Channel Islands, Ferries and Ferry Crossings

Welcome to the Channel Islands section of FerryCrossings.org, the site for information about major UK and continental ports and the ferries between them. Our site includes an introduction to the various crossing ways, lanes and routes and companies operating between them to help you plan your journey and discover interesting travel destinations along the way.

Channel Islands Ports

The Channel Islands are a British Crown Dependency although they lie only just off the coast of Normandy in northern France. The two largest islands are Jersey and Guernsey and it is to and from these two islands that the major ferries operate. In the islands there are two bailiwicks, that of Guernsey and that of Jersey, and they operate quite independently of each other. The other inhabited islands, ie., Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou (Brechou), and Lihou are all within the bailiwick of Guernsey.

There is evidence of human occupation going back over 20,000 years to a time when the islands were attached to the continental landmass. On Guernsey you can see the two statue menhirs, which are standing stones carved with the stylised image of a figure. One is known as Grandmother of Chimqiere, found in the Parish of Saint Martin, and another, La Gran' Mère is in the Parish of Castel. The islands came under Norse influence at the time of the Viking invasions from the 9th century onwards but, in the mid 10th century, were annexed by the Duke of Normandy. Just over a one hundred years later the then Duke of Normany, William, invaded and conquered Britain, bringing with him the Channel Islands. Subsequent Kings of England found it too difficult to hold on to domains in both France and England and, in the early13th century, when the Norman and French territories were lost to the English Crown, the Channel Islands became a separate entity. In the centuries that followed, the islands were invaded, taken, lost and taken back again, by both the French and English, on several occasions. During the English Civil War of the 17th century Jersey was strongly in support of the Crown whilst Guernsey was less so. After the Restoration of the Monarchy, Charles II showed his appreciation of the island's support by granting the Bailiff and governor of Jersey a grant of land in the American colonies. This teritory was immediately given the name, 'New Jersey'.

During the Second World War the islands were occupied by German forces and earned the dubious distinction of being the only part of the British Commonwealth to be occupied by Germany. It was a harsh occupation, lasting for 5 years and over 2000 islanders were deported for one reason or another. Many of the men of military age left to join the Allied Forces before the British withdrawal, and many more islanders were evacuated although the majority chose to stay. The following 5 years were ones of terrible hunger, privation and fear.

In the years following the war, the islands saw the potential of the growing tourist industry and, as a result, the islands became a popular holiday destination. Like the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands are not officially part of the UK but are self-governing Crown Dependencies. The inhabitants are, however, British citizens. In effect this means that the islands have no representative in the British Parliament; laws that are passed, by each individual island's government (Jersey's, Guernsey's and Alerdney's), are then given the Royal Assent by the Queen. The islands are not bound by British laws, although they usually pass similar laws with variations which take into account local constraints or needs. The islands are able to retain a high degree of independence but, at the same time, are under the British umbrella of defence, citizenship and diplomatic representation. Visitors to the islands will find many idiosyncratic examples of this, for instance, their own currencies which circulate freely, alongside UK and Scottish coinage and banknotes; the islands produce their own postage stamps, and only these are valid in each respective bailiwick.

Although English is the commonly used language, Norman-French is everywhere, with typically French looking villages and distinctive Norman-influenced local dialects. Each island, in the group, has a quite distinct personality all of its own. Every one of the 'tourist' islands offers hospitality, miles of beautiful coastline, gorgeous inland scenery, places of historical interest, events, festivals and shops. They are locations that offer opportunities for family holidays but can also be lively and entertaining. True gems!

Jersey is almost synonymous with 'cream' doe-eyed cows, and its famous zoo created by Gerald Durrell. The island itself lies in the Bay of St Michel and is the largest of the group being, at its longest and widest, 10miles by 8 miles. The island can lay claim to an association with a string of well known names, including rector's daughter Lillie Langty; born on Jersey she went on to model for the artist John Millais and became an intimate friend of Edward, Prince of Wales. Politically outspoken writer Victor Hugo was forced out of his native Belgium and lived first on Jersey and then, when his forthright comments again attracted unwelcome attention and he was expelled from that island, he lived on Guernsey. Gerald Durrell, the famous writer, naturalist and conservationist is firmly linked to Jersey through his zoo. Durrell's collection of animals is different in that, normally, zoos that are already well established become involved in conservation projects, whereas the driving force behind the zoo on Jersey is conservation first and last. Its official name is the, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and its primary aim is to conserve endangered species across the world. The zoo, open to visitors throughout the year, offers innumerable opportunities to become involved, financially or as a volunteer, in their constantly on-going work.

Sir Jesse Boot, of 'Boot's, the Chemist' fame, came to visit Jersey and went home with a wife. His wife, Florrie Rowe, is credited wiith being the driving force behind the introduction of books and artist's materials into the chain of shops, and also the first Boot's library. The couple finally returned to make their home in Jersey, at Millbrook, in 1924. After his death in 1931 his widow, wanting to commemmorate his life, had the old 'Chapel of Ease' of St Matthew, in Millbrook, renovated and enlisted the help of Rene Lalique, of Paris.The result is absolutely unique. Instead of carved wood, brass and silver, there is glass with Lalique's unmistakable forms. The glass installations include an altarpiece, a font, a screen, altar rail, crosses, lights and window.

On Guernsey you'll find St Peter Port, a busy harbour town with attractive shops, bistros and bars all ready to welcome you. Traditionally, the island's economy depended on fruit and flowers, fishing and dairy farming, but her favourable tax laws have made the island attractive to the finance industry and it is home to many financial institutions. For visitors and holidaymakers it offers the delights of over 100 miles of coastline with tiny bays, sandy beaches, rocky coves and cliffs to stroll along. Inland, Guernsey is a network of quiet roads, lanes,and footpaths along which visitors can wander and discover places of historic interest, little churches, gardens, teashops and so on. Spend your holiday walking on the island and, in its favourable, temperate climate which creates a variety of ideal habitats, you'll see any number of rare and semi-exotic plants, birds and animals.

Alderney, closest of the islands to France, is different again. It is easily accessible from Guernsey by both air (year round) or boat (seasonal). Its capital, St Anne's, offers visitors everything needed for a fun-filled holiday. For visitors wanting tranquility, or to study the flora and fauna, or to visit historical sites or just to wander and soak up sheer beauty, then it would be hard to find anywhere better.

Herm is a small island which is also easy to reach, by ferry, from Guernsey. This is the island where the stress of the 'real' world can be left behind for a while. Sark is different yet again. This is the island where time stood still. Easily reached by ferry from Guernsey the island has no motorised traffic and is a haven of natural beauty and quiet. Travel about the island by bike (hired) or by horsedrawn vehicle and you can step back in time to a slower, quieter era. It makes a fantastic location for a day trip but, better still, slip into the way of life and spend a few days on the island.

One thing is for sure, whichever island you choose, however long you stay for, whatever you decide to do, the Channel Islands won't disappoint and you'll have a holiday to remember and then want to repeat.