Step away from the everyday, and jump to Jersey in the English Channel, sat closer to France than England, to discover a thrilling fusion of influences. At 9 miles by 5 miles, Jersey is the biggest of the Channel Islands although it feels much bigger than it actually is, with its myriad country lanes and long, rugged, windswept coastline.
And the best way to explore this exciting island? On foot, by walking the Jersey Tidal Trail, a breath-taking 48-mile walking route where each stretch of the trail reveals dramatic tidal shifts, beautiful coastal landscapes, rich flora, fauna and a unique mix of ancient history, local food and drink and modern culture.
Along the length of the trail, you can be walking atop rugged cliffs one minute and then strolling seemingly endless stretches of golden sand the next. All the while the sound of the sea and the clamour of cormorants, gulls and oystercatchers are never far away.
Look out for World War II bunkers, the famous Mont Orgueil Castle and iconic La Corbiere Lighthouse Seymour Tower, traditional fishing villages and neolithic sites (one is older than the pyramids). Then there's the food scene, with its access to exceptional seafood, freshly harvested local shellfish, local drinks and rich culinary experiences.