The Channel Islands
Go for coastal walks, island food and the wartime sites left by the German occupation of 1940 to 1945.
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The Channel Islands are a group of islands in the English Channel, off the northwest coast of France. Jersey and Guernsey are the largest, with Alderney and Sark smaller. They are British Crown dependencies rather than part of the United Kingdom, and Jersey and Guernsey each have their own government and laws. The islands use pound sterling, but Jersey and Guernsey issue their own notes.
Norman French place names and older local dialects survive here, and German forces held the islands from 1940 to 1945. Visitors come for coastal walks, sea views and local food such as Jersey Royal potatoes and Guernsey gâche, a fruit bread. The trip suits people who want beaches, walking and history without a long-haul flight. Late spring through early autumn is the most reliable season for beach and boat days. Plan at least three or four days on one island, or a week to split between two, with ferries linking them.
The Channel Islands in five
- Check island entry rules before you bookJersey and Guernsey set their own border rules, so UK entry guidance may not cover your trip. Check gov.je or gov.gg for your passport before you book.Visas and entry
- Spend island pounds before you leaveJersey and Guernsey print their own pound notes, at par with sterling, but those notes are legal tender only on their islands. UK banks and shops may not take them, so change any notes before you go.Money and costs
- Book the Aurigny flight or Condor ferryAurigny flies to both islands, and Condor Ferries sails from the UK and France. Compare current timetables on each operator's site, because schedules change by season.Getting around
- Ride the Liberty Bus on JerseyLiberty Bus is Jersey's island bus network, linking St Helier with the coast and villages. Guernsey's bus network is smaller, so check routes before you plan a day around one.
- Check tide times for Elizabeth CastleThe causeway to Elizabeth Castle in St Helier is open only around low tide. Check tide times for the day before you walk out, and walk back well before the tide comes in.
Neighborhoods
Where to stay in The Channel Islands, the full guide
Guernsey
Cliff paths, sheltered bays and a working harbor town, with German Occupation sites and the car-free islands of Herm and Sark a short boat ride away.
Jersey
Go to Jersey for tidal beaches, medieval castles and Second World War tunnels, all on an island about nine miles by five.
Things to do in The Channel Islands
See all attractions in The Channel Islands
Need to know
- Currency
- Pound sterling (GBP), plus island notes on each island
- Entry
- Own border rules, separate from the UK; check gov.je or gov.gg Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance (112 also works)
- Tipping
- Optional; check whether a service charge is already added
- Time
- UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 with daylight saving in summer
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchCool, early spring
- AprilMild, flowers
- MayMild, long days
- JuneLong days, busier
- JulyWarm, busy
- AugustWarm, peak crowds
- SeptemberWarm, quieter
- OctoberAutumn colour
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCold, festive
Right now in The Channel Islands
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
13
- Feels like
- 5°
- Humidity
- 69%
- Wind
- 45 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 80%
The Channel Islands
08:48 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today14°13°80%Monday: Rain. High 14°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Tue14°12°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed12°11°5%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Thu12°10°21%Thursday: Drizzle. High 12°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 21%.
- Fri13°11°23%Friday: Drizzle. High 13°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 23%.
- Sat13°12°33%Saturday: Drizzle. High 13°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Sun13°11°33%Sunday: Drizzle. High 13°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 33%.
Updated 05:34 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.7469 GBP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Sarkabout 45 min by boat from St Peter PortA car-free island with narrow lanes, cliffs and a small village, reached by boat.Read the guide
- Hermabout 20 min by boat from St Peter PortA small island with white sand beaches and no cars, a quiet break from the harbour.Read the guide
- Mont Orgueil, Goreyabout 20 min by road from St HelierA medieval castle above the harbour at Gorey, on Jersey's east coast.Read the guide
Before you go to The Channel Islands
Rules for The Channel Islands, checked
- Jersey and Guernsey set their own border rules; check gov.je or gov.gg for your passport before you book.Source
- Pets and plants have separate import rules on each island; check the official government page before you travel.Source
- Traffic drives on the left, as in the UK. Check local rules on car hire and parking before you rent a car.Source
All The Channel Islands guides
Where to stayWhere to stay in Jersey: St Helier, Gorey, St Brelade and moreHead to headFerry or flight to Jersey: routes, ID and the ETA explained
Where to stayWhere to stay in Guernsey: four bases, St Peter Port to L'AncresseHow toHow to get to Guernsey: Poole ferry, flights, ETA and photo IDItineraryHow many days in Guernsey: 2, 3 and 5-day plans with Herm and SarkItineraryJersey in 3 days: Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil and the War TunnelsPlan around The Channel Islands
St Helier, Elizabeth Castle and the island's beaches
Read the guideGuernseyCastle Cornet, Hauteville House and boats to Herm and Sark
Read the guideGetting aroundFerries, flights and the Liberty Bus
Read the guideVisas and entryIsland border rules and what to check before you fly
Read the guideFestivalsEvents across the islands, listed by month
Read the guideWhere to staySt Helier, St Peter Port and quieter bays
Read the guideThe Channel Islands FAQ
Is Jersey or Guernsey better for a first visit?
Jersey suits a longer stay, with more beaches and buses and St Helier as the base. Guernsey suits a shorter trip, with castles, Victor Hugo's house and boats to Herm and Sark.
How many days do you need in the Channel Islands?
Three to four days covers one island, including St Helier or St Peter Port. Add two days if you want to visit Sark or Herm by boat from Guernsey.
Are Jersey and Guernsey part of the UK?
No. They are Crown Dependencies with their own governments and border rules. They are not in the EU, but they use pound sterling.
Do you need a car on Jersey?
No, for St Helier and the main sights. Buses and taxis cover the town, and a car helps only if you want to reach the quieter bays and coast.
Can you visit Sark without a car?
Yes. Sark is car-free, so you reach it by boat from St Peter Port and then walk or cycle on the island.
What is the best time to visit the Channel Islands?
May, June and September are the best months, with long days and mild weather. July and August are busier and warmer.