GUERNSEY
Going for a holiday to the usual tourist destinations has become monotonous for some travellers who have the zeal to explore new places and culture. Guernsey is one such island which is much unknown to the vacationers and not advertised much by the travel agencies. It is a perfect destination for vacationers who want to enjoy serene nature with the best of contemporary living. Located in the English Channel off the shore of Normandy, Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency meaning that it is not part of the UK but all the defence responsibilities of the island are on UK, like Isle of Man. Guernsey is a passport free zone where the visitors can enter with the British or Irish visa. It is the second largest of the Channel Islands.
HISTORY
Though Guernsey comes under indirect control of UK, but geographically it is much closer to France having the French influence everywhere. In the early 20th century, French was the official language. Names of the places and the family names also reflect the French heritage. The island of Guernsey contains sculptors of great archaeological interest like Les Fouillages burial mound which is possible the oldest manmade structure in Europe. The island being a part of Normandy formed a link between Britain and France. Guernsey was invaded by Germans in World War II because Hitler found it strategically important to control the Channel Islands. A concentration camp was also built in Alderney where forced labours were kept. The island thus has German fortifications open to the public though most of them are on private property.
ECONOMY
Guernsey is a self governing independent island looking after its own financial affairs. Income tax rate is flat 20% making Guernsey an attractive location for the finance industry. Consequently, 32% of the net income comes from fiscal services like banking, insurance and fund management. The island fosters its own favourable light tax system here making Guernsey a famous offshore finance centre for Private Equity Funds. Because Guernsey is still not a part of European Union unlike UK, the EU and other big nations are pressuring the island to change its way of doing business. Guernsey has its own stamps and currency having banknotes and sterling coinage, though UK currency also circulates freely and interchangeably. Manufacturing, dairy farming, flower and tomato growing and tourism also contribute to the growth and character of the island. Guernsey tomatoes and flowers are in great demand in the UK. Guernsey is also home to a number of high profile non finance industries like Specsavers Optical Group (largest optical chain in UK and Ireland), Health Span and Healthy Direct. The post boxes and telephone booths of Guernsey are identical to the ones in UK except that they are painted blue unlike red in UK.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Guernsey people are British but no more English than Welsh or Irish. English is the prominent language though Guernesiais, the ancient language is also spoken by 2% of the people and understood by 14%. The best part about Guernsey people is that they are still rooted to their heritage even though they have embraced technology for prosperity. The famous French poet Victor Hugo lived in exile for 15 years in Guernsey and created his best known works including Les Miserables. His home Hauteville House is now a museum providing a series of exhibitions and programmes making it a big attraction for tourists. Henry Watson Fowler along with his brother Francis George Fowler composed the Concise Oxford Dictionary in Guernsey. The traditional Guernsey sweater is still popular through out the world for its warmth and water repellent wool. Donkey and Guernsey cow are the national animals famous for its rich milk which is considered healthier than milk from other breeds.
FOOD, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION
The tourists can enjoy the local delicacies of Guernsey which still taste the same as centuries back. Ormer, a local delicacy and Guernsey Gache, special bread made with raisins, sultanas and mixed peel is a favourite amongst vacationers. Guernsey Bean Jar, the centuries old famous stew is prepared with traditional recipes and is served as the main dish at the ‘Viaer Marchi’ festival. There is a variety of bistro, restaurants and lively pubs all over the island serving Turkish, Spanish, Italian and Indian along with the traditional restaurants.
Guernsey has a range of staying facilities suiting the price bracket and comfort of all travellers who come for business or pleasure. There is a range of hotels and guest houses from small to luxurious ones. The new self catering units are also coming into existence called chalets. Guernsey is a small island of only 25 square miles so commuting is easy throughout the island. Many tourists hire bikes or cars to roam around freely and explore the island. Buses and taxis are also easily available to commute.
ATTRACTIONS
Recently, Guernsey has become quite known as a holiday resort with a scenic beauty, fresh and relaxed atmosphere. The credit of the serene and unspoilt atmosphere of the island with its fresh sea air goes to its inhabitants. St. Peter Port, the capital of the island is a must visit for all tourists. It houses the grand public library, Guille-Alles situated at the heart of the city which is free to join by anyone. St. Peter Port has been awarded amongst the 50 most historic towns in UK. The town became known after Victor Hugo resided here at Hauteville House. A number of master pieces are also painted by the artist Renoir here.
MUSEUMS
Castle Cornet is Guernsey’s ancient magnificent fortress situated on an isolated isle which formed Hitler’s ‘Atlantic Wall’ during the World War II. It was built for defensive purpose because of its strategic position and is still preserved as a living monument attracting hoards of tourists. The castle houses several museums including Maritime Museum, The Story of Castle Cornet Museum, Militia Museum, The 201 Squadron (RAF) Museum and the Art Gallery displaying historic paintings and Armory. The visitors can hence spend a complete day here touring all these castles and getting acquainted with the history of the island. The castle also houses a gift shop Café Lambert and well maintained four ‘period’ gardens Sutler’s garden, Lambert’s garden, Governor’s garden and the Master Gunner’s garden. Every afternoon soldier in 19th century costume fires the gun.
Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery illustrate the development of the island and its people by housing a number of exhibitions. This award winning museum is set in the stunning Candie Gardens on a hill from where the visitors can enjoy the splendid view along with learning the ancient history of the island.
ART AND CRAFT
Guernsey Clockmakers situated in the vicinity of famous Little Chapel manufacture a variety of handmade clocks and barometers. The tourists can wander the shop and witness the biggest range of clocks in the islet.
Guernsey Candles is another popular attraction established in an old Guernsey farmhouse where the visitors can see the candle making by the local craftsmen. The tourists can also shop from the magnificent candle gift shop displaying a variety of exclusive candles.
Bruce Russell & Son is a renowned goldsmith whose family owned business is carried on for generations. They are branded to make spectacular jewellery for the Royalty, Heads of State and other elite class all over the world. The visitors are allowed to see this precious traditional silver, gold and platinum jewellery in the showroom.
Sausmarez Manor is one of the most exciting places of Guernsey having diverse things to see and do. It is the only privately owned state home on the island where the family of Sausmarez still lives. There are several guided tours of the house taking visitors to lakeside café, wildfowl, Doll House Collection and ArtPark exhibiting fine works of sculptors. There is also a Happy Hollow 9 hole pitch and putt course where the visitors can practice their golf skills.
Guernsey Tapestry is a group effort by the people of Guernsey created to mark the millennium. It illustrates 1000 years of local narration which is brought to life by auditory guide.
ACTIVITIES
There are numerous activities suiting to all members of the family. Travellers seeking adventure can go for sailing, surfing and diving whereas the nature lovers can have excellent opportunities of rare bird watching and scenic beauty. People who are in a mood to relax go for fishing, cycling or walking along the coastline and countryside taking in the spectacular view and learn more about the island. Guernsey doesn’t have many nightclubs but there is live music and gigs at most of the pubs and at the historic St. James Concert Hall.
The island offers so many different activities pertaining to the needs of all travellers that it is an enticing offer to come back again for a holiday here. Travellers can get the real feel of the island by exploring it on foot and enjoying the picturesque streets of St. Peter Port. Guernsey’s temperate climate makes it inviting and the best holiday destination for most tourist especially from Britain as it is less than an hour’s flight from London.
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