Trave to the Channel Islands' quaint English coasts

Wildlife exploring in Alderney

Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islands but still only stretches 3 miles long and a half mile wide. It's one of the best places in the UK for spying on animals in the wild, especially those possessing wings (270 different species in total). The list of birds able to be spotted is rather extensive, to name just a few, seabirds, gulls, gannets, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, plovers and terns. Other creatures popular in Alderney include blonde hedgehogs; arm yourself with a torch at night if you're keen to see some of these furry, or not so furry, friends. In terms of marine life, the Blue Bay is often famous for its common and bottle nosed dolphin sightings and a short boat trip will also take you to Les Etacs, where Atlantic Grey Seals reside. This is the perfect place for the ornithologists and wildlife fanatics amongst you and the impressive range of wildlife for such a small island has even been recognized by the British Wildlife Trusts.

Coasteering is a watersport that effectively involves jumping and swimming from area to area along the shoreline, dipping in and out of the caves along the way. Sark has one of the most unique coasteering routes in Britain with incredible not only caves but caverns for example the Victor Hugo, Cathedral Cave, Boutique caves and the Derrible Head Cavers or even the famous Gouliot Caves. Adventure Sark arms you with everything you might need to take part in the coasteering for example a 5mm wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. You'll be ready to have ALL the fun with friends, family and/or colleagues. Whilst on the topic of water sports, Sark is also one of the few places in Britain where you can dive. It's necessary to be of an advanced level and if so some of the wrecks and caves that can be explored underwater are truly phenomenal.

Herm is the smallest of all the Channel Islands, measuring at just a mile and a half long and half a mile wide. Seeing as it is so small no cars or even bikes are allowed on the island, it is only accessible by ferry or private boat. Kayaking is very popular here especially just off Shell Beach where guided tours are offered. Kayaks can be ordered from Easter onwards, weather permitting. The water surrounding shell beach is such a crystal clear blue and the sand is so white that when the sun shines it can often be described as a scene from the Caribbean. If you're a fun of breathtaking beaches but not too fussed about taking a back seat on the kayaking visit the neighbouring beach Mouisonniere which is a bit less well known but perhaps more stunning than Shell Beach.

Jersey's Limobikes offer an extraordinary way to explore this Channel Island, the company offer to pick you up from the destination of your choice in Jersey and take you for a spin in a Harley Davidson. The drivers know Jersey like the back of their hand so will take you on any route that you so desire, the only requirement is that you listen to a briefing on safety aspects and agree to wear the protective clothing (includes jackets, helmets and gloves.) Also, you must wear long trousers and enclosed footwear so don't come from the beach wearing flip flops. There's no need for you to have any prior experience or qualifications.