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HERM
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| A Taste of Island Life |
Herm, one of the smallest of the British Channel Islands, may be small, just one and a half miles long and only half a mile wide, but the scenery and natural beauty is wide ranging. It varies from woodland to open fields and gentle hills to golden beaches.
There is so much to see and do on Herm Island. Watch the wildlife on the foreshore, swim in crystal clear seas, and discover a shady spot under granite rocks on a beach. Herm's size means there is no need for a car, yet even at the height of summer there the island never seems crowded. There is always a quiet corner away from it all.
The 20 minute boat journey from Guernsey takes you to a world away from hustle and bustle and gives you a taste of island life and a chance to unwind. Bring walking shoes as the way to see and explore this island is on foot.
Herm is unique in many ways. It has been in the Wood family for more than half a century, during which time they have assumed the role of guardians, maintaining the island's natural balance. Adrian Heyworth and his wife Pennie, one of Peter and Jenny Woods's daughters, managed Herm Island since 1980. They have transformed Herm into an island that is open all year round to everyone.
Open All Year
Herm Island is open all year. Most guests visit during spring, summer and early autumn although there are visitors who regularly come to stay every Christmas and New Year.
Spring - The White House Hotel opens just before Easter weekend, and it is this occasion which marks the start of the new holiday season on Herm Island. Ferry boats between Guernsey and Herm Island begin to operate a more frequent service, enabling afternoon or lunch visits. The pathways are adorned by a profusion of wild flowers, including bluebells. It is an ideal time for walking, bird watching or simply enjoying the early spring sunshine.
Summer - Herm Island now comes into its own with some of the finest beaches in the British Channel Islands. Belvoir Bay has lovely views across the sea to Sark, Alderney and France. Everyone enjoys swimming in the safe, clear water. But take time to find all the other beaches 'off the beaten track'.
Autumn - Warm amber and gold colours and the appearance of blackberries on the Common mark the autumn months. Perfect for bracing walks rounded off by lunch in front of an open fire at the Mermaid Tavern. The White House Hotel stays open until the middle of October. Excellent birdwatching at this time of year.
Winter - A boat service to Herm Island from Guernsey continues all year, but is dependent on the weather. However there is no boat service to the Island on Sundays in the winter months (from November to March) except for over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Guests can stay in self catering cottages with open fires and central heating. The Mermaid Tavern and Gift Shops remain open for limited hours. The beach cafes and hotel are closed. Special ferry charters in November and December bring local Channel Island residents from Guernsey to do Christmas shopping.
A Time to Explore Herm Island
For many visitors a holiday in the British Channel Islands revolves around the beach and on Herm island you are spoilt for choice. Glistening white sands wrap themselves around half the Island until you reach Belvoir Bay, sheltering in a natural cove.
This is the seaside holiday of childhood memories. Herm Island beaches are clean, safe and a source of endless fun, building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. The falling tide exposes rockpools to engross children aged six to sixty and brings ashore a profusion of shells.
The clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and there is excellent fishing from both the Island and offshore. Yacht and motor cruisers can be chartered and there are regular trips to Sark, Guernsey, Jersey and France. You could be inspired to paint or just draw breath at the sheer beauty of it all.
You might even think of taking this opportunity in your Channel Island holiday to shop early for Christmas such is the variety of toys, craft and jewellery on display in Herm Island's harbourside gift shops. However you spend your holiday on Herm Island you can always relax, secure in the knowledge that children can safely enjoy the freedom this particular Channel Island has to offer.
No two moments are the same on this particular channel island. The tides constantly ebb and flow. The rise and fall can be as much as 10 metres on a spring tide, changing the island's normal area of 500 acres to approximately 1500 as the tide recedes to expose rocks, pools and more golden sand. The highest point on the island is about 70 metres above sea level. From here the holiday visitor commands uninterrupted views across the Channel Islands to Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, Jethou and Breqhou including a clear view of the northern French coast.
PTGH wish to thank Herm Tourism for their help in providing the above information. 22/11/05
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