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While enjoying a relaxing holiday in Guernsey, this is the perfect opportunity to take a trip to the nearby islands of Herm and Sark. The tiny island of Herm lies just 3 miles off the coast of Guernsey and is home to a mere 60 residents. Travelling to Herm for a day or short break is a popular destination for those living in Guernsey. With its vast golden sands and turquoise blue waters, it really is true when they say Herm feels like the Caribbean. A visit to Herm is like stepping back in time as there are no cars or street lamps providing a rare escape from today’s lifestyle. With its stunning scenery, natural beauty and rich history Herm may be the smallest of the Channel Islands but it offers so much to its visitors.
getting there:
The only way to get to Herm is by boat so I suggest you take the Travel Trident passenger ferry from Guernsey, tickets are available from kiosks at the Weybridge Clock Tower, St Peter Port and departures are either from near the Herm ticket office or from the Inter-Island Quay depending on the tide. Travel Trident
Kick back and enjoy the views on the 20-minute ferry trip from St Peter Port to Herm. Keep an eye out for dolphins, puffins and many other seabirds nesting on the cliffs along the way.
Arrival at Herm
Boats will either arrive at Herm Harbour at high tide or at the whitewashed Rosaire Stairs when the tide is low. Once disembarked, head to the main harbour which is about an 8 minute walk away.
Here you will find yourself at the heart of the island community with the village shop, inn and Grade II listed restaurant. White House Hotel It dates back to the 1800s and is set amongst Britain in Bloom Gold award-winning gardens.
getting around:
As Herm is only 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, you can walk around it comfortably and it should take around 2 to 3 hours, including time to sunbathe at one of the beachside cafes. Herm is a walker’s paradise, with a network of well-maintained paths dotted across the island. The picturesque coastal walk takes you along rugged cliffs, with spectacular views of neighbouring islands. Bring suitable footwear as the paths can be rocky and a little rough underfoot in places.
Herm Village
The village of Herm is located in the centre of the island on a hilltop. Here you will find St Tugual’s Chapel, the smallest chapel in the Channel Islands and one of the oldest buildings on the island, dating back to the 11th century. The chapel is named after St Tugual, a Welsh monk who lived in the 6th century and was known for his wisdom and healing powers. It is open to the public and is well worth a visit while you are wandering around the little village.
From the top of the hill there is a splendid view of Herm and the neighbouring islands along the sea. There is a village primary school on the island which has one room, one teacher and four children.
Take a look inside the village shop, which sells the usual food items as well as souvenirs and locally made handicrafts such as herm jewellery and puffin printed scarves.
Beaches of Herm
Following the coastal path northwards will take you to the common that leads to the eastern side of the island where you’ll find spectacular views Shell Beach Sand stretches as far as the eye can see. Spend time strolling along the bay’s edge on the fine white sand dotted with millions of shell fragments that give the bay its name. Shell Beach offers paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities and has a lovely beach café serving salads, sandwiches, cakes, ice cream and milkshakes.
Heading up the rocky path from Shell Bay, following the winding paths you will soon reach an equally stunning location Belvoir BayAnother beautiful bay where you can spend an hour or two enjoying an ice cream from the shop located along the beach.
Belvoir Bay is secluded and sparkles with sunlight even on a windy day. If you are short on time you can take a short cut by heading back down a steep marked trail to the middle of the island. We saw an amusing notice on a farm gate that read “Do not cross this field unless you can cross it in 9 seconds as a bull can cross it in 10 seconds.” So, be careful when attempting a short cut!
Herm Island Nature Path
There is a new nature trail on Herm Island which offers visitors the opportunity to complete a quiz answering questions about the island’s wildlife. Six boards are spread around the island and visitors can obtain quiz sheets from the Herm Shop and follow either a short route or the full route to answer each question. Upon completion, the quiz sheets can be taken back to the shop where participants are provided with an answer sheet and a nature trail certificate.
Meal
There are plenty of great places to eat and drink on such a small island, including enjoying fine dining at the Conservatory Restaurant at the White House Hotel, informal settings at the Mermaid Tavern, the Ship Inn and the Harbour Café, and not forgetting the beach bars at Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay mentioned earlier.
Return to the ferry feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after spending a few hours in the peace and solitude of this little paradise. As with Sark, on my next trip to Guernsey I would be very happy to spend a night or two in one of the hotels or cozy stone cottages on one of these magnificent islands.
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During our visit we were guests of Visit Guernsey And as always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
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