Five Beaches You Wouldn’t Believe Are So Close to Home

Five Beaches You Wouldn’t Believe Are So Close to Home

June 20, 2024

The cost of living crisis has made a quarter of UK travellers reconsider their holiday habits, with two in five adults planning to reduce the amount they fly. While many Brits look to foreign climates for their taste of sun, they don’t realise they’re missing out on what’s right under their noses. Here, the experts at Condor Ferries share the most picturesque beaches on the Channel Islands, just a short ferry away from London. 

1. Plémont Beach, Jersey 

All the beaches in the Channel Islands have extraordinary charm and unbelievable views but Plémont Beach is one of the most popular destinations for photographers. The immaculate cove is surrounded by cliffs and dotted with rock pools and hidden within it are some of the island’s largest caves.

2. Fermain Bay, St Martin’s

Fermain Bay in Guernsey is famous amongst locals and visitors for being breath-taking and is one of the most beautiful tucked away gems on the Island. It is a rare pebbly beach and accessed via a cliff-top path or road down to the Bay but car parking is very limited. Located at the beach is the award-winning Fermain Beach Café, an exceptional spot to catch up with friends and enjoy some delicious seafood in the sunshine.

3. Bouley Bay, Jersey

Bouley Bay is a very small harbour compared to other beaches on the island and is situated next to the tallest cliffs on the island, towering at 400 feet. It is extremely picturesque and there are several rock pools on the beach if your little ones fancy finding some marine life. You also may be able to spot some puffins or dolphins if you are lucky!

4. Cobo Bay, Castel, Guernsey

When arriving at Cobo, it almost feels as though you have been transported to the Caribbean because of the soft white sand and turquoise seas. If you are after the perfect day out this beach caters to everyone’s needs. Start your day by having a dip in the inviting waters and if you fancy snorkelling or kayaking the crystal-clear sea is ideal for this. 

5. Saints Bay, St Martin’s

The gorgeous sandy cove is shielded by the surrounding cliffs and the perfect spot for a nice relaxing swim. This is one of Guernsey’s less-visited beaches and the location could almost be mistaken for the dazzling blues of the Mediterranean Sea alongside the gorgeous golden sand. Saints Bay is one of the Island’s hidden gems and a wonderful location for photographers who are after some amazing photo opportunities.

If you’re looking to try a picturesque beach in the UK, there are so many options to explore in both Jersey and Guernsey that will make you feel like you are abroad without the hefty cost of flights. 

Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveller, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. She’s deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable living and sustainable travel will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on.