Country Facts And Traveller Information
Lying in the English Channel just a few miles off the coast of France, the Channel Islands are in fact a 'kingdom' in their own right, where a population of around 160,000 largely native islanders might claim full British citizenship, but their heritage is undoubtedly influenced by an ancient and enduring affiliation with the people of Normandy in France. This has created a 'nation' that is totally unique, not simply as an entire entity but taking into account that each inhabited island - of which Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm are the largest - has its own individual character and culture to set it apart from its 'sister' islands. Despite the Channel Islands' strong links to Britain and France, they are not represented in the parliaments of either country, preferring to maintain their own primary legislature within the 'States of Jersey' and 'States of Guernsey' and a wholly self-governing status within either the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the latter applying also to Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, Burhou, Lihou and other islets that make up the Channel Islands.
The term 'bailiwick' means quite literally 'sheriff's village', a reference reflecting the fact that even though the Channel Islands are territories that enjoy independence, they continue to be presided over by a 'sheriff' - or civil head - and are still considered British Crown Dependencies. This is a situation that has been maintained since William II of Normandy conquered England, becoming William I of England and effectively taking many aspects of his homeland with him to his self-appointed position within the British monarchy, although the Channel Islands have actually been annexed to the Duchy of Normandy since the 10th century. The Norman language has therefore been predominantly spoken until the 19th century when the advent of tourism and easier travel links brought an influx of English speakers to the Channel Islands, many of whom settled leading to a more even balance between the use of French and English language - something which still applies today as the thriving tourist industry of the Channel Islands has led to them steadily nudging up the ranks in the world's favourite holiday destinations.
With a climate that is never less than agreeable during any season of the year and a truly gentle pace of life in all but the bustling capitals of the two largest Channel Islands, holiday homes in Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm have provided the ideal location and perfect recipe for the relaxing vacations widely sought by visitors from Britain, Europe and beyond, in a destination whose fascinating cultural heritage and extraordinary natural diversity has opened up a whole new world of discovery to people of all ages. While every Channel Island promises rugged coastal landscapes and miles of unspoilt countryside teeming with many different species of flora and fauna, they also have their own individual historic tales to tell, illustrated by a rich assortment of ancient architectural and archaeological monuments and relics, from the castle on Jersey built for Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1590 to Castle Cornet, a 13th century harbour fortress on Guernsey - and many others besides.
Lovers of nature and outdoor activities couldn't be better catered for either - the tranquil island of Alderney always proving to be a magnet for birdwatchers while Sark feels like a step back in time and is tailor-made for a cycling holiday since cars were banished from the island before they ever really arrived, and the visual splendour of the rich variety of seashells littering Shell Beach on the tiny island of Herm is something that should simply not be missed...There really is something for anyone who chooses to rent holiday accommodation in the Channel Islands, and those with a taste for adventure and sense of curiosity can enjoy the opportunity to go 'island hopping' by aircraft or boat, which is by far the easiest, quickest and most exciting way to discover as much about each Channel Island as can be comfortably crammed into one memorable vacation!