Shopping in Guernsey (From Dorset Society)

Shopping in Guernsey

1:53pm Monday 1st August 2011 in Travel stories By Nicky Findley

THERE’S more chance of the DFS sale coming to an end than my other half agreeing to accompany me on a bargain-shopping break.

But when he heard it would involve a two-night stay in a boutique hotel in Guernsey, he suddenly found the idea more appealing.

And being a thrifty northern lad there was the added advantage that Guernsey, like all the Channel Islands, is exempt of VAT.

So after a short 30-minute flight courtesy of Blue Islands Airlines from Southampton (there were only half a dozen of us on a 20-seater so it felt like a private jet) we arrived in Guernsey airport.

Our four star hotel the Fermain Valley, part of the Healthspan Leisure group, was just a ten-minute taxi journey away, nestled in a woodland valley over-looking a picturesque cove.

We were shown to our room which had much more character than the usual identikit rooms you get in larger hotels. We particularly liked the balcony over-looking the landscaped gardens and the “bottomless” decanter of sweet sherry (whenever we returned to our room it was topped up!).

After freshening up we jumped on the hotel’s mini bus which took us into St Peter Port – the island’s picturesque capital which has everything from haute couture to bargain basement.

It’s reputed to be one of the prettiest harbours in Europe and is a popular stop for cruise liners as you can get some good deals especially on high value items like jewellery and perfume. There are also around 35 shops that offer extra discounts for Healthspan holidaymakers too.

The majority of the shops are in the High Street and in addition to local family run businesses like Creaseys, there are some familiar names including Marks & Spencer, Boots and Next.

As we pottered around the cobbled streets and narrow lanes it felt as though we had stepped back in time.

The layout of the town centre has hardly changed over the past few decades – even the Victorian markets have been preserved although inside they are bang up to date and the Old Quarter is worth a visit too as there is a variety of boutiques and antique stores.

We eventually parked ourselves at Christies for refreshments – a very chic brasserie where we dipped into bowls of creamy seafood chowder and some freshly baked bread.

Like many of the restaurants here, it had a fashionably Continental feel which is not surprising as France is only 27 miles away.

And they have the Gallic passion for food too. Considering it’s such a small island (24 square miles) there is an abundance of eateries from beach cafes to stylish bistros serving everything from local seafood to international fare and there are no fast food chains.

Local specialities include the Guernsey Bean Jar – a slow cooked hearty stew and we had the chance to sample Gache (pronounced gosh) a tasty fruit bread smothered in rich Guernsey butter.

The island is steeped in history too. The Channel Islands were the only British territory to be occupied by the Germans during the Second World War and the local museum tells the fascinating story of the German Occupation from June 1940 to May 1945.

And it’s also renowned for its stunning coastal paths. You don’t have to walk far before you are on the cliff tops enjoying the breathtaking views.

So even if your hubby isn’t a happy shopper there are plenty of things to see and do that will keep him happy while you indulge in some light retail therapy so a good deal all round!

Factfile

• Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands and is situated some 75 miles south of mainland Britain. It has its own currency which is sterling, although is not accepted in rest of the British Isles.

• Nicky Findley flew with Blue Islands (visit blueislands.com) and stayed at the Fermain Valley (fermainvalley.com). For more information call the central reservations number 0800 316 0314 or email reservations@vistahotels.co.uk.