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Noirmont Point , Jersey Castle Cornet , Guernsey
Jersey War Tunnels
Mont Orgueil Castle , Jersey
CASTLES & MONUMENTS
Where better to get your history fix than at some of Britain ’ s finest coastal castles , where the creaking walls are crammed with past relics .
Elizabeth Castle , which sits on a rocky islet in Jersey ’ s St Aubin ’ s Bay , has defended the island for more than 300 years ; Mont Orgueil in Gorey protected Jersey for over 600 years against French invasion and brings history to life with a network of staircases , towers and secret rooms ; while Guernsey ’ s Castle Cornet , has guarded St Peter Port ’ s town and harbour for 800 years .
Castle Rushen , on the Isle of Man , is one of Europe ’ s best preserved castles ; and at Peel Castle you can follow in the footsteps of Christian missionaries and Viking warriors .
Isle of Wight fortifications include Carisbrooke Castle which dates from Norman times , while Yarmouth Castle , the Needles Old Battery and Fort Victoria will appeal to military historians .
On Shetland , the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements are one of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland . In the Isle of Lewis , the impressive Callanish Stones are one of its most popular attractions . Predating infamous Stonehenge , the stones stand mightily to form a rough circle and it ’ s suspected they may have been used in ancient rituals .
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Britain ’ s islands feature a variety of rural and hands-on museums , including The Jersey Museum , Art Gallery and Merchant ’ s House which tells the story of Jersey from neolithic times to the modern day , while Hamptonne Country Life Museum showcases six centuries of Jersey ’ s rural life . Guernsey Museum at Candie Gardens houses a permanent exhibition of Guernsey with an art gallery running alongside .
The Manx Museum in Douglas on the Isle of Man is bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the island . While in nearby Peel , the House of Manannan is the perfect place to gain an insight to the island ’ s rich Viking , Celtic and maritime past . The Shetland Museum and Archives , which is set on Lerwick ’ s waterfront within a restored 19th century dock , tells the absorbing story of Shetland ’ s heritage and culture .
The Story of Harris Tweed Museum lies in the centre of Stornaway and gives visitors a complete insight to the island ’ s most famous material .
ISLE OF MAN HERITAGE PASS & GO EXPLORE PASSES
To make getting around and visiting attractions on the Isle of Man easier , highly recommended Heritage Passes and Go Explore Passes ( for 3 , 5 or 7 days ) are available . See page 91 .
Laxey wheel , Isle of Man
HISTORIC HOUSES
Across the islands , there are numerous manor houses , grand period properties and historic homes to explore . Be sure to visit Hauteville House in Guernsey where French writer Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile during the 19th century . On the Isle of Wight there are several manor houses to visit as well as Osborne House , once the holiday residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert .
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 .
Orkney 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 .
www . premierholidays . co . uk HERITAGE 13