Channel Islands

[Iruka]

Hi.
I am heading to the Channel Islands for the first time and don’t know anyone who has been either. Anyone got any tips?

Staying on Guernsey and Jersey and hoping to fit in a day trip to one of the smaller islands too.

Is it mainly cash there or can I use mostly use my card like here? What actually are filter junctions? How steep are the hills (taking my bike)? Top visit recommendations?

Thanks

[Twisique]

Jersey is lovely, you will have a great time! We went to a WWII hospital museum, very memorable. I don't remember any steep hills, but we hired a car so probably wouldn't have noticed as much as if we were cycling.

[TapasForTwo]

You must visit Sark. It's my favourite place in the world. Do it as a day trip from Guernsey.

[AuntieStella]

Cash and cards - same as UK (most places take cards, loads of cashpoints if you want cash)

Some bits hilly, but cycling very easy, not least because speed limits are so low, people are generally very considerate.

Filter roundabouts are where you take turns (not give way to oncoming from the right). Yes confusing, but not that bad and it's not the end of the world if you muck one up.r

Jersey: visit Durrell Zoo, Gorey Castle, the museums in St Helier, Amazin Maize, Plemont Beach (if you don't mind steps) or just about any other beach tbh

[TeenTimesTwo]

Lucky you, we love Jersey.

The Jersey War tunnels (previously Underground Hospital) have loads about the occupation in the war.

Jersey Zoo is lovely if you like animals, with informative keeper talks.

Jersey heritage sites all good, in a way my favourite is La Houge Bie.

Try to cycle down St Ouens Bay (west coast) at High tide to see great waves. But on the other hand, Corbiere is best visited at mid-low tide so you can get over the causeway and back safely.

We did a Seafari a couple of years back which was ace and we hope to do a different one this summer.

[TeenTimesTwo]

re steep hills. There are in my view quite a lot of steep bits down into bays and out again, but not hills as such, more in and out of valleys.

[SteveArnott]

Filters are exactly like box junctions except we take a turn each - whomever got there first goes first and then if there's more than one car it's everyone gets a turn until it's clear. When you see it in action it make perfect sense and is the most polite traffic system in existence

[SteveArnott]

Cash,card, cheque, Apple Pay, android pay, cash back all fine. Note - we are not in the EU so you need travel insurance- no NHS or EU reciprocal agreement here so very expensive if you need medical treatment and don't have any insurance.

[SteveArnott]

It is quite hilly but any average cyclist will cope fine. If you fancy a day off the bike the bus is only a pound per journey and if you get off and get back on in a certain (can't remember how long) amount of time it's considered the same journey so you don't get charged again! Sorry, I'm talking about Guernsey

[SteveArnott]

If you get a chance I'd recommend going to Sark too, no cars, just tractors for agricultural purposes, then it's all bikes and horse and cart. An amazing place that is like going back in time

[SteveArnott]

The previous poster mentioned mini roundabouts which are not the same as filters - they just look like tiny roundabouts and that is what they are - give way to traffic from the right. this also means that if the person in front on the other side of the roundabout is indicating across your path, you give way and let them go first as they are effectively coming from your right - it's just the roundabouts are too tiny to actually go around.

If you approach each junction with caution you'll be absolutely fine and will "get" how they work immediately, people are polite generally and you generally get into a "you go" " no, you go" situation with everyone trying to let the other one go.

[Iruka]

Thanks everyone, al noted 😄👍

[Iruka]

I have been working all weekend and not had much chance to look at these. Thanks for all the answers and advice.

I have travel insurance sorted out.

I am planning a day trip to either Sark or Herm, I don't think I have time to do both unfortunately. Any preferences?

I am beginning to wish I was staying longer

[TapasForTwo]

Sark

[SteveArnott]

Sark, Sark, Sark!

Herm is beautiful but limited unless you just want to sit on the beach or spend the day in the pub.

Sark is like experiencing another time - and it's not a theme park, this is daily life there.

[TapasForTwo]

It's like going back 50 years. I adore Sark.

[SteveArnott]

Are you a Guernsey Mumsnetter too Tapas? I've always wondered how many of us there are if so!

Reading about others experiences in the wider world is fascinating to me from our cosseted little world here. I've learnt so much about all sorts from this site.

[Ezzie29]

Take filters at walking pace and you’ll be fine, they make sense when you’re there!

We are quaint but we are still the UK, so you won’t be out of your depth! I hope you have a lovely time and of course you will have a better time here in Guernsey, we are by far the superior island.

[TapasForTwo]

Sadly not SteveArnott, but I have been to Sark three times and love it. I love the slow pace, exploring the coast, watching the tide come in at Derrible Bay, the low crime, the food, the scenery. It is my joint favourite place to holiday (along with Lake Garda).

[Iruka]

So I am getting a feeling you recommend Sark?

Should i book in advance or just show up at the ferry? I am going at the end of June. Also can i take my bike on the ferry, it is a folder.

Sorry for asking so many questions but you always get better advice this way than googling stuff.

[TapasForTwo]

Loads of people ride bikes on Sark so I think you would be OK. I would contact the ferry company and ask about both though.