I thought British holidays were boring, but this island changed my mind
In the seventh installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes , Lifestyle Editor Kristina Beanland reveals how she fell in love with an island in the English Channel.
Growing up, I spent two weeks every summer in Portugal. Back then, I didn't know how lucky I was to be so well acquainted with such a beautiful country, but I did know one thing: I hated holidaying in the UK.
Yes, I was being a brat. My only defence is that 10-year-old me had no idea how much a family holiday costs.
The two years that we headed to Scotland instead of the Algarve were met with teenage outrage: 'Doesn't it rain in Scotland?' The pictures are almost comical — I refuse to smile, ignoring the dramatic views from John O'Groats behind me.
So it wasn't until 2021 that the possibility of a UK-based vacay came up again.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
It was when the world was still living in the shadow of Covid, when travel to far-flung destinations involved PCR tests and paperwork — but like so many of us, I craved a change of scenery.
And that's when I landed upon Jersey, the small Channel Island 14 miles off the coast of France.
The only people I knew that had visited were my grandparents, then in their 80s. But a friend who grew up on the island had been posting pictures of her time back home, and I couldn't quite believe that this place, with its stunning beaches, was really in the UK.
It was the most fuss-free option, and with a flight time of one hour and five minutes from London to the capital of St Helier, it was just a hop, skip and a jump away.
It might sound odd, but the first things I noticed after landing in Jersey were the signs outside cafes, advertising illy coffee — people were drinking al fresco espressos, and it just felt oh-so European.
And that pretty much became the theme. The island has long been described as having a split personality: British with its classic pubs and fish and chips, but with road names like Route de la Liberation, a Norman food market, and beaches with long stretches of white sand that you can hardly believe aren't on the continent.
I've never been one to need a 'taste of home' on holiday — you won't catch me ordering a full English in 30C heat or heading to an Irish pub — but there's was something easy about being among the familiar, while also excited to explore somewhere new.
The vibes here are relaxed too. You get the sense there's not too much to stress about when you can shake the day off with a dip in the sea or an al fresco pint. Of course, it's not always sunny — and I experienced my share of drizzle when I was there — but the weather is generally mild and warmer than in the UK.
Everyone knows everyone, so if you walk into a pub (The rowdy Trafalgar in St Aubin, with it's live music, became my favourite), people know you're an out-of-towner. But rather than making you feel intimidated, locals are keen to chat — whether it's to tell you just how long next-day-delivery really takes out here, or to insist that they know someone who knows someone from your hometown.
At just nine by five miles, it's easy to get around — the bus network is straight-forward, but my preferred mode of transport was two wheels. After hiring a bike from Aaron's Bikes, I cycled the 40ish minutes from St Helier to the Portelet Inn pub, with its stunning views over the bay.
If you do just one thing in Jersey, it should be to get on a boat.
Jersey Seafaris offer exhilarating RIB boat tours around the coastline and beyond. One of their most popular tours takes you to The Ecrehous (prices start from £45.99 for adults) – a small group of isolated islands just eight miles from France.
There's enough time for you to hop off, have a wander (and drink your tinnies) before heading back home. You might even spot some dolphins (and brace yourself for some high-speed doughnuts in the harbour). I loved the experience so much, I booked another tour for the following day.
If you're after something a little more relaxing, I visited two of Jersey's stunning beaches.
The Club Hotel & Spa is located right in the center of St Helier. Rooms are spacious, but it's USP is the small outdoor pool with waterfall, a tranquil place to unwind (or nurse your hangover). There's also a library space complete with Gin Honesty bar, plus it's restaurant, Bohemia, has held a Michelin star for more than 20 years.
My favourite was St. Brelade's Bay, loved by locals and tourists alike for its wide swathes of golden sand and the original Jersey Crab Shack. I hadn't realised quite how popular the seafood institution would be and ended up missing out on a table – so be sure to book in advance. Instead, I opted for take out pizzas from the nearby Pizza Express, and had a picnic on the beach.
Another beautiful spot is Portelet Beach, with its steep steps that descend from the cliffs to a sun-trap beach. If you don't want to venture down to the sand itself, the Portelet Inn is an olde worlde pub with panoramic views over the bay. The pork belly roast I had was delicious, and at £26.95 for three courses, a bargain for this Londoner.
There's fascinating history here too. Jersey was under Nazi occupation during 1940 to 1945, and the eerie tunnels of a German underground military hospital is now the island's most visited museum, The Jersey War Tunnels. The moving exhibitions detail what life was like for those living there at the time, and are an important visit during your time in Jersey.
Both St Helier (the capital) and St Aubin are worth taking a stroll around. Walk along the harbour in St Aubin, or enjoy dinner at The Old Court House Inn, where you can satisfy your hunger while watching the boats bob in the distance.
I loved Jersey so much, I'm scared to go back. More Trending
Yes, I appreciate the logic is confusing, but the four days I spent on the island were so much fun, I worry it simply can't be replicated.
Latest figures show that around half of the visitors that head to Jersey are over the age of 55, but as far as I'm concerned, Millennials and Gen Z are sleeping on this underrated gem.
It has everything you'd want from a trip away: beautiful beaches, good food (and booze) and relaxed island vibes. It changed what I thought I knew about a British holiday — don't miss out.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: I spent a week at a 5-star hotel in the Maldives — here's how much it really costs
MORE: EasyJet launches new holidays to 'charming' but underrated Italian seaside destination
MORE: I fell in love with Japan's fourth biggest city – and its lesser-known neighbour
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
29 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Turkey fines tourists making common mistake - and other countries may follow
Turkey fines tourists making common mistake - and other countries may follow Travel experts say other popular holiday destinations may now make similar rules Passengers waiting to get off a plane Turkey is to implement a policy which will penalise passengers who smoke on board aircraft - as well as those who stand up before the aircraft is parked and the seatbelt signs are turned off. In 2024, an estimated 4.4 million British tourists visited Turkey, a 16.6% increase compared to the 3.3 million visitors in 2023. That means millions could be at risk of the common mistake - as many people undo their seatbelts and stand while the plane is taxiing towards the departure area in a bid to grab their bags and coats from the overhead locker, or beat the rush to get into the aisle. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Turkey: "The 'Passenger Announcements Circular' No. UOD – 2025/01, prepared to revise and promptly implement standard, up-to-date announcements with the aim of warning passengers who smoke or use tobacco products on board, as well as those who stand up and disrupt order before the aircraft reaches its parking position and before the seatbelt signs are turned off, in order to discipline such passengers and raise awareness among all passengers, was approved by the Directorate General and entered into force on 02.05.2025." Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: 'On the positive side, this is clearly intended to enhance passenger safety. If it encourages passengers to remain seated, reducing risks of injuries due to unexpected turbulence or abrupt aircraft movement while taxiing, that's to be welcomed and it is likely to support crew efforts to enforce safety rules more effectively. "It may also deter passengers from engaging in disruptive or premature movement in the cabin, making disembarkation more orderly, which, in turn, may help airport operations. It also positions Turkey's aviation authority as serious about enforcing international flight safety standards and could set a precedent for other countries to implement similar measures. However, it could lead to passenger frustration or even confusion with tourists unfamiliar with the rules potentially feeling unfairly targeted or surprised by fines. Enforcement could be seen as overly aggressive. Article continues below "Airlines, in turn, may need to train staff to report violations, handle disputes, and manage documentation for fines. Delays or conflicts could arise during enforcement, especially on short-haul or budget flights. "Consideration will need to be given as to how are passengers identified, warned, and fined, with a potential for disputes if fines are perceived as arbitrary or unevenly applied. If - and it's a big if - it is perceived as hostile or inconvenient, it may affect Turkey's image among some tourists, particularly in peak travel seasons. "But, if it is successful, other countries may follow suit, especially those already dealing with unruly passenger behaviour. It could influence best practice or recommendations for post-landing safety protocols.'"
Times
3 hours ago
- Times
Milan v Rome: which city is better?
If you're looking for a city that's hot right now, Milan is the obvious choice. The Lombard capital works hard by day and parties even harder by night. It's cultured, elegant and exclusive — which is probably why it has taken a while to shake off its reputation for seriousness. I've been coming here since I was a child — to see family, fashion and art — and I've witnessed its evolution first-hand, from a closed metropolitan hub to a vibrant design centre that really opened up to visitors when it hosted Expo 2015. It gets better with every trip. While aficionados still dress up in their finery for first nights at the historic opera house, La Scala, and bag the front row at Milan Fashion Week, this is also the city that dared to erect Maurizio Cattelan's 11m sculpture of a middle finger pointing skywards in front of the Italian stock exchange. In contrast, Rome's eternal charms could take a lifetime to explore. It's often holidaymakers' first choice for an Italian city break — and it's hard to overstate its wonders. With more than 35 million visitors annually — putting it at No 2 in the European league table —– it combines its extraordinary weight of history with all the dynamism of a modern capital. The fact that the Catholic church is celebrating a jubilee year in 2025 means the city has undergone an unprecedented restoration effort, with monuments, churches and fountains — including the Trevi — getting a glow-up. Rome is constantly evolving, which is just one of the reasons I love it. A wave of recent five-star hotel openings — including the Bulgari, Six Senses and Edition — plus innovative restaurants and art galleries popping up next to old-school religious guesthouses and 100-year-old trattorie proves just how vibrant the energy is in this ancient capital. So given the choice, which of these glorious cities would you pick for a weekend break? Which has better food, activities, hotels, and culture? Here's our verdict. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Winner It's a tie Milan has a vibrant social life, which means this powerhouse northern city now gladly opens its doors — and its hearts — to visitors all year round. Milan Fashion Week in February and September and the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in April creates a buzz that is all about the new. This activity is sustained by a community that champions contemporary art and design (you will find open studios from Brera to Isola) and an aperitivo culture that has seen the former canal district, Navigli, transformed from a shabby backwater into the liveliest hangout in town. The towpaths are packed with cool cafés, bars and hotels, while verdant courtyards are home to artisan markets and chic boutiques. For the ultimate high-fashion experience, the Golden Triangle, or Quadrilatero d'Oro, taking in Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant'Andrea, is where you will find Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino, Pucci, Gucci and the rest. Pop into Il Cigno Nero (one of my favourite bars) for an espresso at the elegant counter — be sure to dress accordingly. Then take yourself and your finery to La Scala for an evening opera performance. Rome is the city that never sleeps. There is a bar on every corner – the best of which are in the centro storico, from Cul De Sac, an enoteca close to Piazza Navona with more than 1,500 wines on offer, to Cielo, a panoramic rooftop hangout at the top of the Hotel de la Ville, with views of the Spanish Steps. The cool Monti area is the epicentre of Rome's younger cocktail-bar scene, while the city also offers jazz venues, late-night clubs and hip cabarets across Ostiense, Testaccio, San Lorenzo and charming Trastevere. For classical and ballet, the Teatro dell'Opera is first-class. By day, design shoppers head for Via Condotti, where alongside the big fashion brands you will find art galleries, antiques shops and chic home stores. For vintage, it's back to Monti, and for a dreamy mix of jewellery, handmade clothing, rare books and second-hand, head for cobbled Via del Governo Vecchio — one of the loveliest streets in Rome. Tui Italia has a four-day guided Discovering Milan tour that takes in the city's cultural highlights. Exodus Adventure Travels has an eight-day guided Rome, Assisi and Magical Umbria — Premium Adventure walking tour that starts and ends in the Italian capital. • Best things to do in Rome• Best things to do in MilanWinner Milan 'Italian' food does not exist as a simple concept. This country, still relatively young, consists of 20 distinct regions — and the identity of its food and wine, despite common themes, varies wildly. Milan has its traditional favourites — costoletta (breaded veal), ossobuco (braised veal shanks) and risotto (with costly saffron). Yet this focus on the richly complex classics does not detract from the fact that Milan has a wildly exciting and constantly changing culinary scene, keeping the cosmopolitan crowd on its toes. From two Michelin-starred Seta, with the brilliant Antonio Guida at the helm, via Langosteria in Navigli — the best place for fish and seafood — to the leafy courtyard at Identita Golose, where acclaimed chefs from all over Italy recreate their most famous dishes, Milan has the high end covered. Neighbourhood favourites, meanwhile, include Pasticceria Cucchi, one of the last grand cafés in Milan to bake on the premises; Bice, a traditional trattoria in the fashion district; and seven-table La Latteria, a 70-year-old institution that closed in 2024 before reopening in 2025 under the new ownership of fashion brand Loro Piana. Roman food culture, meanwhile, is firmly anchored in the tradition of cucina povera — cooking that transforms humble ingredients into works of gastronomic art. Pasta alla carbonara, trippa alla Romana (tripe in tomato sauce) and carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes) are stalwarts. The restaurant list has its big-hitters — Imago at the Hassler, Heinz Beck's La Pergola at the Rome Cavalieri — but what Rome does best is modest, forward-looking food in convivial surroundings: the delicious Mazzo in San Lorenzo, Roscioli's deli/restaurant near Campo de' Fiori, and Osteria La Segreta on gorgeous Via Margutta, with a twist on the flavours of Campania. • Best restaurants in Rome Newmarket Holidays has an eight-day guided tour of Milan, Verona and Lake Garda focusing on the culture, gastronomy and romance of northern Italy's finest cities. Intrepid Travel has an eight-day guided Italy Real Food Adventure Tour, which kicks off in Venice and concludes in Rome. • Read our full guide to Rome• Discover our full guide to Milan Winner Rome As the capital of Italian fashion and high finance, Milan has a long history of elegant outposts to satisfy its VIP visitors: Mandarin Oriental, Bulgari, Armani, the Principe di Savoia and the revamped Four Seasons have long been top of my personal list. Dig deeper, however, and you will discover that some of Milan's loveliest B&Bs and boutique hotels are much more affordable: gated palazzi within reach of the Duomo (Antica Locanda dei Mercanti), hubs that double up as spaces to stay and co-work (21 House of Stories), converted fashion studios (Vico Milano) and former family homes (LaFavia) that hum with energy. • Best hotels in Milan• Best affordable hotels in Milan After decades of relative stasis, in which old-school grandes dames including the Eden and the Hassler were frequently outdone in style and substance by small-scale boutique outfits such as the cool PiazzadiSpagna9, Rome is experiencing a boom in its high-end hotel market. The arrival of the W in a conceptual whirl in 2021, followed by the marble-clad Six Senses, playful Edition and opulently restrained Bulgari, provided luxury travellers with some pleasantly tricky choices. At the other end of the scale, boutique options such as the neat Hotel Monte Cenci and hip hangout the Hoxton ensure style and service at rates that won't make your eyes water. • Best hotels in Rome• Best affordable hotels in Rome Close to Carla Sozzani's 10 Corso Como, B&B LaFavia has four beautifully designed rooms and a terrace with jasmine and banana trees. Part of the Ferragamo fashion empire, Portrait Roma is an elegant townhouse off Via Condotti, decorated with photos of the family's starry Rome It's a tough call when you are up against one of the most historically important — and marvellously storied — cities in the western hemisphere. But Milan punches well above its weight and nothing will bowl you over quite like the Duomo, the wedding-cake cathedral heavy with pink Candoglia marble that is one of the largest in the world. Begun in 1386, it took almost six centuries to complete. The 15th-century Castello Sforzesco is home to museums of archaeology, art and sculpture, surrounded by the manicured green spaces of the Parco Sempione. The Pinacoteca di Brera is a treasure trove of classical Italian art — highlights include Caravaggio, Raphael and Piero della Francesca — while La Scala, in a riot of gilding and red velvet, delights in stories of high-jinks in the boxes and the tantrums of divas past. Perhaps the nation's most famous work of art still resides in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie:Leonardo da Vinci's heartbreaking The Last Supper, depicting the moment when Christ reveals to his 12 disciples that one of them will betray him. Your first visit to Rome will blow your mind. I guarantee it. This repository of 3,000 years of art and culture is home to many of the greatest masterpieces in the world, and its beauty is unparalleled. The Forum is the heart of the ancient city: it hosted the seat of government, the law courts, the temples — and the shops. The pretty Palatine Hill is where, according to myth, Romulus founded Rome, and where the emperors built their palaces. The Colosseum is half-circus, half-sports arena, and gives a fabulous glimpse of the city's vicious underbelly. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel house centuries of papal commissions by the greatest European painters — the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps are particular highlights. Throw a coin into the Fontana di Trevi to ensure your return to Rome; next time take in Hadrian's Pantheon and its spectacular concrete dome; the Capitoline, widely considered the world's oldest public museum; and the spectacular art in the Villa Borghese. Try this 12-day guided Highlights of Rome and the Beautiful Amalfi Coast tour that explores the ancient city. Indus Travels has a ten-day guided Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan by Rail tour that ends with two days in the Lombard For me, it's Rome — by a squeak. Where else can you find the history of the Western world in microcosm? I left it way too long to come here — and I've been making up for lost time ever since. But that doesn't mean that, when asked where I might one day settle in Italy, my first thought isn't Milan, that elegant northern powerhouse that richly rewards the visitors who work hard to seek out its treasures. • Best cities to visit in Italy• Beautiful places to visit in Italy
Spectator
4 hours ago
- Spectator
Inside London's transport time warp
The illustration shows a smiling couple on a yacht, the wind ruffling their hair and the coastline receding into the distance behind them. Above it are the words: 'Work out of London – get more out of life.' Something from the post-Covid work-from-home era, perhaps, or Boris Johnson's 2019 'levelling up' election campaign? No – this is the work of 'The Location of Offices Bureau', set up by the Tory government in 1963 and abolished by Margaret Thatcher. The advert appears on the wall of a decommissioned Tube carriage that's one of many frozen in time in a warehouse in west London. In the latest issue of The Spectator, Richard Morris writes that museums often have a 'wealth of treasures… hidden away in storage' and argues that more should open their vaults. The London Transport Museum Depot in Acton is an object lesson in how to do this. The 65,000 sq metre unit exists primarily to store, catalogue and preserve objects from the London Transport Museum's collection – and three times a year, it opens its doors to the public.
