South Coast Walks & Historical Sites
Bring intriguing coastal trails and history alive in South Hampshire
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Enjoy the stunning scenery and heritage sites of Guernsey, along with two day trips to Sark and Herm. You’ll have the chance to visit public and private gardens, admire wildflowers lining cliffside paths and discover each of the islands’ natural beauty.
Guernsey
Flowers
May
Jun
Jul
Sep
Tour codes: 50110
Our range of Adagio leisurely walking holidays and sightseeing tours are designed at a slower pace than the average Ramblers Walking Holidays, perfect for those who would like to slow things down but keep active.
Overview
Guernsey, your base for the week, is just a short flight from England. The small island is located approximately 30 miles off the coast of France and is the largest of the Channel Islands. As such, this spot makes a great springboard for our Channel Islands holiday.
Boasting a rich and fascinating history, the island is entwined with both French and British culture. We stay in the parish of St. Martin, only a 10-minute drive from Guernsey’s capital of St. Peter Port. The rugged cliffside provides a dramatic backdrop to the quaint seaside villages here.
St. Martin is a quiet rural area, ideally situated for the nearby popular beaches and south coast sea views. Be sure to take the opportunity to meander down the picturesque coastal paths.
Two days during your stay will be spent on the lesser-known islands of Sark and Herm, reachable by boat from St. Peter Port. Both places have so much to offer, including the peace and quiet that results from life without cars. Bicycles are used to get around on the larger island of Sark and only quad bikes and tractors are used on Herm for staff and luggage transport.
Stroll through excellently kept gardens, spotting unusual flora and fauna along the way, thanks to the warm climate here. In the countryside, wildflowers adorn the rolling hilltops of the islands and striking cliffs rise from the choppy waters. Both of these locations provide truly breathtaking landscapes.
The remainder of the holiday will be spent in Guernsey, where the land flourishes with beautiful blooms. We have carefully selected the best gardens the island has to offer for you to visit and explore.
You’ll feel enchanted in the Victorian walled garden, as you step into natural scenes of wonder that leap straight from the pages of a Frances Hodgson Burnett novel. We will walk to many of the gardens, taking in the various sights of Guernsey along the way.
We amble to and from the incredible Sausmarez Manor. This building is not only architecturally stunning but the outside is filled with unique blooms, planted to make the most of every season. These tranquil and peaceful grounds are so soothing and even include a sub-tropical garden.
In order for you to make the most of your island holiday, we have arranged transport on each day to take you to and from every destination. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the scenery, on your walking holiday in the Channel Islands.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
The newly refurbished 4 star La Barbarie Hotel is a cozy, small hotel situated in a rural location with easy access to the stunning cliff walks, Saints Bay and the secluded coves of the South coast of Guernsey. The hotel is family owned and the excellent service and standard of accommodation together with the excellent quality meals makes this hotel so special.
La Barbarie was converted to a hotel in 1950 and the old quiet charm has been retained. The heated outdoor swimming pool and patio provide a prefect secluded spot for relaxing or for a quiet drink before or after dinner. You can also relax in the newly refurbished modern and comfortable lounge bar.
En suite hotel room facilities include:
Please note that there is no lift in the hotel.
Trip Information
To fully enjoy the walking on this holiday you should be able to walk along uneven undulating paths at about 1½ to 2 miles per hour for distances of between 2 and 3½ miles with walks lasting up to 3 hours. Some days will be devoted largely to sightseeing, so the walking content may be less.
We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.
Holiday Budgeting
Local transport costs, entrance fees and tips to local providers are included in your holiday price. You may wish to budget for any meals and drinks not included in the holiday arrangements, non-included entrance fees and any optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Local Transport Costs
We include the local travel costs using private mini buses and public buses to reach the local sites. We also include the boat fares to the Isle of Sark and Herm Island.
Our Adagio Leader will arrange everything. You just need to be at the right place at the right time.
Money Locally
The currency in Guernsey is the pound. Guernsey also has its own notes which are at par with the UK pound. Channel Islands notes and coins are not accepted in the UK although they can be reconverted or paid into some UK clearing bank accounts. ATMs are widely accessible in Guernsey and there are none on Sark or Herm, so we advise you to withdraw money before travelling to the islands.
If you are a member of National Trust, it will be a good idea to bring your membership card with you.
Tipping
We include tips in the holiday cost and your Adagio Leader will take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. If you feel that someone has gone out of their way to make your holiday enjoyable or help you in anyway, please feel free to give a personal tip to the person should you wish. If you are having an independent lunch or other service not included in the holiday arrangements, tipping is at your own discretion.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Your Adagio Leader will discuss the programme for the following day with the group at each evening briefing. This will be your opportunity to find out more details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. Also, if you have any questions or concerns on clothing or lunch arrangements, this can be discussed then. If you wish to opt out of the organised group programme, this is fine, just let your Leader know.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Your Leader
An Adagio Leader will accompany you throughout the holiday. They are all experienced travellers with a love for exploring and will help capture the true essence of the destination with their stories, knowledge and insights. They are well-organised, pay great attention to detail and enjoy being with people. They are there to help make your holiday as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
When booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday with us, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
Please ensure that the personal details we have on file for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements.
Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to accurately manage your holiday booking are correct at the time of booking (including health and dietry requirements). You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.adagio.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 386700. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
Getting to your Holiday
We fly from Southampton to Guernsey and return with Aurigny Air. The flight takes approx. 45 minutes. Flights are also available from other local airports at a supplement. Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. We include a transfer from Guernsey airport to La Barbarie Hotel and return. The transfer time is about 10 minutes. We recommend that you collect an island map, guide booklet and bus time table on arrival in Guernsey airport, these are on display as you proceed through the airport on arrival.
If you intend joining and leaving the party in Guernsey, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at La Barbarie Hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure. We can provide you with transfers however you must notify us of your flight details.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you wish to organise your own flights from either a non-UK or UK regional airport, or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. If you choose to do this, before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at the hotel. Although airport/train station transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport/train station, depending on your flight/train arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight/train must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight/train number, arrival time and departure point so that your Adagio Leader is able to meet up with you.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. General passport advice for UK nationals on the UK Government website.
Entry Requirements in the Channel Islands
You do not need a passport if you are arriving in the Channel Islands direct from the United Kingdom, however, all carriers will require some form of photographic identification. We therefore advise you to bring either your passport or a photocard driving licence.
If you are arriving in the Channel Islands from outside the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, irrespective of your nationality, you must have a valid passport.
This holiday is on a half board basis. Breakfasts and evening meals will be taken in the hotel restaurant. We also include one packed lunch. Other lunches will be at your expense and we suggest you allow at least £7 per day.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
We recommend you bring the following items with you:
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of eventualities such as unexpected cancellation, accident or illness. Guernsey’s Health Service is not part of the UK National Health Service, therefore medical insurance is strongly recommended. Please check your policy to ensure that cover is provided to travel to the Channel Islands.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to operating responsible tours in all our destinations as best we can. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel Ltd’s (inc Adagio) profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public.
In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
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Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 95mm
February
Avg. Rain: 70mm
March
Avg. Rain: 65mm
April
Avg. Rain: 55mm
May
Avg. Rain: 50mm
June
Avg. Rain: 45mm
July
Avg. Rain: 40mm
August
Avg. Rain: 50mm
September
Avg. Rain: 60mm
October
Avg. Rain: 95mm
November
Avg. Rain: 105mm
December
Avg. Rain: 115mm
View Dates & Book
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