With Guernsey under one hour from the UK coastline, Guernsey provides the perfect staycation for Brits looking for something different. Renowned for its luxury hotels and stunning coastline, Guernsey is the perfect place for island hopping, al fresco dining, wild swimming, and breathtaking views.
5* Government House Hotel & Spa
Originally the house of the islands Governor, this luxury 5* hotel and spa is just a five-minute stroll from the stunning harbour of St Peter’s Port. With its selection of dining options, from The Brasserie to The Curry Room, and also the opportunity to experience the hotel’s ‘Champagne Afternoon Tea’, there are many chances for guests to indulge. Not only this, but the hotel also offers a number of experiences for guests. For example, the package ‘Sunset, Fizz & Chips’ for £75 per person, provides guests with a chauffer to the stunning Coco Bay, where they can expect to be served champagne, nibbles, and fish and chips, meaning that they won’t have to lift a finger!
With the islands of Sark, Herm, Lihou, and Alderney on the doorstep of Guernsey, these unspoiled islands provide visitors with the ideal island hopping adventure. With a variety of different places to choose from, guests will struggle to run out of things to see! For example, the rugged coastline of Alderney, and its quaint town, Saint Annes, is a must-see. It is often claimed that winter is the best place to visit the Channel Islands as it is the quietest season, meaning that guests avoid the crowds, and may catch a glimpse of migrating flocks returning.
Christmas on Alderney
The town of Saint Anne comes alive to provide visitors with a picture book, traditional Christmas
Victoria Street, Saint Anne’s
Whilst Alderney doesn’t have typical Christmas markets, it’s home to an array of other festive community activities that get you in the spirit of the season. Victoria Street, in Saint Anne’s, is the perfect location for a spot of Christmas shopping, or to just take in the wonderful surroundings and sparkling lights. With Christmas on Alderney remaining authentic and in tune with the island’s quiet surroundings, Victoria Street provides the Christmas shopper with small, independent boutiques to choose from. With shops opening late during the festive period, after browsing the Christmas goodies, visitors are able to retire to one of Saint Anne’s restaurants for a taste of their Christmas menus and seasonal beverages.
Father Christmas on the Alderney Railway
Alderney, however, is not so remote to be lacking in entertainment! The ‘Santa Special’ means that the Channel Islands’ only railway opens up during the festive season, providing the perfect activity for families to join Santa and his helpers.
The hotel, located within the cobbled streets of Alderney’s St Anne’s, boasts a series of cosy, restored buildings and cottages, that allow explorers to retreat from the harsh winter elements, and enjoy the warm glow of its many fireplaces. Once the adventures of the day are over, visitors can also expect seasonally adapted, exquisite dishes, with head chef Stephen Scott ensuring that both ingredients and guests are taken on a farm-to-table journey.
The hotel prides itself on its knowledge of the island, and consequently, the hotel’s concierge is extremely forthcoming with information about all that the island has to offer! Many of the hotel’s rooms also offer dog-friendly options for animal lovers looking to explore the island’s charm with the company of a furry friend!
Rooms at the hotel start from £170 per night. For more information about pricing or all the hotel has to offer please visit https://blondehedgehog.com
