Herm Island s otherwise known as ‘Paradise Island’ and is the smallest Channel Island that you can visit, with a permanent community of 65 around residents. If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, and unwind then the island of Herm is definitely one to add to your list. Here is everything you need to know about staying on the Island of Herm with kids.
We first visited Guernsey in a campervan back in 2020, and little did we know we would instantly fall in love with this beautiful island and return year after year. There are so many reasons why we love it here so much. Guernsey offers an opportunity to get away from it all, with incredible beaches, a laid back vibe, wonderful people and so much to see and do for families, you will honestly be blown away by this hidden gem in the British Isles. Less than an hour from the UK and you will be greeted with outdoor adventure and unspoilt beaches comparable to the Caribbean. You can fly to Guernsey in as little as 40 minutes, although we choose to take the Condor ferry from Poole to Guernsey as there are plenty of options with journeys to Guernsey taking as little as 3 hours from the UK.
Ad/Press trip
Visiting the Island of Herm with Kids
If you visit Guernsey then you absolutely have to experience island hopping to Herm. Herm island is just a 20-minute boat ride from St Peter Port, and with stretches of beautiful unspoilt sandy beaches, Herm Island is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. We have previously visited for a day trip as it is really easy to visit Herm from Guernsey. This time we were staying at Beaucette Marina in our campervan, and planned an overnight stay in one of the gorgeous Herm Island cottages – more on this later.
Ferry to Herm from Guernsey
Herm island in the Channel Islands is just 3 miles from Guernsey.
Travel Trident operate a regular, year-round daily service to Herm island, and tickets are available from the Travel Trident kiosk located at St Peter Port. Departures and returns are all year round and regular throughout the day. Dogs on leads are welcome on Travel Trident too. You can check timetables on the Travel Trident website.
Dogs on Herm Island
As I said, dogs are welcome on leads on Travel Trident ferries to Herm. Herm Island has 9 dog friendly self catering cottages.
Dogs are welcome on Bear’s Beach (next one along from Fisherman’s) or on Moissonniere. However from May 1st – September 30th be mindful that dogs are not permitted on Shell Beach, Belvoir Bay, Fisherman’s Beach or Hotel Beach in front of The White House Hotel.
You will need to make sure your dog is on a lead around the more populated areas such as harbour village, and around Manor Village at the top of the hill, as there are often children playing here.
Dogs are welcome in the Mermaid Tavern and courtyard, The Ship Inn bar and courtyard, and the hotel reception and lobby. We visited the Mermaid Tavern during our stay and Wilf was welcomed with open arms.
Herm Island Cottages
You can read our Herm Island Cottage review here.
We arrived on to Herm Island at 11am. Greeted with stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and the kids’ favourite Herm Island gift shop, I knew that a stay on the island was just what we needed.
Our first stop was bears beach so we could let Wilf have a good run off the lead. We had the beach all to ourselves and sat and enjoyed an hour or two with a picnic watching a friendly seal swim into the shore.
We were able to check into our accommodation at 4pm, and we picked the keys up from the reception near to the White House Hotel.
Our holiday cottage was Bramble Cottage and this beautiful Herm Island cottage is dog friendly and family friendly and stylishly furnished.
Bramble Cottage was one of the original worker’s cottages offering stunning views of the fields with a glimpse of the sea in the background. The cottage has 3 bedrooms – one double bedroom is located downstairs and a double and twin bedroom upstairs. There is a separate lounge and dining room, a front courtyard and rear garden and a well equipped kitchen. The lounge area has a traditional open fire for cosy nights in after a day at the beach.
The accommodation was absolutely immaculate and in a perfect location to explore Herm island, just a short walk to the nearby pubs and restaurants.
You can book your Herm Island cottage here.
Best things to do in Herm
Herm is otherwise known as paradise island, and the main attractions are the beautiful white sandy beaches with crystals clear water. The island offers an opportunity to pause, unwind and reset. There are no cars here, and certainly no crowds, and it just feels peaceful and safe here.
There are lovely walks around the island. and you can also try your hand at watersports. Outdoor Guernsey offer a variety of actives here including kayaks and SUP hire at Shell Beach, wildlife tours, and coasteering. Keep your eyes peeled for the puffins too!
Food and drink in Herm
If you are looking for a bite to eat or a drink, then there are some great cafés, pubs and restaurants on Herm Island.
We love the Mermaid Tavern as it is really dog friendly and family friendly and there are some great options for food and drink, including a good range of vegetarian options. There is also the White House Hotels that offers formal dining and The Ship Inn at the Hotel offering informal dining inside and outside on the patio.
There is a great beach café at Shell beach offering drinks, ice creams and snacks, and another beach café at Belvoir Bay too.
Herm Island for families
I spent time chatting to the residents of Herm Island and there is definitely a common theme amongst everyone who lives there. The Islands is peaceful, calm and tranquil, and everyone who lives here is fiercely proud of their beautiful island. And I couldn’t agree more, Herm Island is a wonderful place to stay, it is perfect for free range kids who love to spend their time outdoors. Plan a morning swim, an afternoon paddleboard, visit the Herm Island gift shop, take an evening stroll to the Mermaid Tavern – but most importantly do what makes you happy and just enjoy this little piece of paradise.
We will most definitely be back!
So there you have all of the details about our short visit to the Island of Herm with kids.
For more information and to visit Herm
For information about travelling to Herm from Guernsey
Head over to Visit Guernsey to find our more about travelling to the Islands of Guernsey.
Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Guernsey for organising our visit to Herm Island as part of a press trip. This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.