Guernsey or Jersey Holiday

Last week as a family we were in Guernsey our sister Island.

The children were all taking part in ECSOC being the Elizabeth College Music Week. This has to be one of the best music weeks there is. My lot had an amazing week led by passionate skilled music teachers leading in three brillant performances at the end of the week. Outstanding in delivery and administration; no wonder Gill Freeman has ended up with an MBE. So 1:0 to Guernsey.

But not so quick. We stayed at La Collinette Self Catering handy for music and central. The two bedroom unit was "okay" in that it did the job. But miles away from the standards we have at Les Ormes. Not as clean (always my first priority), no washing machine in the unit and TV v small. I am always looking for tips on how we can do better here but came away with none. That's not to criticise La Collinette as it was fine. If you do plan a two week break in the Channel Islands with one week their St Peter Port is a good spot to stay in. So 1:1.

St Peter Port is clearly nicer than St Helier. So staying centrally makes sense but watch the hills walking about. I found St Peter Port and its suburbs quirky, I love to wonder the streets looking at the buildings and seeing how they link to the past. 2:1 to them!

My wife and I walked a part of the Island everyday whilst the children were at music school. First day was the coastal area to the west of town. We had a great day partly along the cliff past and then inland along their tranquille lanes. Interesting water holes for man and beasts. We preferred the inland wanders as the coastal cliffs are similar to Jersey. Rather Jersey has a much better round Island walk. Have to call this one a draw as we really enjoyed our walking.

Beaches Jersey wins hands down. We saw no beach that compared to Plemont or Beauport or St Brelade. No surf beach to compare with St Ouen. Jersey just has the best beaches in the world. " 2:2.

General transport links are easily won by Jersey. Their airport has runway issues with no jets and v limited routes. We have Easyjet to Liverpool and Glasgow. BMI Baby, BA, Blue Island, Flybe to virtually every UK airport and also Aer Lingus to Dublin. If you book early you can easily get here for £100 return. 3:2 to Jersey.

Jersey has far more to do with Durrell, adventure activities, but Guernsey seems simpler and less buzz. A draw on this one as really different offerings.

I think the two Island's contrast well and would make an ideal two centre holiday maybe using the Condor Ferries. Jersey overall has more to offer, better accommodation, transport, and more to do. So we win it for a one week break but if you can do two weeks a week on each Island would be great.