While many may opt for the sunny shores of Spain, Portugal, France, or Greece, as it might seem logical to them that it’s best to spend money on popular tourist destinations, rather than go off-beat. Well, there is this Herm, a tiny island in the English Channel, providing respite from 21st-century frenzy with its mantra of ‘no cars, no crowds, and no stress.’ Yes, if you want, you can remain totally out of reach for some days here.
Nestled in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Herm is spread across 1.35 miles, has just one hotel that intentionally has no clocks, complemented by holiday cottages and camping spots. This place is accessible via a quick 15-min boat ride from Guernsey or a brief 90-min flight from London Gatwick. Herm offers an untouched landscape featuring pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters where dolphins often grace the scene.
With a mere population of 65 inhabitants, Herm’s ambiance remains unspoiled. The island embraces its simple existence, and is home to just two pubs, one hotel, a fire station, a primary school with just four students, and a police station. And to ensure that visitors enjoy a ‘truly relaxing holiday,’ when here, Herm has boldly banned cars.
Herm’s official website aptly labels the island a ‘paradise island,’ that focuses more on its appeal as ‘the perfect place to stay for a truly relaxing holiday in the British Isles.’ Ideal for families and those seeking solace, Herm invites visitors to check out unspoiled beaches, sans the crowd, delve into island life, take in the breathtaking views of the French coast and neighbouring islands, and explore the natural coastline.
Summer on Herm brings a delightful surprise – temperatures frequently reach the mid-20s, offering a welcome escape from the typical British summer weather. Moreover, Herm’s summer season kicks off six weeks earlier than the UK and extends six weeks longer, as shared by the island’s CEO, Craig Senior.
So, if you yearn for a British getaway, Herm emerges as the idyllic retreat, a haven where time slows down, and stress fades away amid the beauty of this hidden paradise.
