Where is it? 

Herm is the slightly smaller island of the Channel Island group and can be found to the east of Guernsey. It stretches to just one and a half miles long by three quarters of a mile wide, but it is every inch the island paradise.

Where should I be heading?

Previously privately owned, Herm is now in the hands of the Wood family, yet you will find everything you may need for a relaxing getaway there. The golden sands and fluffy dunes provide the perfect serene spot for daydreaming. There’s much walking to be done too. Apart from that Herm only really offers a campsite, a couple of hotels and some shops, but it’s worth journey there if you want to get away from it all. Shell beach is the most popular destination with visitors, it’s hard to believe a place like this exists just outside of Britain.

Entry requirements:

Boats depart from Guernsey to Herm regularly for £8.50 return. The journey takes only 20 minutes and you can see Sark from the island too.

Health:

Herm is a very open island, there is hardly any shelter – so plenty of sunscreen should do the trick.

Top 5 things to do:

1. Shell Beach – There’s nothing quite like running your hands through fine particles of white sand, untouched and unspoilt by hoards of turkey necked, tangoed, bikini-clad tourists. The beach is mesmerising, like something out of a painting and there are some beautiful shells to be found too.

2. Island spotting – From every inch of Herm you have an open window to the Channel and the other islands that make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey. See if you can name them all – or alternatively just snap away with your camera.

3. Picnic – When you come to a place like this that’s miles away from any trace of pollution and commercialism, it’s nice to just sit back and feast. We ate in silence because the views were just so stunning – words are not enough. The only thing we mumbled occasionally was “uggghh..I’ve got sand in my sandwich”!

4. Tugual’s chapel – Despite the islands small size there are still people that reside there. The tiny chapel is situated fairly near the harbour and is enclosed by a beautiful garden. It’s a little gem.

5. Relax and recharge – Be it a day trip or a few nights stay on Herm you are guaranteed to come away feeling thoroughly invigorated. It’s a place where stress does not exist – my kind of place! The Mermaid Tavern is a good resting stop and a chance to recharge your batteries before you head off back to Guernsey. With a choice of food or snacks it’s a good pit stop for enjoying your last few hours on the island.

Is it expensive?

Unless you are staying there for a holiday it’s relatively cheap to get to and you only have to pay for food/drinks if you so wish and maybe a few souvenirs to take home with you.

What's the food like?

We only stopped for a snack but the menus looked fairly comprehensive and inexpensive.

What are the toilets like?

A few dotted around the island, which is always a welcome. Fairly clean and not bad on the whole.

What to wear:

Again shorts and t-shirts are probably the best option. Although the inbound and outbound journeys can be quite fresh on the open water, once you get to the island it starts to heat up again and the sun can be quite unforgiving.

Best time to visit:

Summer time without a doubt if you are into wading and swimming. 

Don't miss:

The whole island! If you get to go to Guernsey you must take a day trip out there.

(5/5)

Photos: Mojo