Get closer to Guernsey

The Channel Island has sunshine, good food and charm, says Jessica Molyneux, along with a whole lot of history

- NIGEL THOMPSON

As we approach the island in a small propeller plane, I press my face against the window to take in the most magnificent view.

Arcs of white sandy beaches stretch across the north coast, giant cliffs form a mighty wall in the south, and a ribbon of bright blue water encircles it all.

Flying to Guernsey gives you that feeling of escaping to an equatorial oasis, but this Channel Island jewel is just 30 miles west of France's Normandy coast.

The largest island in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which includes five other inhabited islands - Alderney, Herm, Jethou, Lihou and Sark, as well as many small islets and rocks, is easy to reach with Channel Islands-based Aurigny airline operating flights from 10 UK airports.

Flying with Aurigny, it’s a few steps up on to a small aircraft, which is pretty much like stepping on to a private plane, er, I imagine. Then after just one hour in the air I was landing in an spectacular views across St Peter Port harbour and Guernsey's sister islands.

From there, Gill leads our group on a tour of St Peter Port city and Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old castle standing at the mouth of the harbour.