In Late September after years of Italian, French and Spanish holidays, I decided to see for myself what the Channel Islands were like, maybe Guernsey. How refreshing; no crowds, airport hassle, foreign languages, discovering a sunny shore so near to home. That 200 miles due South makes the difference. The people of Guernsey were lovely, Brits to the core, even giving me a free bus ride when I mislaid my ticket for the 50 pence round trip of the island.

The hotel I chose was due refurbishment but central. A hilly little town St Peter Port with its good and reasonably priced jewellery, cameras and clothes, breathtaking in a good way.

Friends Daphne and I relaxed, enjoyed coffees by the aqua blue sea whilst the men revisited the past in the World War II museum telling of hard times during German occupation.

The 19th Century writer Victor Hugo was offered sanctuary here in St Peter Port after offending Napoleon, outspoken men both. He built an amazing five floored home which must be seen to be believed and I won’t spoil it for you.Just twenty minutes by boat ride is lovely little Herm with its good walks and unspoilt beaches. A bit further then is Sark, ruled by a Seigneur and forty farming families dating back in history to Elizabeth I. Travel is by horse-drawn cart here.

Think of French cuisine, sun, British good humour and all less than an hour from here by air. On recalling that small hotel on Herm where we ate a delicious fish lunch, in contented silence, I must go back.

Mary with friends Roger, Daphne and Mike all travelled to Guernsey with Preston Holidays.