The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have a lot in common. They’re all islands; they’re all Crown Dependencies, and they’re all excellent holiday destinations. But which one is the right choice for you? Let’s take a look.
Location & getting there
The Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is in the middle of the Irish Sea, almost equidistant from England, Ireland and Scotland. The easiest way to get there is by ferry, with regular crossings from ports in Liverpool, Heysham, Belfast and Dublin, but you can also travel by plane.
Jersey
Jersey, part of the Bailiwick of Jersey, is located off the coast of northwest France. Year-round flights to Jersey are available from airports in London, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Southampton and Glasgow, with seasonal flights operating from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. You can also catch a ferry from Poole or Portsmouth on the south coast of England, Guernsey, or St Malo in France.
Guernsey
Guernsey, part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, is off the coast of Normandy in France. You can catch a flight from regional and international airports in the UK and Ireland, including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Edinburgh and Dublin. Ferry crossings are available from Poole, Portsmouth, Jersey and St Malo.
Interesting facts about the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
Isle of Man
- The Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s the first one to be made up of an entire nation.
- The island inspired Thomas the Tank Engine’s home, the fictional Island of Sodor.
- The parliament, Tynwald, is the oldest continuous parliament in the world.
- You might see Risso’s dolphins, grey seals, Manx cats, and the Manx Loaghtan, a breed of sheep with brown wool and four horns. You definitely won’t see badgers, foxes, squirrels or voles, however, as none of these creatures are found on the island.
- On a clear day, the view from Mount Snaefell encompasses the Isle of Man, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Locals add the sea and heaven to this list, referring to the view as the Seven Kingdoms.
Jersey
- Jersey makes up part of the archipelago known as the Channel Islands, along with Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Grande-Île (the inhabited islands), plus uninhabited islands.
- It was part of Normandy until 1066, when William the Conqueror made the Channel Islands part of the English Crown.
- The island has the third-largest tidal movement in the world, with tides reaching over 13 metres and rising at high speeds. Extra miles of sandy beach are revealed during low tide.
- All number plates on Jersey begin with the letter J.
- Jersey was the first place in the British Isles to get a post box, which was green at first (it was changed to the classic red we know today 20 years later).
Guernsey
- Spring arrives earlier on Guernsey than it does in mainland Britain, bringing a host of beautiful flowers and plants with it. This is because it’s closer to France, which has milder winters.
- The French author Victor Hugo, known for works like Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, lived in St. Peter Port for almost 15 years. His house, Hauteville House, has since been turned into a museum that you can visit.
- Speaking of houses, many houses in the west of the island have pieces of granite sticking out of the side. These are called witches’ seats, because historically, people would make them part of their homes so witches could sit and rest, instead of causing chaos.
- £1 notes exist and are used on the island.
- Guernsey was the site of the first underwater arrest, which happened when a man was arrested by scuba-diving police officer for illegally harvesting ormers.
Size and population
The population of the Isle of Man is 84,112. Despite being smaller in size, Jersey has a denser population of 103,989. The population of Guernsey is 64,477.
Which is bigger: the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey?
The Isle of Man is the biggest, at 222 square miles, followed by Jersey (46.2 square miles) and Guernsey (24 square miles).
Which destination has the best sandy beaches?
The great thing about visiting islands is that you’re never too far from a beach. And, luckily, all three have plenty of sandy beaches to choose from.
Beaches on the Isle of Man
- Ramsey Beach, in the north, is ideal for families – in addition to the sand, there’s a play park and ice cream parlour nearby, as well as a harbour where you can watch the ships coming in and out. There are also two stone piers, as well as the Queen’s Pier, which is being restored.
- Broadway Beach, in the capital Douglas on the east coast of the island, has two miles of sand, with lots of nearby eateries in case you get hungry.
- Port Erin Beach, in the south, is a great swimming spot and, since it faces west, the ideal place to watch the sunset.
- Peel Beach, on the west coast of the island, has golden sands and is overlooked by Peel Castle, giving it a storybook feel. There are plenty of places where you can get an ice cream to eat as you stroll along the shore.
Beaches on Jersey
- Plémont Bay, in the north, is a sheltered spot surrounded by cliffs and caves, and there’s even a waterfall. Jersey’s tides are high and travel fast, so be sure to check the tide times before you explore.
- Anne Port, on the northeast coast, is a good choice for anyone who wants peace. It’s quiet, with beautiful views across the bay and good water for swimming.
- St Aubin’s Bay, in the south, is the bridge between St Aubin’s and the capital of Jersey, St Helier. It’s a sunny spot with plenty of activities, wheelchair access, and a Victorian bathing pool so you can still swim when the tide is out.
- St Ouen’s Bay, on the west coast, is the longest beach in Jersey, with the sand stretching for five miles. Admire the views of the Atlantic, take part in water sports, or simply stroll along the sands as the sun sets.
Beaches on Guernsey
- Cobo Bay, in the north of the island, has the classic postcard appearance, with white sand and clear waters you can swim in. Slipways make it accessible, too.
- Ladies Bay, in the northeast, is a family-friendly beach that’s popular with water sports enthusiasts – it's not unusual to spot windsurfers and kitesurfers.
- Petit Port, in the southeast, is hidden away, with 270 steps leading to it. Make your way down and you’ll find a quiet sandy bay with spectacular views.
- L’Eree Bay, in the west of the island, is a sheltered beach with golden sands and turquoise waters. You can swim, snorkel, explore the rockpools, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Comparing food options
Each island has a selection of cafés, pubs, restaurants, hotels and, of course, ice cream parlours, so you’ll never go hungry. But to make the most out of your trip, it’s worth seeking out the specialties that are unique to each place.
Food on the Isle of Man
Local specialties: queen scallops; Manx kippers; cheese, chips and gravy
Also known as queenies, queen scallops are a delicacy in the Isle of Man. They have the European Union Protection Designation of Origin (PDO) stamp, which means they can only be labelled queen scallops if they come from the Isle of Man.
Other types of seafood are enjoyed, too, particularly Manx kippers – smoked herring that’s often served alongside potatoes. And we can’t forget cheese, chips and gravy – a popular fast-food dish.
Food on Jersey
Local specialties: black butter; Jersey Royal potatoes
Despite the name, black butter isn’t butter; it’s an apple sauce made with cider, sugar, spices, liquorice and lemons. Traditionally, this was a way to make sure all the apples from the harvest were used, with the whole community getting involved. Black butter can be eaten on toast or scones, as an accompaniment to meats and cheese, and incorporated into desserts to give them a flavour boost.
Jersey is also known for its potatoes: the Jersey Royal potato, to be exact. Their delicate nutty flavour and thin skin make them ideal as part of a salad, stew or curry, though they’re also delicious when boiled and served with butter and herbs. Like the Isle of Man’s queen scallops, this produce has the PDO stamp.
Guernsey
Local specialties: Guernsey cow dairy products; Guernsey bean jar; ormer
Guernsey’s cows produce some of the best dairy products out there, thanks to the extra levels of fat, protein, Omega 3 and beta-carotene found in their milk. These nutrients create the rich and creamy texture Guernsey dairy is known for.
If you need comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Guernsey bean jar, a warming stew made from Haricot beans, pork, onions, carrots, herbs and stock.
The island is also known for ormer, a type of shellfish found in the surrounding waters. Ormers are often tenderised and fried, then added to a casserole.
The best attractions
Isle of Man
- Learn about the island’s history. From the Great Laxey Wheel (the world’s largest surviving working water wheel), to the Viking-built Peel Castle and the Manx Museum, there are stories to be told about the Isle of Man at every turn.
- Enjoy the scenery as you ride on the Manx Electric Railway. The railway has been operating since the 1800s, travelling between Douglas and Ramsey and showcasing views of the countryside and coast.
- Watch the Isle of Man TT Races. The TT Races are a series of motorbike races that take place over two weeks, with practice and qualifying races in week one and the main time trial races in week two. You can watch from dedicated points along the course.
Jersey
- Explore the Jersey War Tunnels. Jersey was occupied by Germany during WWII, and the story of what this time was like for islanders is told in the tunnels. The tunnels were built using slave labour, with the Germans using them to escape bombs from the Allied forces and are now home to the exhibition.
- Admire the Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor. Open for viewing between March and December, the gardens boast rare plant species, brightly coloured flowers, and fragrant herbs. You can also step into the past and take a guided tour of the manor.
- Visit Elizabeth Castle. Accessible only by the castle ferry or walking along the causeway at low tide, Elizabeth Castle showcases Jersey’s history and offers great views from the battlements.
Guernsey
- Visit Hauteville House. The property was the writer Victor Hugo’s residence during his exile in Guernsey and is furnished and decorated as it was when Hugo lived there, so you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Tour Castle Cornet. This 800-year-old castle in Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port, is large enough to house four museums: Story of Castle Cornet, 201 Squadron Museum, Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, and the Royal Guernsey Militia Museum. You can also explore the grounds and gardens and admire the views across the sea.
- Wander round the Subtropical Gardens at Sausmarez Manor. Guernsey’s mild climate lends itself to the growth of plants you might not expect to find this far north. At these gardens, you’ll be able to spot palm trees, banana trees, camellias, giant geraniums and bamboos.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on the time of year, no matter where you go. Travel and accommodation make up a significant part of the budget and will cost more during peak tourist season, which is usually between May and September, with numbers increasing between June and August.
Costs will also spike when there are special events on, such as the Isle of Man TT Races, and Jersey and Guernsey’s Liberation Day, which is on 9th May on both islands and celebrates the end of Nazi occupation.
Which destination is cheaper?
None of the islands are budget destinations, but recent reports suggest it costs less to fly to the Isle of Man or Jersey than it does to fly to Guernsey, so this is something you might want to keep in mind when deciding where to go.
No matter where you travel, you can reduce the costs by:
- Booking in advance to secure the best travel fares, whether you go by ferry or plane.
- Using public transport to get around. Many places have tickets that cover multiple types of transportation. For example, the Isle of Man’s Go Explore pass offers unlimited travel on trains, trams and buses for a specific number of days.
- Booking your trip for the shoulder season (April or September), when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are fewer, and the costs are lower than in peak season.
- Making the most of free activities. All three islands have wonderful scenery that can be enjoyed through nature walks, for example.
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