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.
Little Chapel
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-and-tours / ice-age-island-walking-tours.
The Needles
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.
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 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.
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.
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