Activities
For those wishing to engage in much-loved outdoor pursuits or those keen to try out new activities, our featured islands have a tantalising choice for all ages, whatever the weather and time of year.
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.
Take to the water
Our featured islands are sure to suit fans of being in or on the water and can be as relaxing or as high octane as you wish. Try your hand at windsurfing, explore hidden coves by kayak, bodyboard or surf the waves, learn to sail or enrol on a diving course. If in Jersey during the summer months head to St Brelade’ s Bay where Absolute Adventures have a kiosk on the beach with all manner of water activities available. Similarly, Outdoor Guernsey offer numerous activities from a variety of locations around the island. Wild swimming is also a huge part of island life, particularly in Guernsey.
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! In Scotland, whether you opt for Shetland, Orkney or the Isle of Lewis, 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 self-guided routes and you can find out 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.
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 Shetland, take the opportunity to go in search of seabirds, including gannets. The coastlines of Lewis are a haven for wildlife including seals, whales, dolphins and more!
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.
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, there are courses on most islands( with pre-bookable tee times at Les Mielles Golf & Country Club in Jersey available), as well as other great activities such as tennis, horse riding, archery, zip lining and more.
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