Elizabeth Castle
Callanish Stones
Abbey Garden, Tresco
Castles & monuments
Elizabeth Castle, which sits on a rocky islet in Jersey’ s St Aubin’ s Bay, has defended the island for more than 300 years; at over 800 years old Mont Orgueil in Gorey is a symbol of Jersey’ s identity. Its history is a story of the Norman conquest, French invasion and Jersey’ s long standing connection to the English crown- all brought 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. Pre-dating infamous Stonehenge, the stones stand mightily to form a rough circle and it’ s suspected they may have been used in ancient rituals.
Hauteville House
Museums & galleries
Britain’ s islands feature a variety of rural and handson 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.
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. For a unique glimpse into wartime life along with stunning island views, consider booking a spitfire flight over Jersey and Guernsey( see pages 16 & 50). A true once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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.
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