Sarah Probert finds that Jersey has got it all – sun, sea, sand and a fascinating history.

As we meander through tree-lined country lanes, admiring the pristine houses with manicured gardens, edged with neatly cultivated mounds of agapanthus and hydrangeas, I wonder why no one had told me about this place before.

My only experience of Jersey had been brief glimpses of John Nettles rampaging about the island in the TV series Bergerac, a world where murders seemed to be commonplace.

Since then I had barely given the place a second thought, apart from tasting its annual exports of potatoes, and I had certainly never contemplated a trip here until now.

Now my only regret is not discovering it sooner.

This place is breathtakingly beautiful, with pretty coves, quaint hamlets and exquisite homes with immaculate gardens and carefully swept driveways.

There is an air of extravagance, a feeling that only the highest standard can be set, and also a real sense of pride in making sure this alluring island must always be presented at its best.

What makes the place even more desirable as a holiday destination is that it is so easy to get to with numerous flights from East Midlands Airport, making it less than an hour away – so you don’t have to contemplate a long ferry crossing to get here.

This makes it a perfect place for a weekend away and an ideal spot to de-stress on its beautiful beaches, take a walk along its stunning cliff tops or just indulge in the abundance of local produce on offer at the many top quality cafes and restaurants.

Dine out on fresh oysters, lobsters and crabs, fine Jersey cream teas or sample dishes made with black butter, which is a traditional preserve created from cider, apples and spices.

Our resting place for two nights was the opulent Grand Jersey hotel, a Victorian building which occupies a prime position on the Esplanade at St Helier. The hotel faces the historic Elizabeth Castle across St Aubin’s Bay, named after Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh when he governed the island.

The Grand became one of the most fashionable hotels in Jersey after opening in 1890 but the invasion of the German army during the Second World War saw it commandeered into administration offices and much of its furniture was burnt as fuel.

Today this family-friendly five-star hotel is immaculately furnished, with a glamorous black, deep purple and ruby red colour scheme which adds sophistication and splendour to the surroundings.

We had a deluxe park view room, which had one of the most comfortable hotel beds I have ever slept in. And as we had to retire fairly early with our three-year-old daughter, it was lovely to be able to watch the sun setting over the sea from the bedroom window.

The hotel has a fabulous spa offering Espa treatments and products along with a relaxing swimming pool, perfect for an early evening dip.

And what could be better after a few laps of the pool than a pre-dinner glass of bubbly in the luxurious Champagne bar.

There are three very different dining experiences at the hotel. Barbecues are held on the terrace overlooking the sea during the summer and there is a contemporary brasserie menu for relaxed evening meals at Victorias.

There is also the fine dining restaurant, the three AA rosette Tassili.

We dined at Victorias, enjoying rich seasonal produce including fish consommé, made with local crab, chilli and coriander, and main courses of sea bass. Desserts were a delight, and tough choices had to be made between Jersey ice cream or expertly cooked chocolate puddings.

Although it is tempting to spend time kicking back at the Grand Jersey, we hauled ourselves into our hire car to explore what the island has to offer. Jersey is just 14 miles from the coast of France and there are certainly plenty of French influences here.

Petanque is played in the parks of St Helier and the seriousness with which the island views its gastronomy can only be something learned from the French.

As the most southerly of the Channel Islands, Jersey also has the best sunshine in the British Isles, with summer temperatures averaging 20C and in winter it barely drops below freezing.