Occupation and Defence of the Channel Islands

Where cliffs meet the restless sea, traces of war guard the rugged coast. This windswept landscape holds stories of courage, occupation and survival that shaped these small islands forever.

Explore the fortifications, underground tunnels and German occupation sites of Guernsey and Jersey. Visit the remains of wartime camps, and uncover tales of conflict and endurance, in one of Britain’s most overlooked battlegrounds.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Guernsey and transfer to St Peter Port, one of Europe’s most picturesque harbour towns. Check in to our nearby hotel. Welcome drink and evening talk from Dr Mark Baldwin 'General History of the Channel Islands and their Defences' followed by dinner with wine at the hotel. 

Day 2: Morning visit to the German Occupation Museum to see its extensive collections. This afternoon we have a private visit to the German Naval Signals HQ to see the Enigma code machines and learn about the role they played during the war. 

Day 3: Visit La Valette Underground Military Museum, set in a complex of tunnels and built as a fuel storage facility for the German forces’ U-Boats. Then onwards to the Fort Hommet Gun Casemate Bunker. Evening talk from Mark: 'Some Sites we Haven't Seen'.

Day 4: Full day at leisure in Guernsey. 

Day 5: Flight to Jersey, then transfer to hotel in St Helier. Evening talk from Mark: 'U-Boat Bunkers in France', followed by dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 6: We start our touring of Jersey at Lewis’s Tower, a Martello tower built in 1835 to defend the coast against French attack. We then proceed to La Corbiere Lighthouse, which towers over the island’s south-western corner and is reached by a causeway. This afternoon we visit Battery Lothringen which was manned by the Germany navy, and a series of bunkers including the vast underground command bunker.

Day 7: Morning visit to the Jersey War Tunnels and the Rouge Nez Observation Tower which was part of the German system of fortifications to form part of Hitler’s ‘Atlantic Wall’. Afternoon visit to La Hougue Bie, to see a German command bunker. Evening talk at the hotel.

Day 8: Morning tour of Elizabeth Castle, a 15-acre fortress on a tidal island where we explore German bunkers and fortifications built there during WWII. Return to the airport for flight back to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 20 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Flight from London Gatwick to Guernsey
• Internal flight from Guernsey to Jersey
• Flight from Jersey to London Gatwick 
• Four nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Duke of Richmond, Guernsey, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Radisson Blu Waterfront, Jersey, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception, three lectures and two dinners
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Dr Mark Baldwin and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement £693
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities.

HOTELS

Duke of Richmond, Guernsey

Nestled beside tranquil parkland, The Duke of Richmond Hotel provides a peaceful island retreat just a short stroll from St Peter Port—one of Europe’s most scenic harbour towns. Part of the Little Big Group, this refined hotel combines classic sophistication with modern comfort, making it a perfect base for discovering the island’s many charms. Guests can savour superb cuisine crafted from locally sourced seafood in an inviting setting, while the warm and dedicated staff are on hand to ensure every aspect of your stay is thoughtfully catered for and exceeds expectations.

Duke of Richmond Website

Radisson Blu Waterfront, Jersey

The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Jersey enjoys a prime position along the stunning coastline of the island’s largest Channel Isle, celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and verdant countryside. Perfectly situated beside Elizabeth Marina on St. Aubin’s Bay, the hotel offers immediate access to the scenic promenade, with breathtaking views across the bay to the historic Elizabeth Castle.

During your stay in St. Helier, savour a modern twist on international flavours at the Waterfront Restaurant and Bar, where you can dine alfresco or unwind with a drink on the terrace in the island’s mild climate.

Keep up your wellness routine at the fully equipped health club, or treat yourself at the on-site salon with a refreshing new look or a rejuvenating spa experience—ideal for a truly relaxing getaway.

Radisson Blu Waterfront Website

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