Island-Hopping from Teesside: Channel Islands & More

During the summer months, Teesside Airport offers trips to Jersey and – new for 2026 – Guernsey in the Channel Islands. These idyllic escapes are a home away from home, retaining a lot of English character but being equally influenced by their close neighbours, France.  

Miles of beaches aren’t the only thing to enjoy, with each island having its unique draws, while providing easy access to France. Read on for more… 

Jersey 

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, marinas and harbours, Jersey also boasts fantastic cliffside walks and World War 2 history. 

At a normal beach, you can make sandcastles. On Jersey coastlines, you can visit real castles just a quick hop from the sands. Elizabeth Castle, in the capital St Helier’s St Aubin’s Bay, has defended the island for more than 400 years. Even older – at 800 years – is Mont Orgueil Castle, connected to the Norman Conquest. If it’s more modern history you’re after, check out the Jersey War Tunnels. 

We know some people can be a bit squeamish about zoos, but there’s no need to worry at Jersey Zoo. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust was established by author and conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, with the aim of saving species from extinction. That’s to you can meet the gorillas, capybaras, giant tortoises, bats and more guilt-free! 

There are obviously lots of water sport options, with kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding at numerous locations across the island. 

It’s only a couple of hours by ferry to the historic walled city of St Malo in France, a city that was once a stronghold for licensed pirates. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most visited places in all of Brittany! 

After all that exploring, you’ll be famished. The island’s Bohemia boasts a Michelin star, but also offers Afternoon Tea and Club Bar options alongside its fine dining. You’ll be silly to miss Roseville Bistro and Bass and Lobster if you’re craving some cracking seafood. 

Guernsey 

Jersey’s neighbour might be smaller, but it’s still perfectly formed. 

Beaches and bays are a massive draw for visitors, and one of the best is Cobo Bay. Easily accessible, stunningly beautiful and flanked by amenities such as a gastropub, tea room and fish bar, there’s no better place to catch the sunset. 

Of course, Guernsey is awash with places to wild swim – but if you’re not comfortable just popping your top off and diving in, La Vallette bathing pools offers the best of both worlds. You can take a dip in the sea, but from the safety and comfort of one of its four pools, alongside changing rooms, a café and hot showers adding to the experience. 

St Peter Port, or “Town” as it’s affectionately known, is the island’s capital. It boasts charming cobbled streets, independent boutiques, gift stores and fantastic food and drink options catering for all tastes. While there, visit Hauteville House, the home of Les Miserables author Victor Hugo during his time in exile, or discover the island’s history with the museums of Castle Cornet. 

Want to get a bite to eat out of the Town? La Reunion on the island’s beautiful West Coast offers delicious modern British cuisine, with fresh seafood featuring heavily, and cocktails to die for.  

For a quirky but cute and charming stay, you can wake up to sea views every morning in the Beaucette Marina’s Shepherd Huts. Complete with a wood burning stove, barbecue and private hot tub, they can fit a family of four – and are even dog friendly!