Hey, you, stop staring at those tropical islands. You can get sandy beaches, turquoise seas and lush landscapes on Guernsey – and you won’t need to cross the world to get there. Plus, they don’t have scarecrow festivals in the Maldives…
Do: Torteval Scarecrow Festival, 1-2 August
The locals in the Guernsey parish of Torteval know how to cut loose. Each year they get creative with hay and old clothes, making scarecrows of their favourites figures – including Postman Pat, Captain Hook and FIFA boss Sepp Blatter (OK, we made that one up). You'll be given a map, so you can tick off the hundreds of scarecrows on your way round the town.
Swim: Alderney Beaches
Take the Bumblebee Catamaran over to the island of Alderney, where the beaches are jaw-droppingly good. While you're lapping up the sunshine on the sand, keep an eye out for the island's famed (but elusive) blonde hedgehog. visitguernsey.com
Drink: Rocquette Cider
Guernsey boasts an impressive cider heritage and the Rocquette Cider Company is one of the island's big hitters, with more than 4,500 trees in its orchard – how d'you like THEM apples? Find it in many of the island's numerous pubs. rocquettecider.com
