A flight to Jersey is as easy as it gets. At 8.30am, I'm Lidling in traffic on London's M25; by 1pm, I'm savouring a bowl of mussels in a beachside cafe, gazing across a huge sweep of a sun-bleached bay where the Atlantic waves roll against an old defensive tower. An hour's flight (no passport needed) and a 20-minute drive from the airport was all it took to arrive at this blissful spot. Yet I could have picked any of the island's 24 beaches-none are very far on this pint-sized rock floating off the Normandy coast.
Lush landscape
Although small (8km by 14.5km), there's plenty here to make a memorable break. The coastline is as dramatic and inviting as anywhere in the Med, with rocky coves and sherbet coloured beaches. Meanwhile, the countryside flips between tangled woodland and lush fields grazed by doe-eyed cows. A gentle microclimate, fertile soil and rich marine life results in scrumptious produce too (hello, Jersey ice cream). A network of footpaths loops around the island and immerses you in the landscape. Tackle the cliff-top section from Bouley Bay to Rozel Harbour and you'll spy the smaller Channel islands -Sark, Guernsey and Alderney - winking on the horizon. At Rozel, swing by the Hungry Man kiosk to refuel on crab sandwiches or a bacon bap.
Time travel
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest