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Herm
Measuring just 1.5 miles long by half a mile wide, Herm is one of the smallest inhabited islands among the Channel Islands. It is located 3 miles to the east of Guernsey, which administers Herm almost entirely. The island is a prime place for escapism, lacking any cars, crowds or stress. That said, over 100,000 tourists visit the island during the busy summer period, all seeking a taste of its peaceful atmosphere.
Beautiful, unspoilt beaches wrap around the majority of Herm’s northern half, making it an ideal destination for a seaside holiday. Its wonderful coast paths and pretty countryside are a further draw, while its views of the other Channel Islands and the French coast mean there is always something to see.
Things to see and do in Herm
St Tugual's Chapel
Belvoir Bay
Shell Beach
Mermaid Tavern
South Coast Cliff Walks
Outdoor Guernsey Kayaking
The Obelisk on The Common
Herm Garden Tours
Peak of Herm
Herm Village
An aerial view of Herm and Jethou island
Hiking on the island of Herm
Typical Costs When Travelling
Accommodation – There is just a single hotel on Herm – the White House Hotel, which offers great accommodation for around £100 per night during summer. Alternatively, there are a number of holiday cottages on the island, although these tend to be more expensive. The cheapest option by far is to camp, with the Seagull Campsite offering prices of £9 per night, providing you bring your own tent. Fully equipped tents with cooking facilities, beds and seating areas can also be purchased, though are much more expensive.
Food – Eating out on Herm is easy, with several restaurants and pubs to choose from. A typical meal for one with a drink will cost about £16, making it a little more expensive than the other Channel Islands.
The main beaches each have their own kiosks where you can purchase snacks such as ice cream. There is a small grocery shop at the Mermaid Tavern, however selection is often limited and the prices are more expensive than average, due to the produce having to be shipped in.
Transportation – As both cars and bikes are banned from Herm, the only way to get around the island is by walking. However, it is very easy to walk around the entire island in just a few hours. To get to Herm, you will need to take the ferry from St Peter Port, Guernsey. The standard fare is £14 for adults and £7 for children.
Suggested Daily Budget: 82 – 91 EUR / 100 – 110 USD / 71 – 78 GBP
Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hotel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!
Money Saving Tips
1
Camp Under The Stars
If you're visiting Herm during the summer, when the weather is nice, bring your own tent and camp. This is great way to save money, while enjoying views of the night sky and waking up to beautiful sunrises.
2
Purchase A Special Fare
A special fare purchased for the Herm ferry works out slightly cheaper than a standard fare. While it only allows you to travel to Herm for the day, it can help you save some extra cash.
3
Take Advantage of Free Activities
Herm's beaches are free to visit, yet they are by far the best attractions on the island.
4
Visit in the Off Season
The busy summer period pushes up the prices for accommodation on Herm. Visiting in spring, autumn or winter can work out much cheaper, while still providing great experiences.
What can you expect from Herm?
Despite its small size, Herm has a very interesting history, with evidence of human activities going back 8,000 years. Settlers are thought to have first arrived in the Neolithic era, using the north end of the island for burials. Herm was also put to use by the Nazis during WWII, who practised beach landings in preparation for a possible invasion of mainland Britain.
Before this, Herm was leased to Prince and Princess Blücher of Prussia during the First World War, with the prince introducing a huge family of wallabies to the island. Sadly, none of these charming marsupials can be found on the island today. What you will definitely see on the island however are seabirds, with Herm having the most southerly breeding colonies of puffins in Europe, as well as other species.
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