Channel Islands · 2026
Channel Islands
In late May, we explored Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney. What struck me most was how green these islands were. Lush valleys led down towards the sea, framed by rugged cliffs, while open stretches of higher ground offered a different sense of space. Flowers brought colour to the landscape, and butterflies drew my attention to the smaller details. Each island had its own character, with so much variety within a small stretch of coast.
The tides brought another kind of change. Harbours emptied to reveal boats resting on the sand, then filled again, transforming the same familiar view. These photographs bring together what caught my eye: the meeting of green valleys and rocky shores, the changing face of the sea, and the quieter moments in between.
One Harbour, Two Worlds
St Aubin’s Harbour, Jersey
Seeing this harbour with and without water made the scale of the tides tangible to me. Boats that float beside the quay at high tide rest on the exposed harbour floor at low water, surrounded by mooring lines and winding channels. The waterfront stays familiar, but the scene changes completely.
La Corbière, Jersey
The lighthouse at low tide — reached by a long walk down to the sea. Hard to imagine that just hours later, this entire landscape disappears beneath the water.
Crossing from Guernsey to Sark
Travelling between the Channel Islands meant taking no fewer than five boat crossings — each offering a different view of the islands from the sea.
La Coupée, Sark
The spectacular narrow ridge connecting Sark with Little Sark. A dramatic passage, with steep cliffs dropping away on both sides.
South Coast, Guernsey
Dramatic cliffs, open sea and endless horizons. The views along Guernsey’s rugged south coast are simply breathtaking.
South-east Coast, Herm
A peaceful view across the sea from Herm’s south-eastern coast. In the far distance, the island of Sark is just visible.
Little Sark
Looking west from La Coupée towards Little Sark. Rugged cliffs and the deep blue sea create an impressive coastal landscape.
North Coast, Jersey
Where sea meets rock. Jersey’s northern coastline is shaped by waves, cliffs and the relentless power of the Atlantic.
Guernsey
Away from the cliffs, much of the Channel Islands’ higher ground is surprisingly flat — a peaceful landscape of farmland, fields and distant views.
The Odeon, Alderney
Alderney is scattered with reminders of the German occupation. The massive Odeon in the north-east is one of its most striking wartime structures.
Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey
A maze of steps, walls and ancient rooms. After the climb through this remarkable castle, the reward is a magnificent view over Gorey Harbour at low tide.
St. Aubin’s Harbour, Jersey
At low tide, St. Aubin’s Harbour seems almost to empty completely. Boats resting on the seabed reveal just how extreme Jersey’s tides can be.
St. Anne, Alderney
Reflections are everywhere near the sea. Our hotel, occupying the four houses on the right, became part of this quiet evening scene.
St. Anne, Alderney
Even in the smallest streets and villages, there is beauty to discover — in old façades, flowers, colours and unexpected little details.
Botanical Garden, Jersey
An abundance of roses fills the garden with colour. A wonderfully rich display of shapes, textures and delicate shades.
The Little Chapel, Guernsey
A remarkable work of patience and devotion by Brother Déodat. Every surface is decorated with shells, pebbles and fragments of colourful china.
German Underground Hospital, Guernsey
A vast underground complex and one of the most powerful reminders of the German occupation. It was constructed under brutal conditions by forced labourers.
Botanical Garden, Jersey
A quiet Japanese corner within the garden, where water, plants and carefully placed elements create a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
Botanical Garden, Jersey
A natural carpet of flowers, reduced almost to two colours. Sometimes simplicity produces the strongest photographic effect.
Fermain Valley, Guernsey
A burst of new life emerging from the old — one of those small details in nature that is easy to overlook.
St. Anne, Alderney
Butterflies seemed to be everywhere. Delicate flashes of colour bringing movement and life to the island’s summer landscape.
Herm
A six-spot burnet moth resting on a flower. The intense colours of both insect and blossom make an unexpectedly striking combination.
Jersey
And finally — the famous Jersey cows. After seeing their island everywhere around us, it was good to meet its best-known residents.
Near the Pilcher Monument, Sark
One of the many memorable sunsets of the journey. The last light transforms the sea and sky into layers of colour.
Herm
Sunset across the water towards St. Peter Port, Guernsey. A quiet ending to the day, with the distant island fading into the evening light.