 1331 with a collection of uniforms, weapons, standards, medals and trophies.

The 201 British Royal Air Force Squadron, the oldest of the RAF squadrons, was billeted on Guernsey. The 201 Squadron museum celebrates the history and exploits of the squadron.

The castle gardens, both ornamental and utilitarian, remain mostly intact.

The Governor’s Garden is a formal 18th century garden which resembles a tapestry when viewed from above. All the plants were chosen for their ability to be cut and shaped. Sutler’s Garden was herbs and vegetables to feed the soldiers billeted at the castle. Lambert’s Garden was set up by Gen. Sir John Lambert who was actually a prison at the castle for 10 years. He grew medicinal and cooking herbs. Vegetables, fruit and some herbs were grown in the Master Gunner’s Garden which also housed chickens and rabbits.

Gardens, gin, cider and a author’s home

 Candie Gardens, in addition to offering great views of St. Peter Port, is a lovely late 19th century public flower garden with the oldest known heated glass houses in the British Isles. Enjoy the flowers, manicured lawn areas, fish ponds as well as the cafe and art gallery. Victor Hugo’s garden here has his favorite plants including some named after his friends like the Alexandre Dumas rose.

The gift shop has locally produced items including toys, candy, cards and souvenirs.

The Bella Luce Hotel is a boutique gin distillery. Owner Luke Wheadon uses traditional copper stills to make small batch artisanal gin uses local botanicals. Tours include tasting and a chance to make your own infused gin and take a bottle home.

Both islands are enjoying a resurgence of their cider production. You can get a lesson on cider production and enjoy tastings of alcoholic, non-alcoholic and sparking ciders.

Hauteville House was the home of Victor Hugo for 15 years. Decorated by the author, the eclectic interior has been described as a symphony of colors, styles and textures. Hugo wrote Les Miserables and Toilers of the Sea here.

Don’t skip a stop at the Little Chapel. The tiny picturesque chapel was built entirely by Brother Diodat in 1914 and every square inch is covered with pottery and tile.

 Exploring the shores, castles and sights of Jersey

 Take a day and relax on the golden sands of St. Brelade’s Bay on the southern shore of Jersey. With its gradual gradient into the sea and myriad of facilities along the beach it regularly wins awards for one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom.

On the East coast, Mont Orgueil Castle stands guard over Gorey Harbor. One of the finest medieval fortresses, it offers spectacular views of the area. While you use steps to get to this castle, Elizabeth Castle must be reached either by ferry or by walking during low tide.

There are centuries of memorabilia and materials on display at Elizabeth Castle and the Regimental Museum of the royal Jersey Militia is here.

Every Sunday there is a reenactment of the 1781 Battle of Jersey.

If your visit to Jersey is anytime during May to September, visit the Jersey Lavender Farm. Learn about harvesting and distilling the flowers into oils and how they are made into different products. Enjoy the lovely gardens, visit the gift shop and have a spot of tea in the tea room.

Shopping, sipping and historical burial sites

 St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, has the Maritime Museum as well as the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery. It also has some fabulous shopping options from designer stores at the mall to smaller shops with unique items. From Monday thru Saturday you can shop at the outdoor market and score some great souvenir and gift items.

As a bonus, while you are walking the quaint streets, there’s some great public art installations to enjoy. Oh, another bonus, a great chocolate shop called The Chocolate Bar, has every chocolate creation you can imagine.

Taste wine, ciders and spirits at La Mare Wine Estate. Tours of the vineyard and winery take you through the process of creating fine wine from grape to bottle. You can also enjoy the estate’s homemade chocolate and fudge as well as Jersey Black Butter. The world-famous butter is a mixture of apples, cider, lemon, sugar, spices and licorice. The taste has been compared to a smoother version of mince pie filling.

La Hougue Bie is an ancient burial mound and archeological site. It dates back 5,000 years which makes it older than the pyramids. The Neolithic grave passage is one of the oldest man made structures in the world.

The Plémont Caves is a series of sea caves underneath the cliffs of Plémont Bay that show up during low tide. Walking through the caves gives one a visual geographic history of the area. On the top of the cliffs are two giant wicker and steel puffin sculptures.

Do the channel islands sound like an attractive little getaway? Let GetAway Travel arrange your trip.