
Part international jet set, part family beach resort, the five Channel Islands lie closer to the France than England; they are administered locally, but still form part of the UK. Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and tiny Herm - each has its own distinct character and style.
Sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets and rocky shorelines are part of the allure - along with splendid sightseeing, invigorating walks and some fabulous food. The best restaurants and hotels offer some of the finest seafood around, as well famed specialities like Jersey Royal potatoes and Guernsey cream.
La Grande Mare HotelPart of a leisure and resort complex that also includes a golf course, country club and health suite, this family-run hotel is surrounded by more than 100 acres of private grounds overlooking wooded hills and the sandy reaches of Vazon Bay.
The Coast Road, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: International
Le Nautique RestaurantOccupying a converted warehouse by St Peter Port quay and the marina, this long-running restaurant shows off its 'nautique' credentials with themed décor and a menu that majors in locally landed seafood.
Quay Steps, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: French
Da NelloDishes are inscribed on the windows of this greatly extended, fifteenth-century granite town house just off the High Street. The modest frontage belies a Tardis-like timbered interior, which opens out and culminates in a marble-floored Mediterranean piazza.
46 La Pollet, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Italian
Governor's at Old Government House HotelFormally the residence of The Lieutenant Governor (or, to give him his full title, 'The Queen's Representative to the Bailwick of Guernsey') this is the longest established hotel on the island, dating back to 1857.
St. Ann's Place, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern French
Hotel Hougue du PommierRural tranquillity reigns at this converted eighteenth-century farmhouse, which is discreetly hidden away in eight acres of private grounds in the parish of Catel.
Hougue du Pommier Road, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: International
L'EscalierHidden away in a quiet backwater of St Peter Port, but only a couple of minutes' walk from the bustle of the town centre, L'Escalier is a discreet, personally run venue, complete with a terrace for fine-weather meals.
6 Tower Hill, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Anglo French
La Barbarie HotelThe hotel gets is picaresque name from the Barbary Coast pirates who kidnapped and ransomed the owner of this old stone house during the seventeenth century.
Saints Road, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: European
La FrégateHigh above the narrow streets of St Peter Port, this sympathetically refurbished eighteenth-century manor looks down on the harbour and 800-year-old Castle Cornet.
Les Cotils, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Pier 17At the far end of historic Albert Pier, with dazzling views of the Fish Quay, Castle Cornet and the lighthouse, formerly known as Saltwater Restaurant, Pier 17 lives up to its name and makes plentiful use of the catch from the local boats.
Albert Pier, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Seafood
Restaurant L'AtlantiquePerelle Bay – famed for its spectacular sunsets and seascapes – forms a suitably dramatic backdrop to this purpose-built but traditionally appointed hotel.
L'Atlantique Hotel, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
St Pierre Park Hotel'Forty fives acres of unrivalled luxury' is how the owners describe St Pierre Park, a genuine resort hotel developed from an early Victorian, monastic college.
Rohais, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: European
The Absolute EndA converted fisherman's cottage on the coast road a mile out of St Peter Port is the evocative setting for this oddly named, but highly distinctive restaurant.
Longstore, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Seafood
The AubergeOnce a pub, this enviably sited clifftop venue is now a smart, cosmopolitan restaurant done out in bold, minimalist style, with full-length windows and breathtaking views across Pied du Mur Bay.
Jerbourg Road, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern British
The Cobo Bay HotelThe views out to sea are magnificent, and so is the location: this family-run seaside hotel overlooks the golden sands of Cobo Bay on Guernsey's west coast, and diners can watch spectacular sunsets from the panoramic windows of the romantic restaurant.
Cobo Bay, Guernsey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: European
Belle Vue HotelFrom the Butes headland, there are breathtaking views of Braye and the harbour, but this family-run hotel is also conveniently close to the cobbled streets of St Anne's.
The Butes, Isle of Alderney, Channel Islands - Cuisine: International
White House HotelThe only hotel on Herm is a family affair with wonderful sea views, a harbourside location and lush green hills as a backdrop.
, Isle of Herm, Channel Islands - Cuisine: International
Aval du Creux HotelMuch of Aval du Creux was fashioned in granite by expert stonemasons as part of an extensive improvement programme, and the stunning complex of secluded buildings that makes up the hotel is surrounded by mature south-facing gardens not far from the harbour.
Harbour Hill, Isle of Sark, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Fresh Fish
Dixcart HotelOnce frequented by Victor Hugo, Mervyn Peake and a host of other artists, poets, royals and famous personages, this sixteenth-century feudal longhouse claims the title of 'Sark's oldest hotel'.
, Isle of Sark, Channel Islands - Cuisine: International
Hotel Petit ChampThere are no taxis on Sark, so you'll be transported by horse and cart to this secluded hotel on the island's west coast.
, Isle of Sark, Channel Islands - Cuisine: International
La SablonnerieReached via a narrow isthmus with spectacular views, La Sablonnerie occupies a 400-year-old one-time farmhouse surrounded by immaculately tended gardens.
Little Sark, Isle of Sark, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Bohemia Bar & RestaurantBohemia occupies part of the ultra-fashionable Club Hotel & Spa – a contemporary townhouse close to Jersey's financial heartbeat – and it's making waves.
Green Street, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Tassili at Grand JerseyThe fine dining restaurant Tassili is located in the luxurious Grand Jersey in an idyllic setting overlooking the picturesque St Aubin's Bay.
The Esplanade, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern British
Château La ChaireBuilt in 1843 as a private mansion on the sunny slopes of Rozel Bay, with terraced gardens overlooking the bay and its lively fishing community, this elegant luxury hotel now offers relaxed comfort in a lavish setting of ornate plasterwork, antiques and original paintings.
Rozel Bay, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Anglo French
Green Island RestaurantThe sandy beaches of Green Island (nicknamed 'moonscape beach') are some of the most popular in Jersey, and the whole area gets packed out with tourists during the summer.
Green Island, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: European
Hotel La PlaceCreated around the remains of a seventeenth-century farmhouse, Hotel La Place occupies one of Jersey's most peaceful backwaters, only a short stroll from St Aubin's harbour and the secluded golden sands of St Brelade's Bay.
Route Du Coin, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Hotel La TourDating back to the seventeenth century, Hotel La Tour started life as a merchant's house and was originally owned by the Martell family (of Cognac fame).
La Rue Du Crocquet, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Longueville ManorFor more than 50 years, this impressively restored medieval manor house has been owned and run by members of the Lewis family.
Longueville Road, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Pomme d'Or Hotel, La Petite Pomme RestaurantAffectionately known as the 'Pomme', this historic hotel has been part of the St Helier scene for more than 175 years.
Liberation Square, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: European
Somerville Hotel, Tides RestaurantLess than five minutes' walk from the sandy expanses of St Aubin's Bay and sheltered Belcroute Beach, the Somerville is one of the most perfectly situated hotels on Jersey.
Mont Du Boulevard, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
Suma'sLongueville Manor's little sister is currently one of Jersey's most exciting and innovative restaurants, with a fairytale location to match: the restaurant sits directly above the stone-walled harbour and historic Mont Orgeuil castle, with support from colourfully decorated waterfront cottages and all manner of boats bobbing about on the water.
Gorey Hill, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
The Atlantic Hotel, Ocean RestaurantThis impressively refurbished, privately owned hotel boasts one of the finest settings on the island of Jersey, and things are going well in the cool, sophisticated Ocean Restaurant, which now has a Michelin star under its belt – thanks to Mark Jordan's refined modern cooking.
Le Mont de la Pulente, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern British
The Boat HouseOn the site of a former boatyard, right by St Aubin harbour, this stylish contemporary venue promises upscale island pleasures in a stunning setting of glass and timber.
1 North Quay, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
The Grill Room at Hotel L’HorizonBuilt as a private seaside villa in 1850, this popular seafront hotel still boasts some of the finest views over Jersey's most scenic bay: enjoy it all from the terrace in fine weather or from the sliding glass doors and windows of the classy Grill Room.
Route de la Baie, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern European
The Jersey Pottery Garden RestaurantLaunched by Charles and William Austin Potter as a bright, new post-war enterprise in 1946, this fascinating venture has grown and developed out of all recognition.
Gorey, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern British
The Moorings HotelSituated at the foot of ancient Mont Orgueil Castle beside Gorey harbour (now a haven for leisure craft wanting to drop anchor), this long-standing hotel has established a solid reputation with locals and visitors alike.
Gorey Pier, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Seafood
The Royal Yacht Hotel, Restaurant SiroccoDine amongst the stars and gaze out at the glittering waterfront at Sirocco, the uber chic restaurant at The Royal Yacht.
The Weighbridge, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Modern British
Village BistroSean and Sarah Copp are the friendly couple behind this unpretentious bistro in a converted church. They offer great value for money, relaxed, chilled-out service and enterprising food based on local produce from small suppliers.
Gorey Village, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: European
Water's Edge HotelLiterally by the water's edge overlooking Bouley Bay, this privately owned, Art Deco hotel also boasts its own accredited dive centre and there are spectacular clifftop walks for those who prefer to stay on dry land.
Bouley Bay, Jersey, Channel Islands - Cuisine: Anglo French