From 25 March to 10 May 2016, the Channel Islands Heritage Festival will celebrate a group of small islands with a big history.  The six-week festival, in its second year, takes a maritime focus honouring the Islands' coastal significance and naval traditions with a full programme of exclusive openings, guided walks, family adventures and coastal tours. Many events and activities will be held at maritime heritage sites around Guernsey and the isles of Jersey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.

Across Guernsey and the Bailiwick islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney alone there will be 55 events and activities, 42 guided walks, four cycling tours, two coach tours, three boat tours  and 11 exhibitions that can be visited and enjoyed over the 45 days. Highlights will include the exclusive opening of the rooftop of Guernsey landmark Fort Grey, display of the Roman shipwreck The Asterix, pirate-themed family adventures at Sausmarez Manor and a series of guided walks, cycle rides and boat excursions.  The 2016 festival also marks the 150th anniversary of Victor Hugo's novel, Toilers of the Sea, which was inspired by and set in Guernsey where Hugo spent 15 years in exile from 1855.

For a full list of events and activities, please visit www.visitguernsey.com/heritage-festival

Booking it:

The three star La Barbarie Hotel is offering a three night 'Heritage Fest' deal from £140 per person. The package includes three nights' en-suite accommodation, full buffet and Guernsey cooked breakfast each morning, plus free entry to all three Guernsey Museum sites. The package is valid for stays between 25 March and 10 May 2016 (the dates of the Channel Islands Heritage Festival).

Direct flights to Guernsey operate year round from London City, Gatwick and Stansted, as well as many regional UK airports with Aurigny (www.aurigny.com), Blue Islands (www.blueislands.com) and Flybe (www.flybe.com).

Return flights from London Gatwick to Guernsey with Aurigny in April 2016 are available from £100 per person and flight time is one hour.

Condor operates ferry services from Poole and Portsmouth, and takes around three and seven hours respectively. Return car ferries from Poole to Guernsey in April are from £268, carrying two passengers (www.condorferries.com).

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For further general information on Guernsey, visit www.visitguernsey.com. For press enquiries please contact Jules Ugo or Georgina Oakley at Lotus on jules@wearelotus.co.uk / georgina@wearelotus.co.uk or call the office on 0207 953 7470