THE detective series Bergerac has returned to screens and in turn has been showing off a beautiful island less than one hour away from the UK.
The series filmed in Jersey has been showcasing its Caribbean-like beaches and pretty capital, St Helier.
The reboot of the 80s detective series starring Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac actually returned last year.
But it’s set to reach a ‘wider audience’ having dropped all six episodes of the first series on BBC iPlayer a few days ago.
The island of Jersey, where the majority of scenes were filmed, is now expecting a surge in visitors.
Visit Jersey Chief Executive Tricia Warwick said: “The series has already impactfully raised Jersey’s profile as a visitor destination, and this new platform means even more viewers will discover our island’s stunning landscapes and unique locations for themselves.
“We look forward to warmly welcoming them to Jersey.”
The Channel Island is a true gem of a place and has previously even been named one of the world’s best islands by Conde Nast Traveller.
While it’s less than an hour from the UK, it feels worlds away, mostly thanks to its Caribbean-looking beaches.
Across its 130 miles of coastline are exotic spots from Beauport Beach, Portelet Bay to Plémont Bay.
Many beaches, like St Brelade’s Bay, are also lined with palm trees, which gives them a tropical feel.
The island’s capital, St Helier, is also home to Havre des Pas Bathing Pool, a tidal lido that fills up with seawater at high tide.
Not only is it a sought-after swim spot with some calling it a ‘good old-fashioned lido’, but it also has an open kitchen, dance floor, stage and a balcony that looks over the pool.
St Helier is also a prime spot for shopping at Royal Square, King Street and its indoor market on Halkett Street.
The first series of Bergerac which aired between 1981 and 1991 starring John Nettles was filmed in Jersey.
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the island a few years ago. She said: “If I told you there’s an island an hour’s flight from the UK, with a Caribbean-like coastline, that gets summer quicker than England and you don’t need a passport – you’d think I was pulling your leg.
“But such a unicorn does exist in the English Channel: Jersey.
“When my family and I visited earlier this year, every beach was outstanding, the weather glorious, the food a fantastic hybrid of French and English tastes.”
Caroline headed to Plémont Beach in the north which had “clearest turquoise waters” but she also visited St Ouen’s Bay and Le Braye bistro which is right on the beachfront.
Other popular activities include dolphin-spotting boat rides and exploring its secret tunnels that were used in World War Two.
Luckily for Brits, Jersey is less than an hour away by plane.
The route departing from Southampton to Jersey Airport in Saint Peter takes 50-minutes.
For those who aren’t fussed about getting there quickly, another route to the island is by ferry.
Condor Ferries offers routes from Poole, and Portsmouth to St Helier which take between four and a half to 10 hours.