Guernsey or Jersey?

[mrsminniemouse]

It is my parents' 40th wedding anniversary this September and I offered to treat them to a long weekend away. They said they would like to visit Jersey.

I have looked online but cannot find direct flights from our local airport Stansted to Jersey. They do offer flights to Guernsey though.

I have never visited either island and how no idea how they vary from each other. Does anyone know if one is more scenic or has more sightseeing than the other?

Does anyone know if direct flights from Stansted to Jersey are available? I can get Gatwick, but that is much less convenient especially just for a short break.

Any ideas on where to look for good deals?

Thanks so much for any help I receive.

Mandy

 

[LeCras]

Mandy,

From Stansted you will be able to fly direct to Guernsey only - you'd need to change flights to get to Jersey. I have lived in both islands and can honestly say I prefer Jersey, but I do think your parents should go for Guernsey.

The direct flights are one of the reasons - it would take them half a day to get to Jersey, as opposed to an hour for Guernsey.

Both islands are very scenic, and there is plenty to see, especially if your parents are interested in historical WW2 places like the underground hospital. There are some lovely beaches to walk on, as well as cliffwalks if they are up for it.

Guernsey's "capital" - St Peter Port - is very quaint, whereas St Helier in Jersey looks more like any other small town. Shopping is definitely better in St Helier, but I'm sure your parents aren't that bothered...

Anyway, hope that answers some of your questions. Please ask away if there is anything else I can help you with!

Charlotte

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Thanks Charlotte, you have been a great help and confirmed my decision to book Guernsey. I phoned the Tourist Info and the lady said Guernsey was a bit more unspoilt than Jersey. She said it is hilly but they are both fit and healthy so that is no problem.

Now I need to find a good package with flights, hotel and car. Any ideas where to look?

Thanks!

Mandy

 

[jjpenguin]

We went to Guernsey on our honeymoon and about 2 years ago we went to Jersey. We preferred Guernsey, it is more "unspoilt" and tranquil, also cause it's smaller it's easier te get around.

There's plenty to see in Guernsey and the food is fab!

 

[LeCras]

Mandy,

I have done a bit of research, and the following web sites have been recommended by local travel companies:

http://www.discountguernsey.co.uk/
http://www.guernseytravel.com/
http://www.channelislandsdirect.co.uk

Let me know if there is anything else I can do!

Charlotte

 

[Miffy2003]

I went to Guernsey when I was 4 (a long time ago ) but we did all have a lovely time

Something I particularly remember was a visit to Sark (???? Charlotte is that right??) which is a local island and it was so beautiful. We toured the island on a horse driven trap I seem to recall no cars were allowed on the island but this was long ago and I am probably wrong

 

[jjpenguin]

No Miffy, no cars on Sark, and you can still do the horse driven trap.

We did a day trip to Herm, no cars there either, we walked all around the island. Had a lovely old fashioned "home made" Ice cream at Shell Beach and when people see the photo's they think it's the Med!

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Mandy,

I have done a bit of research, and the following web sites have been recommended by local travel companies:

http://www.discountguernsey.co.uk/
http://www.guernseytravel.com/
http://www.channelislandsdirect.co.uk

Let me know if there is anything else I can do!

Charlotte

Thanks Charlotte and everyone else for input and advice. I was totally overwhelmed by all the options so I have passed the info over to my parents so they can choose where they want to stay, how they want to travel etc.

Thanks again,
Mandy