I think to really connect with this article you may need to understand the type of person I am. I’m the outdoors, I-want-to-explore-everywhere, type of person. I’m born, raised and living in London, which is a great platform for me both professionally and personally, however living in a such a large city you sometimes feel like more of a statistic rather than a human being. I often have the feeling that I just need to get away from it all once in a while and let my hair down. After speaking to some friends and a bit of online research I stumbled across the answer.
After a brief 50 minute flight from London Gatwick our pilot welcomed us into Guernsey as we taxied off the runway to the airport. My hotel had kindly arranged for me to be picked up and transported to my 4 star hotel out on the west coast of the island, but they might as well have transported me to a different planet. The hotel was amazing, with a very welcoming atmosphere and impeccable food, however that was not my main consideration for my visit.
I began my outdoor holiday on the Saturday morning, unsurprisingly, with a 3-hour coasteering session. Definitely one for the adrenaline junkies, I chose to undertake a black route rather than a less intimidating blue or yellow course. Over the span of the session we scrambled, climbed, jumped and swam our way around a section of Guernsey’s beautiful southern coastline. For anyone who might be a bit apprehensive on this, don’t worry; the guides are fully trained, friendly and approachable. As I was polishing off my seafood dinner that evening I was so pleased with myself about enjoying this experience, especially since it was one I would never find at home; however coasteering was only the first part of my weekend adventure.
The next day, after a particularly self-indulgent lie in and breakfast, I set off for another 3-hour activity session, this time however I was going ocean kayaking. Suited to your group’s ability and prior experience, our guides took us out for another worldly expedition, again around the southern cliffs of Guernsey. Sweeping in and out of caves and riding the swell through the gullies, whilst having a competition to spot the native wildlife I truly felt in a completely different environment than I would back home in the stress and hustle of London life. I must put my little caveat in here though; I think it best not to go for a practice kayak down the Thames if anyone reading is interested in doing so!
After our kayak tour came to an end I headed back to my hotel room to freshen up before spending my final evening on the beach enjoying a BBQ with some friends I had made during my weekend. As I sat there watching the sun go down and with the faint scent of sizzling BBQ the thing I wanted more than anything else in that moment was to combine my home life in London, with the exhilarating opportunities that Guernsey had present me with.
This is only a slice of the myriad of activities I could have chosen however, between coastal walks, climbing, abseiling, a resident surf school, paintballing, motocross and much more there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. My only regret is that I didn’t have enough time to experience all of this as well!
I would strongly recommend a weekend break or holiday in Guernsey to anyone who just wants to get away from city life and try something new and exciting. I have absolutely no doubts that I will be going back very soon!
About Emma
Emma is an avid traveller and loves visiting quirky places. She works to travel and loves to spend as much time discovering new places as possible. Check out her blog at www.travelbagel.com
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