The Channel Islands Heritage Festival from 25 March to 10 May 2016 will celebrate a group of small islands with a big history, offering five weeks of family friendly events and activities across Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark.

The 2016 edition will take a maritime focus, honouring the Islands' timeless relationship with their coastline and the seas, where children and adults alike can explore significant coastal sites, become immersed in centuries' old seafaring stories and experience naval traditions across the archipelago. There will be nautical tours of coastal castles and towers, lighthouses to visit, guided walks, cycle rides, kayak adventures and vintage bus tours on offer throughout the festival.

Here are the top ten family activities at the 2016 Channel Islands' Heritage Festival. For full details, visit www.visitchannelislands.com 

 1.     Fire & Forage for Families, Guernsey

25th March – 10th May (Available throughout the festival)

This two hour workshop is a real Famous Five adventure, and will include fire starting, cooking outside and eating wild food. These family-orientated foraging tours will be available to book throughout the festival with WildGuernsey at a time to suit visitors and cost £20 per adult and £10 for children. To book, call or email WildGuernsey: 01481 263153 / wildguernsey@yahoo.co.uk

 2.     Land Sailing with Pure Adventure, Jersey

2nd, 4th, 8th and 23rd April

The fresh winds and five mile stretch of beach along Jersey's St. Ouen's Bay offer the perfect conditions for the adrenalin-fuelled sport, land sailing. During the festival, families can try out the sport and race each other around a triangular course. Land sailing is suitable for children over nine and costs £25 per adult and £15 for children. To book, visit www.purejersey.com

 3.     Island Explorers Treasure Hunt, Guernsey

25th March – 10th May (Available throughout the festival)

With the help of an explorer's map, adventurers young and old are challenged to find clues across the island's historic sites. The map is free to download from the VisitGuernsey website and all completed treasure hunts that are returned to Guernsey Museum will receive a small gift and be entered into a prize draw. For more information, visit www.museums.gov.gg 

 4.     Through the Looking Glass – A Kayak Exploration of Jersey's Maritime Jungle, Jersey

28th March, 4th, 11th, 18th, 26th April, 2nd May

Families can explore one of Europe's most diverse marine ecosystems on a sea kayak tour and observe marine and bird life. All kit is supplied and beginners are welcome. The cost is £40 per adult and £27 for children. Advance booking is essential through Jersey Kayak Adventures. (01534 853138 / info@jerseykayakadventures.co.uk

 5.     HistoryFest: People of the Sea, Guernsey  

Easter weekend- 25th-27th April

Over the Easter weekend St Peter Port's Castle Cornet will be brought to life by costumed characters, music and storytelling, all with a nautical theme, enabling the whole family to experience over 2,000 years of history in just a weekend. The festival offers a packed timetable of theatre, live action role play, period dancing and hands on activities. The cost is included in the castle's admission price (£10 per adult, £2.50 for children over seven).  

 6.     Bunkers at Night – Evening Tour, Jersey

31st March, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th April, 5th May

This evening tour is a perfect way to learn about Jersey's WWII heritage with a visit to various Second World War sites at night to light up Jersey's Military Heritage in a new way. The cost is £30.00 per adult and £15 per child aged 7-15. Booking is essential through Jersey War Tours (info@jerseywartours.com / 07797869882). The meeting point will be given at the time of booking. www.jerseywartours.com

 7.     Beau Cinema Screening of The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Guernsey

8th May

Suitable for the whole family, this special screening of 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits' includes the opportunity to meet a real-life pirate before the film and a Pirate goodie bag. Those that come dressed in pirate costume may also be rewarded with some treasure. The special screening takes place at 16.00 and costs £4.50 per adult, and two children for £1 each with each paying adult. For more information and to book, visit www.beausejour.gg/cinema

 8.     Sea to Sea Cycle Tour, Jersey

31st March, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th April, 5th May

Families are invited to join local Blue Badge Guide Arthur Lamy on a cycle tour from St Helier along Jersey's south coast to Les Platons, on Jersey's north coast, which offers views of the nearby coast of France and the other Channel Islands.  Along the 15 mile route, the tour stops to discover dolmens, manor houses, and even where the Jersey Royal early potato was created.  The tour costs £15 per person. To book, contact Arthur at www.arthurthebluebadgeguide.com

 9.     Beau Vallon Maritime Family Fun Day, Guernsey

1st May

In association with Donkey Divers and Floral St Peters, Beau Vallon in St Pierre Du Bois on the rural West Coast of Guernseyhosts a jam-packed day ofactivities, including a Pirate treasure hunt, free Discover Scuba Diving taster sessions from Donkey Divers (age eight upwards), maritime stalls and teas and coffees. There will also be a special guest appearance by Joe the Pirate's parrot. The fun day takes place between 11.00 and 15.00 and admission is free. www.beauvallon.co.uk/

  10.  Pallot Steam and Motor Museum Fayre, Jersey

9th May

Liberation Day, commemorating and celebrating the liberation of Jersey from occupying German forces, is marked at Jersey Steam Museum with a fun-filled day of displays of classic and vintage cars and tractors, barn engines, Land Rover demonstrations, and rides on steam and diesel trains. Entrance to the museum is £6 per adult and £2 for children. For more information, visit www.pallotmuseum.co.uk 

-Ends-

For more information, please visit www.visitchannelislands.com

For media enquiries and travel packages please contact: