Heritage
The islands that dot the British coastline have colourful, multi-layered pasts to delve into and are packed with fascinating landmarks including ancient castles, informative museums and stately homes which bring the past to life.
Cregneash Scapa Flow
Cultural heritage
The heritage of our islands is unique and varied, with some moulded over time by occupying forces, languages and local customs, while others have a heritage strongly linked to the traditional pastimes of farming and fishing.
In 2027 the Channel Islands will be celebrating the“ Millennium- 2027 European Year of the Normans” marking 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror. This massive regional celebration highlights the islands’ deep Norman roots, with numerous projects, exhibitions and festivals planned.
In the Scottish Isles, crofting is a hugely important part of life and communities. Visitors can witness first hand modern crofting methods, while also having the chance to delve into its history and heritage. In Orkney, cultural heritage is evident in songs and stories, which are celebrated during a busy calendar of concerts, exhibitions and events. The Celtic legacy on the Outer Hebrides is also clearly identified in traditional music. Gaelic songs have been passed down through generations and are often sung at ceilidhs, in concerts and church services.
Heritage walking tours
Jersey Heritage have carefully curated a selection of self-guided heritage walks across the island. Discover more at www. jerseyheritage. org / visit / walks.
Jersey Heritage Lets
To truly absorb island history and heritage, choose to stay in a Jersey Heritage Lets property. All have been given a new lease of life, often taken from the brink of decay or collapse, and sensitively restored to provide a fascinating home from home. A selection can be found on page 45.
Natural heritage
Incredible coastlines feature secluded beaches, huge cliffs, coves and caves, while inland there are an abundance of beauty spots. The Isle of Wight is fantastic for dinosaur and fossil discovery, with an almost complete skeleton discovered as recently as 2013, and guided fossil walks available. On the Isle of Skye, the Staffin Dinosaur Museum has numerous Jurassic fossils and bones amongst its many fascinating exhibits.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Orkney’ s most famous archaeological treasures- Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness and the Maeschowe chambered tomb- form the keystones of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. In addition, The Zenith of Iron Age Shetland is on UNESCO’ s tentative list to receive World Heritage Site designation. This collection of three ancient settlements date back thousands of years and are well worth a visit.
Scottish Geoparks
Geopark Shetland- a UNESCO Global Geopark, features over 3 billion years of Earth’ s history. Visitors can explore dramatic cliffs, ancient rock formations and evidence of past ice ages. Arran Geopark is working towards becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark and they have three hubs with interactive displays to whet your thirst for geological knowledge.
UNESCO biosphere
The Isle of Man became the first entire nation to become a UNESCO Biosphere region in 2016, and in 2019 the Isle of Wight was awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Both accolades recognise a region where people and the natural environment coexist harmoniously.
Isle of Man Heritage Pass & Go Explore Passes
To make getting around and visiting attractions on the Isle of Man easier, a selection of highly recommended passes are available: 14 day Heritage Pass, 5 day GO Explore Heritage Pass with Unlimited Travel and Go Explore Passes( for 3, 5 or 7 days) are available. See page 95.
Jersey Heritage Pass
Explore more for less with unlimited access to Jersey Heritage sites for 7 days with a Heritage Pass. Accepted at Elizabeth Castle, Maritime Museum & Occupation Tapestry Gallery, La Hougue Bie, Hamptonne Country Life Museum, Jersey Museum, Art Gallery & Victorian House and Mont Orgueil Castle. See page 16.
Wartime history
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by Nazi forces during World War II. The Jersey War Tunnels or Guernsey’ s German Military Underground Hospital and Occupation Museum are evocative reminders of this turbulent time. Each year on the 9th May, Liberation Day is celebrated with a variety of events, parades and entertainment.
On the Isle of Man, history buffs should visit the Knockaloe Centre for WWI Internment, whose visitor centre tells the story of the 23,000 men who were moved into the small village.
Orkney also played a pivotal role in both World Wars, with Scapa Flow at the heart of the action. The astonishing diversity of wrecks, with their fascinating stories, make it a must for those interested in maritime history.
12 Premier Holidays visit your local travel agent or call 03444 937 777