Activities
Whether wishing to engage in much-loved outdoor pursuits or keen to try out new activities, our featured islands have a tantalising choice for all ages, whatever the weather and time of year.
Take to the water
Skim along the waves on a jet ski, master your balance on a stand-up paddleboard, glide through hidden bays on a serene kayaking trip, dive into wild swimming( particularly in Guernsey) or board a rib boat for an exhilarating ride. If in Jersey during the summer head to St Brelade’ s Bay where Absolute Adventures have a kiosk on the beach offering all manner of water activities. Similarly, Outdoor Guernsey offer numerous activities from a variety of locations around the island.
Get on your bike
Hire a bike and pedal along quiet cycle-friendly routes or established trails, pack your panniers with a picnic, or stop off at inviting coffee shops to refuel. When in Jersey, perhaps opt for an electric bike available with EVieBike which can be easily arranged via their downloadable app.
Stargazing & spotting the Northern Lights
In 2011, Sark was designated an International Dark Sky Community, the first in Europe and the first island globally to be given such status. There is an observatory on the island, but all you need to do to appreciate the incredible starry display is look up! The Isle of Man has 26 amazing official dark sky sites dotted around the island, so heading out to stargaze is the perfect night time activity for the whole family. In Scotland, you have a good chance of spying the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter.
Wonderful walks
Islands by their very nature are a paradise for exploring at your own pace, be it a slow stroll across the sands or a trek along the cliff top paths, there’ s a trail for everyone to blaze. Jersey has recently launched a Tidal Trail, a coastal path that reveals spectacular landscapes, fresh local flavours and rich history. Guernsey can easily be discovered on foot through a series of selfguided routes discover more by downloading the VisitGuernsey App. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path provides breathtaking views of the coastline, while the Red Squirrel Trail takes you through woodlands and villages. In the Outer Hebrides, check out the Hebridean Way which spans 10 islands and 156 miles- don’ t panic though, you don’ t have to do it all! With rugged cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque glens, hidden coves and panoramic views, it’ s little wonder that the Isle of Man is a walker’ s paradise, with a range of footpaths and trails to follow. The island’ s premier long distance footpath is the Raad ny Foillan, Manx Gaelic for“ The Way of the Gull”. At almost 100 miles in length it provides the perfect opportunity to walk around a complete Nation! See page 95 for details of our fabulous walking tours.
Wildlife watching cruises
On many of our featured islands, you can book trips out to sea in search of wildlife. Jersey Seafaris operate numerous tours by RIB boats, including to the Ecrehous, a small group of islands and rocks just 6 miles from Jersey. On a typical trip you’ ll cruise around the reef spotting seals, and, if you’ re lucky, dolphins. In the Isle of Man, birds and marine life are plentiful. Depending on the time of year, you could spot resident and visiting bird populations or marine creatures such as seals, dolphins and basking sharks. In the Isles of Scilly book a sea safari to spot stunning seabirds or catch a glimpse of friendly grey Atlantic seals. In Shetland, take the opportunity to go in search of seabirds, including gannets and puffins. The coastlines of Lewis are a haven for wildlife including seals, whales, dolphins and more!
Opt for a nostalgic ride
The Isle of Man Steam Railway, which runs from Douglas to Port Erin, takes you on a journey of nostalgia as it gently rocks through the countryside. There’ s also the Manx Electric Railway, which is unforgettably scenic, and the Snaefell Mountain Railway up into the Manx Hills. If that’ s not enough, consider hopping on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.
Hop around for the day or longer
Local ferries in the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly and Scottish Islands give you the opportunity to take in more than one island during your holiday. See pages 71-72 and 79 for a selection of tours combining islands, or call us to discuss what’ s possible in the Scottish isles.
Play around
If you love golf, see our golf holidays on the Isle of Man on page 97. Plus, there are courses on most islands( including Les Mielles Golf & Country Club in Jersey and the 18 hole championship course at Comis Hotel on the Isle of Man), as well as other great activities such as tennis, padel tennis, horse riding, archery, zip lining and more.
Renew, refresh & rejuvenate
From the moment you reach your island’ s shores, you’ ll feel a sense of calm wash over you. Along with the slow pace of life that invites relaxation, take the chance to indulge at a spa( available on many of our islands) or, why not practice yoga with the sand beneath your toes? If Pilates is more your style, then where better to practice it than on the Isle of Man, it is the birthplace of Pilates after all!
Geotourist App & War Tours
When in Jersey, download the Geotourist app to follow the island’ s Occupation Trails and explore how the occupation has left an extraordinary legacy. Alternatively, why not book a guided tour with Jersey War Tours? Join their bunker tour and visit sites not open to the public for an experience you will not forget. Please ask for details.
www. premierholidays. co. uk Premier Holidays 11