Guernsey is a rich mixture of its heritage, combining the cosy feel of a Norman village with the hospitality and warmth of the British. With magnificent sunsets sinking below the Atlantic Ocean, unique granite houses, the tinkle of the masts in the harbour and the smell of salt air and the call of seagulls floating overhead, the islands are perfect for relaxed living. Over 100 miles of coastline provides a plethora of sandy beaches and dunes, secreted coves and rock pools and beautiful cliff walks.

Although small, you can never run out of things to do. Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney have walking routes to satisfy anyone. Some have qualified guides, to unearth the secrets of the islands’ intriguing past. Another popular way of seeing the islands is on a bicycle. Guernsey has a network of lanes, known as Ruettes Tranquilles, which give priority to cyclists as well as walkers and horse riders, whilst Sark is renowned for its car-free policy and welcomes cyclists of all ages.

With its rich seafood and fertile soil, islanders have never been short of a good meal! Renowned fresh seafood and crisp local vegetables provides the basis for a wide range of tastes. From top class restaurants to old fashioned tea rooms, the islands can provide a menu for all tastes and budgets.

April begins a period of culinary delights when islanders participate in The Experience; the islands’ spring restaurant competition. In July the Fete de la Mare, St Peter Port’s open-air seafood celebration takes place, whilst October is famous for the Tennerfest, when island eateries compete to present the best value your tenner can buy!

With daily sea and air links to its smaller islands, you can get four islands for the price of one! Alderney has open countryside and sweeping sandy bays. The town centre, St Anne’s, is a delightful combination of cottages, town houses and pubs. Alderney is home to the Channel Islands’ only standard gauge railway, which uses luxury refitted old London Underground coaches. Sark is well known for its ability to transport visitors back in time, with a leisurely stroll, horse and cart or bicycle ride uninterrupted by any noisy cars - they aren't allowed anywhere on the island.

St Peter Port has been a natural centre of Guernsey life since Roman times. With a safe, deep harbour and because of its distance from France, St Peter Port became the Channel Islands’ flagship port, encouraged by the wealth of ship builders, privateers and merchants. Among the many to grace St Peter Port with their presence was Victor Hugo. His residence, Hauteville House, is owned and maintained by the City of Paris, and it captivates all of its many visitors. Today, St. Peter Port is a blend of styles, including terrace gardens to narrow, worn stairways and secret alleys.

Guernsey’s history begins with Neolithic Man and the oldest manmade structure in Europe exists here. The islands were a part of Normandy from 933 AD, linking Britain and France through the remnants of Norman Law, French-influenced surnames and Guernesaise, the local language, derived from Norman French. As Guernsey sided with England in 1204, defences were built at Castle Cornet to repel the French invaders and the site is now an excellent museum, tracing its fascinating and often turbulent past.

Guernsey’s heritage is inevitably linked to the sea and that close relationship was celebrated recently with SeaGuernsey 2005, a series of events which marked a tribute to 250 years of Nelson at Trafalgar. These celebrations tied into the SeaBritain 2005 celebrations.

The island was home to French poet Victor Hugo, whose house provides an insight into his 15-year exile. Many of his great literary works were written in Guernsey and the house is a wonderful tribute to his original brand of creativity and appreciation of the unique.