What budget for activities and outings Channel Islands?

To accumulate visits to Jersey, consider the Jersey Heritage Pass (£44.60 for an adult, £40.25 for a senior citizen and £134.15 for a family of 4), which gives unlimited access to four attractions for the price of three and lasts for seven days (Mont Orgueil Castle, Elizabeth Castle, Jersey Museum & Art Gallery and Victorian House, Maritime Museum & Occupation Tapestry Gallery, Hamptonne Country Life Museum and La Hougue Bie). It is of course possible to buy it in advance, as it is only activated from the first attraction visited.

In Guernsey, the Discovery Pass (£22 per adult, free for children) is valid for 12 months and gives unlimited access to the following sites: Castle Cornet, Guernsey Museum, German Naval Signals Headquarters in Saint-Peter-Port and Fort Grey in Saint-Pierre-du-Bois.

Many activities revolve around the sea and beaches (surfing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing...), but not only! Starting from Saint-Hélier, and in Jersey in general, you'll be spoilt for choice between walking along coastal paths, cycling, golf, pond fishing or the more traditional croquet... While there are plenty of activities to choose from, many of them cost nothing. So let's get swimming, walking and sunbathing!

Although the islands are not a free trade zone, there is no VAT, and each island has its own legislation. As a result, luxury goods are often offered at attractive prices. You'll find a considerable selection of alcoholic beverages, which the commercially-minded islanders even offer "à la tirette", for a better price! But beware: cigarettes, perfumes and cosmetics are not always cheaper than in France. Some tourists, both English and French, don't hesitate to make a quick return trip during the day to take advantage of the duty-free stores on the boat, especially at Christmas time.

Pints of beer cost around £5. While there are generally no " happy hours " as we know them in France, certain "beers of the month" are sometimes on special offer. The rare discotheques don't usually charge admission unless you drink.

What budget to eat Channel Islands?

The cost of living is generally equivalent to that of the UK. However, fresh produce is more expensive than on the mainland (as it is all imported). The Channel Islands aren't exactly a cheap destination when it comes to eating out. Count on £5 to £8 for a sandwich, £10 to £15 for fish and chips or a simple dish in a budget restaurant, £15 to £30 for a dish in a more upmarket restaurant or steakhouse, and £60 to £100 for a meal in one of the archipelago's luxurious restaurants.

So don't hesitate to play local and take advantage of the hearty breakfasts served in the vast majority of hotels, bed & breakfasts and guesthouses, before grabbing a bite to eat at lunchtime - a good fish and chips, for example. What's more, some inexpensive beachside restaurants offer BYOB(Bring Your Own Bottle), so you can bring your own drink. A great way to keep your bill down.

A coffee or tea will cost around £2 or £3. To enjoy a cream tea or afternoon tea worthy of the name, you'll need to budget between £10 and £20. Pints of beer cost around £5 or £6. While there are generally no " happy hours " as we know them in France, certain "beers of the month" are sometimes on special offer.

What is the budget for accommodation Channel Islands?

Most are comfortable and clean, even in the lower-category hotels. Basic comforts include a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities in every room. Individual bathrooms are also available in all rooms. Tourist offices have established a classification of establishments. In Jersey, large traditional hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are symbolized by stars. In Guernsey, the comfort level of hotels is also indicated by stars, and that of guesthouses by diamonds. Despite the presence of millionaires and billionaires, the islands are not Monaco, and there are no grand palaces, although there are some (very) fine addresses.

In the Channel Islands, it's also easy to find accommodation to rent by the week. These can be as simple as furnished apartments for a couple, or luxurious villas or old houses for a family. These rentals come fully equipped (kitchen included) and often have an outdoor swimming pool or a large garden for the most luxurious.

Please note that this type of solution is preferable if you are traveling with your family (many hotels do not accept small children) or in a group.

Prices vary according to the season, but you can expect to pay around 25% less in low season. Expect to pay around £80 for a double room in low season, and around £400-500 for a double room in a luxury hotel in high season.

Travel budget Channel Islands and cost of living

The cost of living is generally equivalent to that of the UK. However, fresh produce and household items are more expensive than on the mainland (as they are all imported). In other words, life on the islands is expensive.
The budgets below are per person for a three-day stay.

Low budget: €180 including boat crossing, visit to one island, nights camping or youth hostel in Jersey, simple meals, bus transport and/or bike hire.

Medium budget: €450 including boat trip, visit to two islands, nights in a standard hotel, visits to museums, car rental, meals in mid-range restaurants.

Big budget: at €600, you can take advantage of all the opportunities the islands have to offer: air travel, visits to several islands, good-quality hotels, car rental, cab rides, meals in well-known restaurants, visits to museums, organized walks with a guide. In this budget range, expect to pay €200 per day.