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 .
Portelet Bay , Jersey Needles , Isle of Wight
Peel Castle , Isle of Man
Grosnez Castle , St Ouen
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 . Crofting is a hugely important part of life and communities in the Scottish islands . Visitors can witness first hand modern crofting methods , while also having the chance to delve into its history and heritage .
ICE AGE WALKING TOUR
Jersey Heritage have carefully curated an Ice Age Island Trail which weaves its way from Ouaisne Bay to St Aubin ’ s Village via the hunting grounds of La Cotte De St Brelade . The walk takes about two hours in total and passes through Portelet Bay and the heavily fortified Noirmont Point . Download dedicated walking guides and discover more at www . jerseyheritage . org / walks-trails-andtours / ice-age-island-walking-tours .
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 .
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 .
ABBEYS & CHURCHES
Don ’ t miss Little Chapel on Guernsey , which is modelled on the shrine at Lourdes and is quirkily decorated in shells and pottery . On the Isle of Man , Rushen Abbey offers an insight into life through the ages dating back to 1180 , and on the Isles of Scilly , Tresco Abbey
Garden has the remains of a Benedictine Abbey founded in 964AD . In Orkney , 12th century St Magnus Cathedral dominates Kirkwall ’ s skyline .
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 .
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 .
12 HERITAGE visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 777