Although the UK Channel Islands are found off of the coast of Normandy, France, they are in actuality part of the United Kingdom. The UK Channel Islands include the large Guernsey Channel Island, as well as Alderney, Jersey UK and the smaller island of Sark. There are also a number of other smaller islands included in the UK Channel Islands, both inhabited and not inhabited.

The history of Guernsey Channel Island and the rest of the Channel Islands include William the Conqueror, who became the monarch of England in 1066 and was coroneted at Westminster Abbey. In the year 1204, England lost control of the Normandy mainland to the French, and since that time the Guernsey Channel Island and the rest of the Channel Islands have been governed separately from the rest of the United Kingdom, though still considered to be possessions of the United Kingdom. Interestingly, they are not considered to be part of the UK, but rather dependents.

The area known as Jersey UK has a separate governing system from the UK and even from the Guernsey Channel Island. Although Jersey UK is inhabited and has a functioning government, it is not represented in British parliament. The islands of Sark and Alderney are the primary pleas, or states in the Jersey UK jurisdiction. When laws are passed by the government in Sark or Alderney, they must be approved by the Queen’s Council in order to be official.

UK Map

Although the history and government of the islands may seem complicated to some travelers, they remain a great place to tour and the Channel Island cruise remains a popular choice for tourists. A Channel Island cruise can be organized in a number of different ways, but most will take a path that takes passengers through Guernsey, Jersey and more. Most Channel Island Cruise lines will also make planned stops at the most popular cities and islands, which is a nice way to combine boat travel with a stay on land for interested travelers.

Channel Island attractions include the Guernsey Museum, the Guernsey Saint Peter Port, the Guernsey Library and more. In general, the islands are home to an enormous amount of history stretching as far back as 6000 years in some cases, and travelers interested in history will have no trouble finding interesting attractions. Travelers interested in a cruise can plan something leaving from the main shores of France or England, or can schedule a flight to Guernsey and cruise from there.