Stay a while on the enchanting Channel Island – there’s way too much to do
Take in a wealth of sun, grub, coastline and history in this very British Channel Island that has something to offer year round
TOP restaurants are often booked months ahead.
But fear not: Guernsey’s International Food Festival isn’t until September, so there is no excuse for missing out on the best table.
And don’t worry if you can’t wait that long. There is always something happening in this very British Channel Island — not least its Heritage Festival, starting later this month.
I visited for a preview of the island’s food scene but found plenty more to whet my appetite.
The recently opened Ziggurat Hotel was our base, where the friendly staff and quirky decor more than made up for the slightly smaller than average rooms.
And if the Moorish theme doesn’t do it for you, the invigorating cocktails and dinner certainly will.
The Ziggurat feels a little like one of the ancient forts that inspired its name: wide and solid at the base and tapering to a lookout point up top to provide a lovely view over capital, St Peter Port.
The following morning I took in another defensive tower — the windswept Fort Grey, known locally as the Cup and Saucer. Approach from the beach and you will see why.
On select days during the Heritage Festival (March 25-May 10), the public can access the rooftop — and even more incredible views over the Channel — before checking out the Shipwreck Museum downstairs.
The 800-year-old Castle Cornet is another reminder of Guernsey’s long defensive history. The firing of its noon-day gun by scarlet-clad artillery men brings that story to life.
A short walk with Elizabeth, of local tour firm Guided Guernsey, provided more insight into the past. Then it was time for lunch and top Guernsey chef Tony Leck cooked a seafood delight at his restaurant, The Pavilion at St Pierre Park Hotel.
The festival is all about getting involved so don’t miss one of Tony’s masterclasses — he will be present, with other chefs, on the seafront, no doubt all trying to outdo each other.
Meeting exhibitors at a food festival preview that afternoon left me in no doubt that visitors are in for a treat.
I felt fit to bursting after sampling some of the local produce — and even more will be on show come September.
Somehow I managed to find space for a lavish dinner at the island’s only five-star hotel, the Old Government House in St Peter Port.
Guernsey is an island of incredible natural beauty and the views of the neighbouring isles are breathtaking.
I spent my final morning on a fascinating foraging walk with Wild Guernsey, where I learnt many of the local plants, such as sorrel and yarrow, are actually quite tasty.
A delicious lunch at La Fregate, which specialises in local seafood and has spectacular views over Herm and Sark, didn’t disappoint.
Whether you fancy the culture of the upcoming Heritage Festival or treating your taste buds at the International Food Festival, Guernsey has something to offer year round. Bon appétit!
Go: Guernsey
GETTING THERE: Return flights from Gatwick during the Heritage Festival start from £112 return.
Return flights from Gatwick are from around £100 during the International Food Festival. See .
Condor operates ferry services from Poole and Portsmouth. Visit condorferries.com.
STAYING THERE: B&B at Hotel Ziggurat is from £90 per night. See .
FIND OUT MORE: See .
Get stuffed
Guernsey International Food Festival 2016, September 23 to October 2
Guernsey’s second ever food festival showcases the best of the island’s food with special promotions in restaurants and bars as well as live cooking demonstrations and master classes.
Highlights include The Big Guernsey Market (September 24-25) with stalls from local producers and chefs, and the Guernsey Beer & Cider Festival (September 30-October 2).
MasterChef 2013 contestant Kieron James will be hosting the Beach BBQ Cook-Off, while Food Lab will see top Guernsey chefs collaborate with local producers to create original dishes.
For more information, see visitguernsey.com/food-festival.
For more about the Heritage Festival, see